Miles Lavender Limeflower & Rose Tea – to be supped from a Royal Albert English bone china cup n’ saucer!

​Hello, darlings!

Happy National Tea Day (Sunday 21st April 2019).

This luxurious fragrant tea is jam-packed with surprises! So, if you have a curious nature and wish to try something a trifle different, then please do join Miss Windsor for a “scent-sational” sup of this exquisite blend of Miles Lavender Limeflower & Rose Tea.

For those who have not had the pleasure, may I introduce Miles Tea of Porlock, Somerset, merchants of the finest tea and coffee from the West-Country. Established in 1888 and was previously known as Henry Miles & Co, then in 1971, Mr D J Miles purchased the business from his grandfather, whom since then, and now at the ripe and ravishing age of 87 years old is still tea tasting and buying three days per week.

Courtesy of “Visit Somerset” – photo of Mr D J Miles blending tea!

​Moving swiftly on, as I burst open the packet, I was greeted by the incredible fragrance of an English country garden, well more like the “potpourri-esque” version!

Nevertheless, I recall a mesmerising whiff of pink rambling rose, coupled with a sensual waft of lavender, plus an earthy touch of zing. I must say, my senses were aroused immediately, so whilst swept away in a floral haze, I envisioned a picture-postcard image of a quaint chocolate-box cottage, surrounded by a picket fence, nestled within a sleepy West-Country hamlet..

My beauteous vision was enwreathed by an almost wild, yet charming bounty of fragrant flowers, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, ornamental plants, and pink rambling roses. By Jove! darlings, by now Miss Windsor’s beloved Brown Betty teapot couldn’t wait to get a brew on.  

So the moment I held one of those silky bags, I was instantly catapulted down memory lane to Grandmother Josie’s Victorian, Somersetshire abode in Clevedon. A trifle bigger than a sleepy hamlet dwelling yet boasted a vibrant coloured and beautifully kept cottage-like garden – the scent of rose, lavender, and tree bark sprang to mind, but no limeflowers, I’m afraid.   

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What the Dickens has Grandmother Josie’s abode got in common with a teabag, apologies tea kite?” Well, the moment one’s snout inhaled the aromatic tones of rose, lavender, and limeflower, one was drawn immediately to Grannie’s drawers (Oh, I say!). Of course, Miss Windsor is referring to a “chest of drawers”, not the cotton type commonly known as bloomers!

This wonderful blend of tea evoked fond and rosy memories of Grandmother Josie’s grand boudoir – parsley green carpet, rose pink drapes, a cerise satin bedspread and matching pillow shams, mahogany furniture, plus a vintage 1970s “Teasmade”, which I believe has been out of action since that very era! Oh yes, and Grannies drawers! a stupendous mahogany article, a bit dog-eared but still as robust and vivid as the day it was made.

As I pulled open one of Grannies drawers, I spied numerous, vintage, lacey silk, pink, and mauve drawer pillows that were oozing with floral freshness. I then drew an almighty snuffle, and was seduced by a scent-sation of English lavender and rose perfume created by the old-fashioned, English brand of Yardley. Throw a bit of earthy mahogany into the mix and BANG! it smelt exactly like Miles Lavender Limeflower & Rose Tea (How remarkable!).

Darlings, now moving on gracefully to my beloved Brown Betty teapot, which was sporting a fetching delicate pink tea cosy, she couldn’t wait to pour Miss Windsor a cup of tea.

My teacup now brimming with liquid, I lowered my snout and took a deep sniff, and rose from the teacup quite baffled. I must admit, it smelt very much like boiled dandelion stalks, with a touch of chamomile, plus a hint of dried rose petal – extraordinary, to say the least!

To be frank, it tasted a tad bitter, with a pleasant touch of rose petal, followed by a lingering aftertaste of zing – that must’ve been the limeflowers. You see, although it was a bit like supping on “eau de cologne”, I enthuse it was extremely delightful, flavoursome, incredibly refreshing, and I must say, following a day’s hard graft this tea would be the perfect tonic to help you unwind……

Darlings, if you fancy being swept away with Mr Miles (Oh, I say!) on a relaxing rendezvous, then why not treat yourself to a cup or two of this floral brew. Oh yes, and this fabulous tea is the perfect accompaniment to a slice of Mrs Beeton’s Rose & Lime Saucer Cake.

Darlings, please take a peek at my delightful version of MRS BEETON’S ROSE & LIME SAUCER CAKE! 

Miss Windsor x

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR EXCEPT FOR PHOTOS OF GRANDMOTHER JOSIE & MR D J MILES.

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Hello, darlings!

Mrs Simkins and I have joined together in “matrimony” – Ha, ha, got you there! Of course, I meant to say the beauteous Meghan (real name: Rachel!) and dashing Harry (real name: Henry!) exchanged vows on Saturday 19th May 2018 and became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – curtesy, please! Indeed, I wish them every happiness in their covenant of LOVE.

Moving onto my spiffing collaboration with Mrs Simkins. You see, to complement her scrumptious Lemon and Elderflower Butterfly Cakes, which tastefully mirror the married couple’s glorious wedding cake of lemon and elderflower sponge decorated with Swiss meringue. I sourced an extra special tea created by Fortnum and Mason of London – The Wedding Bouquet Blend – which commemorates the marriage of Miss Windsor’s royal counterparts.

At first glance, this rather appealing blend of tea that looks awfully like “potpourri”; not at all like a wedding “bouquet” as it states on the tin, quite astoundingly smells like a packet of Rowntree’s Polos! And although it comprises of an abundance of ingredients: green jasmine tea, rose petals, blue cornflower petals, that darn peppermint sadly overrides the lot!

Of course, and it goes without saying, I prepared this creative concoction using my prized Brown Betty teapot. I dare say, Brown Betty really enjoyed being part of the gaiety and revelled in the experience of brewing a royal blend in her magnificent trunk! 

Now, I know you’re dying to find out about the taste, and, if Miss Windsor deems it an appropriate choice of tea for “tying the knot”, so to speak! Well, once brewed for approximately 2-3 minutes one poured oneself a generous cup. It looked slightly yellowy/beige in colour, which I thought would work perfectly well with Mrs Simkins’s fluttery Lemon and Elderflower Butterfly Cakes – visually a great match.  

As I gently took a sip I noted how extremely smooth it was delivered, and settled upon one’s refined palate with such ease and grace – one wouldn’t expect anything less from London’s finest, Fortnum and Mason. I was then greeted by an explosion of flavours – it was quite a thrill!

First off, I was mesmerised by the mellow yet tangy taste of the green jasmine tea, which I presumed would be accompanied by a touch of English rose – unfortunately, that didn’t quite occur! Therefore, I do wonder if the addition of rose petals, just like the blue cornflower type were merely for decorative purposes? If so they certainly added charm to an English country garden version of potpourri, or according to Fortnum and Mason – a wedding bouquet.

I must say, for a scanty while my taste buds swarmed with sheer delight, until smack, bang, wallop, I was hit by an intensely refreshing dose of peppermint! Although it was pleasingly vibrant; this particular ingredient was somewhat overwhelming, and with great annoyance lingered in one’s throat – rather like the sensation of “toothpaste”!  

​Darlings, I believe this tea is of an acquired taste, and to be frank, it struggled to get me in the mood for wedding bells. However, saying that, I believe it’s the ultimate tonic to be quaffed before you walk down the aisle in preparation for your wedding kiss, as it will freshen one’s breath and clear one’s nose – the incredible power of dual-action.

I do hope you royally enjoyed my “tea-tastic” review of The Wedding Bouquet Blend Tea!

Miss Windsor x

Mrs Simkins delightful response to my review:

“My dear, I have finally found a moment to try the wedding tea you so kindly sent me. It’s odd, but possibly the other way round from you, although I thought it looked so pretty, I was expecting not to actually like it very much! But I did! In fact I loved it!

As you know, I’m not a great one for herbal and flower teas, but I do quite like mint tea, and one of my favourite teas of all time is Lady Grey blend from Northern Teas, a gorgeous Earl Grey with blue cornflowers. 

Anyway, I brewed the wedding tea in my 2 cup Cornishware blue betty – just the right size, I thought – using 3 heaped teaspoons and boiling water to the top. I waited 3 minutes and poured. I debated using a tea strainer but decided against it, the leaves fall to the bottom anyway leaving the tea clear. I took some fresh dry rose petals and cornflower florets from the jar and floated them on top. I love the way the cornflowers open out in the hot liquid: it’s the same with the Lady Grey blend.

I let it cool for a while and took a sip. My dear, I know exactly what you mean: but I found it mellow and refreshing, I liked the mint tempered with the Green Jasmine and I loved the floating petals. My pot ran to 2½ dainty tea cups and I drank it all!

It’s fascinating isn’t it? How different all our palates are? And how our preconceived expectations as to whether we will like something or not are constantly being challenged!

Really, my dear, if you aren’t keen, send it over to me, I’ll have it! Bless you and thank you again”.

Mrs Simkins X

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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. 

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Hello, darlings!

Following my frightfully fabulous scone munching, tea tasting experience at Mr Miles Tearooms, Taunton, Somerset; I must say I’ve become rather enamoured with Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea.

You see, because I’m a West-Country lass at heart, naturally my new “amour”, namely a cup of Miles Tea, is now a joyous addition to my daily tea break routine.  ​

Just in time for British National Tea Day, and accompanied by one of my vintage, loyal, earthenware Brown Betty teapots, I wished to nourish my palate with a selection of Miles Tea. Then, of course, scribe a detailed recount for the pleasure of the ardent tea drinker, for those who enjoy a brew or two, and for the connoisseurs’ of tea.

Darlings, now I wish to fortify your mind with a few thrilling facts about Miles Tea & Coffee:  

Miles Tea of Porlock, Somerset, merchants of the finest tea and coffee from the West-Country, was established in 1888 and was previously known as Henry Miles & Co. Then in 1971, Mr D J Miles purchased the business from his grandfather, whom since then, and now at the ripe and ravishing age of 86 years old is still tea tasting and buying three days per week (How spiffing!).

Moving swiftly on, Mr Sam Burton of Miles Tea & Coffee very kindly treated Miss Windsor to a selection of tea via our trusty Royal Mail service.

Upon receiving my treat, I immediately shuffled through my goodie bag, and decided to sample the delights of Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, including my new amour – West-Country Original Blend Tea (loose leaf). Of course, I was quite intrigued to find out how the loose leaf would fare against my customary teabag!  ​

Naturally one will start with Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea Loose Leaf Tea – an exquisite fusion of fourteen Assam and African teas.

You’ll be pleased to know, as per the “brewing notes” on the back of the frightfully fragrant smelling packet, Miss Windsor followed suit, and pre-warmed Brown Betty’s rotund trunk with a burst of heat – just a quick swirl of boiling hot water prepared her for action! 

After 4 to 5 minutes, the time had arrived to indulge in a delightful dose of West-Country LOVE – to be served in dainty English bone china teacup!

You see darlings, although my preference is to take tea with milk, on this occasion, I was immediately lured by the resplendent tone of tawny and bronze, and by a pleasant whiff of the West Country – so naturally, I enjoyed a huge slurp of this enchanting blend (How thrilling!).

As my lips met the teacup, I was greeted by a slightly bitter but rather rousing explosion of the mellow, malty, sweet, and vibrant union of flavours. I must say the experience reminded me of my mum’s favourite powdered, night-time beverage of Horlicks!

Darlings, I’m sure you’ll all agree, there’s something very special about making a proper brew from scratch. For me, I believe it’s the entire process from start to finish – pre-warming my beloved Brown Betty teapot, using loose leaf tea, an elegantly dressed table sporting a starched linen tablecloth, English bone china teacups and saucers, or it’s a moment to relish as one is swept back to a bygone era when ladies and gentleman of the “golden age” (like Grandmother Josie) enjoyed a spot of tea as a daily ritual – those were the days!  ​

Before you pop off to Sainsbury’s and stock up on Miles Tea, I must say, Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea is extremely versatile, and can be enjoyed on any occasion with or without milk – breakfast, elevenses, brunch, tea break, afternoon tea, or as the perfect steaming hot companion whilst you snuggle up on your sumptuous sofa in readiness for another riveting episode of “Corrie”!

​Darlings, one is feeling a trifle weary now, so must retire to my boudoir with my new “love” – a glorious cup of Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea – loose leaf, of course! Only the best will do for Miss Windsor.  

I’ll see you back here back very soon, with my fabulously fruity review of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea – the very best of West-Country fayre!

Toodles,

Miss Windsor x

Photo 9: vintage Brown Betty teapot decorated with gold gilding & flowers. I purchased from Etsy.com – CybelsVintageHome ! 

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