The nights are drawing in and I’ve begun to feel very nesty, so what could be better than snuggling up with a nice pot of tea (crumpets optional, but they are my first choice of comfort food).
Even though it’s strictly the season for mulled wine or Baileys, it’s more sociable to enjoy a classic cup of tea; Babingtons is a tea institution, and has been making tea in the “English Ghetto” of Rome since 1893. The prestigious eighteenth century building adjacent to the Spanish Steps and near what is now the Keats and Shelley Memorial House has been its home for more than one hundred years.
Italy might not be the first place that you think of when you think of the classic cuppa, but the Babbington family found a niche that is still quenching the thirst of Italians and expats today. Babingtons Blends was launched by descendants of the original founders, Chiara Bedini and Rory Bruce, in 2021 and the Earl Grey blend was Highly Commended at this year’s Great British Food Awards. Intense and citrusy, yet not overwhelming, it is for me, the perfect mid afternoon tipple- and if you buy loose leaves, the ritual of stopping for a tea break is even more enjoyable.
If I had my way, I would also nominate their ”Sleepy” tea bags for their unique and relaxing blend. Not as heavy as a cup of cocoa, the combination of chamomile, rose petals, fennel, lemon balm, linden flowers and lavender seep to create a delicious night time bevvy, and although I can’t guarantee that it will work for everyone, it certainly put me in a calm state before drifting off to the land of nod.
Arriving in handy reusable caddies and airtight packs, Babingtons Blends teas also make perfect gifts for tea loving pals. Sustainably sourced, hand blended and 100% natural with no artificial colourings or flavourings, even the packaging is biodegradable. With the Christmas blend with a reassuring nod to mince pies and Madame Blue Lady Tea, a Chinese green tea enriched with pineapple pieces, natural aromas of cherry, strawberry, fig and rhubarb, I just feel good writing about it, but the antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals that are released are bound to make me feel good too.
Available from
Pyramids (x 18) from £7.99, Pouches (Loose leaf) from £6.99, Caddies (Loose Leaf) from £11.99, Caddies (Tea Bags) from £12.99