Hello, darlings!
Before I saturate your taste-buds with my “tea-tastic” review about Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea – merchants of the finest tea and coffee from the West-Country since 1888 – I’m going to share some riveting details about my first ever British National Tea Day.
I dare say, it was a real blast! In fact, it was a bit of a joint celebration as our darling sovereign – Queen Elizabeth II turned 92 years old – GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
You may be privy to the fact, that the Queen has been sipping tea from a bone china cup and saucer, of the “priceless” variety, of course, for decades upon decades – but one wonders what brand of tea does one favour? If you have an inkling of a clue, please do let me know – much obliged!
Okey dokey, what a glorious day I encountered for quaffing tea on National British Tea Day! Parrot blue sky; and not a speck of cloud to be seen. I say it was an utter joy to perch my royal derriere upon my rusty iron garden chair, whilst I absorbed the unusually warm Mediterranean climate – it was fantabulous!
And there I remained until the sun gradually receded, supping on Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea – loose leaf, of course! Admittedly, Miss Windsor was “high as a kite” by the time day was nigh – only from a profusion of “caffeine”, may I add.
Darlings, following my National Tea Day escapades, I felt rather smitten by the extraordinary wave of “summertide” weather. So, naturally, I was eager to try the summery blend of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea – which must be prepared following the correct method Miss Windsor presumes you’re ALL accustomed to.
Therefore, as per Miss Windsor’s advice, please use an earthenware vessel – namely a Brown Betty teapot – made in England, of course! Oh, and don’t forget to keep her trunk warm with a well-insulated tea cosie.
Funnily enough, Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, as quoted on the back of the packet, is a “fabulously fruity infusion” – surprisingly, the tea only comprises of rosehip and hibiscus mix! Nevertheless, this exquisite concoction, albeit less fruity than one first thought, actually reminded Miss Windsor of an entirely different smell and taste sensation.
I say, as I slowly opened the packet, my entire being fluttered with sheer delight. I was greeted by a nostalgic aroma from my childhood – strawberries, redcurrants, tayberries, and raspberries joyfully aroused my senses! In fact, just one heavenly sniff and my mind was instantaneously catapulted to one of my favourite pastimes – the “pick your own” fruit fields in Tickenham, North Somerset, which I visited every year with Grandmother Josie.
I recall blazing hot summer days; not a cloud in the sky but just row upon row of vibrantly coloured summer berries. And following my grandmother’s precise instruction, little me would pick as many strawberries as possible, and if I did a grand job she would excitedly trumpet, “Jolly good show my girl, jolly good show!”
Of course, when her back was turned I managed to gobble up a few sneaky strawberries, but the evidence stained: all over my face, fingers, and attire – poor little Miss Windsor never got away with a thing under Josie’s watch! Yet, despite my rather fruity shortcomings, I always managed to pick a plentiful amount so Grandmother Josie could fulfil her yearly “tart” baking quota.
Let’s say goodbye to memory lane, and return our focus to Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea. This rather alluring beverage, when observed in a teacup under the hot shimmering sun, gleamed rich tones of crimson, prune, and plum, and at first glance reminded me of blackcurrant flavoured “Lemsip” (Well, I never!).
In a ladylike manner, I gulped down, oh pardon me darlings; I meant to say I engaged to swallow each mouthful with oodles of glee, in order for my palate to absorb the smooth and invigorating properties of the velvet-textured tea! I must remark, at first, I was walloped by the ripe and juicy mix of summer berries with a pinch of cranberry, followed by the slightest hint of caramel – extraordinary! considering the tea only includes rosehip and hibiscus.
Darlings, I was so enamoured with Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, that together with Somerset’s best, Newton House Gin, I created a new cocktail recipe – Mr Miles Gin Berry Cocktail.
You see, Newton House Gin is a new type of London Dry Gin and is the brainchild of Robin and Jane Cannon – created in South Somerset, Newton Surmaville, Yeovil. It favours twelve botanicals such as peaches, blueberries, orange peel and grapefruit – all perfectly complement the delightful flavours of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea.
You’ll be pleased to know, Robin and Jane are extremely gung-ho at keeping their product as British as possible – Hear, hear! And although I’m all for patriotism and “all things” Somerset; I’m also frightfully fond of this gin because my great-great-grandfather Henry James was also lovingly “created” in Yeovil (How fascinating!).
Darlings, if you fancy a crack at new recipe, please CLICK the LINK: MR MILES GIN BERRY COCKTAIL!
Miss Windsor x
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR – EXCEPT FOR THE PHOTO OF MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER, WHICH WAS TAKEN BY ‘BERT PITTS’ FROM CLEVEDON.
It sounds like something we would love to try in our house….my husband in particular loves his fruit teas!
Darling, Mary!
Ta very muchly for your comment!
That’s so wonderful to hear that your husband likes to indulge in fruit teas – I expect he’ll love this blend by Miles of Porlock!
Good luck.
Miss Windsor X
Thus would go lovely with my fruity scones for an afternoon tea party! I love rose hip ❤️
Hello, darling!
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I think it would also – perfect for a summers day afternoon tea party!
Good luck.
Miss Windsor X
I love flavored teas and strawberries are my favorite fruit so I would really enjoy trying that it sounds divine.
Hello, darling!
That’s wonderful to hear! If you love flavoured teas, then this delightfully fruity blend is ‘right up your alley’!
Good luck,
Cheerio for now, Miss Windsor X
I would love to try the Miles Berry Berry tea in my made in England Brown Betty. It sounds amazing!
Good morning, darling!
Oh, I’m over the moon that you own a Brown Betty teapot – How wonderful! I think she’ll love to have some Miles Berry Berry Tea swilling about in her trunk – What a delight!
Good luck!
Miss Windsor X
Darling Miss Windsor.
I am a WINNER of your Miles Tea COMPETITION!
Your box has just arrived and you’d have thought I received diamonds. It’s like you know me. Thank you, thank you so much.
I was jumping up and down with excitement, no exaggeration. I can’t wait to try the tea, I’ve been wanting to try the Smugglers Gold when I saw it on the Miles website and now I can!! And the Berry, can’t wait!!
The tea towel is adorable and I just happen to collect English china. I am so touched by your generosity. Thank you my friend……
Laurie from Arizona, USA
Hello, darling!
I’m over the moon that you received your box of goodies! I say, Smugglers Gold is a real treat – to sipped from your English bone china cup and saucer, of course! Breakfast, noon, or evening!
Please enjoy a taste of Somerset, enriched with oodles of LOVE………
Cheerio,
Miss Windsor X
Gin and Miles Berry Berry sounds perfect for a Summer’s day, we will be trying this at the weekend!
Hello, Miles Tea & Coffee!
Oh, I’m so over the moon that you approve!
Yes, gin and Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea are a match made in heaven!
In fact, I indulged in a huge glass of Mr Miles Gin Berry Cocktail last evening – a summery sup of Somerset!
Miss Windsor X