The Harrods Guide to Tea

Our tea experts give us the lowdown on what makes our varieties of tea so special and how best to select, store and experience them.

How do I choose the right tea for me?

Our tea specialist, Mihail Chirlomez, breaks this down into three steps: “First, find a trusted tea supplier. At Harrods, we’ve served premium teas for more than 170 years and have a vast and unique selection.”

“Next, find your tea expert. Having so many options can be overwhelming, and we’ve all been guilty of choosing a tea according to its packaging. Talking to a specialist gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get suggestions tailored to you.”

“The final step? Enjoy your tea and the experience of making it. We will offer brewing advice but encourage you to follow your taste, especially when trying a new tea.”

How can I get the most out of my tea?

 “There are multiple factors,” explains tea buyer Yousef Serroukh. “For the finest cup, use whole, loose-leaf tea and store it in an airtight bag or container, out of direct sunlight. Brew your tea in a generously sized teapot as it needs space to expand and release its flavour.”

“Temperature is also vital” Serroukh adds, “and certain varieties are more delicate, so always check the instructions. Soft water is best for brewing but if you live in a hard-water area, consider filtering it first.”

“As a rule of thumb, the longer the leaves are infused, the more astringent the brew is. If you over-steep, it can turn bitter – so use a timer. However, large-leaf tea does need more time to extract the flavour due to its larger surface area, so adjust brewing time to the size of your tea leaves.”

How does Harrods select its teas?

Yousef explains: “Over the years, we’ve established a unique method, sourcing tea directly from the gardens to ensure the quality is exclusive to our customers. We travel across the globe in search of the best produce for the season, accessing teas that are not exposed to the wider market. We taste a wide range, selecting only the varieties that meet our standards for flavour and aroma.”

“We’re mindful of environmental issues, working conditions and ethical practices and the producers we work with can maintain our criteria. It is of the utmost importance to us that we work alongside them to ensure they can not only grow and succeed but sustain the production of premium quality teas.”