My Review of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea!

Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea & my great great grandmother's antique tea strainer!

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 wish to share a few riveting details about how I spent my first ever British National Tea Day.
 
Well, I dare say, it was a real blast! In fact, it was a joint celebration of the regal and tea drinking kind, as our darling sovereign - Queen Elizabeth II turned 92 years old – GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! 

You see, darlings, the queen has been sipping tea from a cup and saucer of the ‘priceless’ variety for decades upon decades, but one wonders what brand of tea does she actually favour? So, if you have an ‘inkling’ of a clue, please do let me know – Much obliged! ​

Vintage 'tea caddy' to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II Coronation & my Fortnum & Mason tea strainer!

​Moving swiftly on – and what a glorious day I encountered for quaffing tea! 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 – How wonderful!
 
And there I remained until the sun gradually receded, supping on Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea – loose leaf, of course! Indeed, Miss Windsor was ‘high as a kite’ by the end of the day – but only from a profusion of ‘caffeine’, may I add.  ​

Miles West-Country Original Blend Tea!

​​You see, 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 One assumes 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 warm with a well-insulated tea cosie – Ta very much!  ​

Brown Betty waiting to pour a glorious cup of Miles West-Country Original Loose Leaf Tea!

Darlings, funnily enough, Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea, as quoted on the back of the packet, is a ‘fabulously fruity infusion’! Yet, surprisingly, the ingredients only comprise of - ‘rose hip’ and ‘hibiscus mix’ – Well, what do ya know! But 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, as 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 – when every year I accompanied Grandmother Josie to the ‘pick your own’ fruit fields in Tickenham, North Somerset.  ​​

Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea.

​Darlings, I recall blazing hot summer days; not a cloud in the sky, but just row upon row of vibrantly coloured summer berries. Therefore, following my grandmother’s precise instruction, ‘little me’ would pick as many strawberries as possible, and if I did a grand job she’d excitedly trumpet, “Jolly good show my girl, jolly good show!”
 
Of course, when her back was turned I managed to sneakily gobble a few down, but the evidence ‘stained’ if you know what I mean? Oh yes, all over my face, fingers, and attire – By Jove! poor Miss Windsor never got away with a thing under Grannie’s watch! Yet, despite my rather fruity shortcomings, I always managed to pick a plentiful amount - so Grandmother Josie may fulfil her yearly ‘tart’ baking quota!  

A refreshing glass of Mr Miles Gin Berry Cocktail!

​Now, we must say goodbye to memory lane, and return our focus to Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea! So Righty oh, darlings, 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!

Then 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 readiness for my palate to absorb the smooth and invigorating properties of velvet-textured tea! In fact, 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 – How extraordinary!  ​

Why not sip my delightful cocktail from a teacup!

You see, this new type of London Dry Gin is the brainchild of Robin and Jane Cannon, which they created in South Somerset, Newton Surmaville, Yeovil, from twelve botanicals such as peaches, blueberries, orange peel and grapefruit, that perfectly complement the delightful flavours of Miles Berry Berry Loose Leaf Tea!  

My great great grandfather - Henry James Colley - who worked as a carpenter at Clevedon Court, Somerset!

​Oh yes, and you’ll be pleased to know, Robin and Jane are extremely gung-ho at keeping their product as British as possible – Hear, hear! I say, but although I’m all for patriotism and ‘all things’ Somerset; I’m also frightfully enamoured by this gin because my great great grandfather Henry James was also ‘created’ in Yeovil – How fascinating!

​So, darlings, if you fancy a crack at my fabulously new recipe, please CLICK the LINK – Toot sweet! MR MILES GIN BERRY COCKTAIL! 

Mr Miles Gin Berry Cocktail!

ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISS WINDSOR - EXCEPT FOR THE PHOTO OF MY GREAT GREAT GRANDFATHER, WHICH WAS TAKEN BY 'BERT PITTS' FROM CLEVEDON.