I love tea.
I know I say that about a lot of things, but this is bordering on obsession. I have around 22 (at the last count) different kinds in my office. Yorkshire Tea, pretty little sachets of green tea and Teddy Bear tea from A Tea A Day, from Earl Grey to cinnamon and little tins and tubs brought back from China by students or from staff members on their travels.
And just when I come to the end of a tub, tin, or packet, I find something new to try.
I think I’ve discovered where my obsession hails from – many moons ago, when I was a 17 year old temp, I worked for an insurance firm on St Ann’s Square. Margaret, my manager in this office was in her 60s (at least that’s what she admitted to) and every day at 3pm without fail everyone in the company would stop what they were doing, head to reception and we’d all have a cup of tea (from a teapot in a proper china cup and saucer) and a biscuit.
I blame Margaret with her old school glamour, china teacups and proper tea.
So when Leanne sent me an invitation to a new tea room based near the Cathedral in the city centre, I couldn’t get there fast enough.
Propertea is the new venture between Yvette Fielding (yes – for those of you of my age, from Blue Peter and for those younger, the presenter from Most Haunted) and tea expert Gary McClarnan (of Teacup/Bon Bon Workshop/Make Us A Brew to name but a few of his ventures).
Gary has long had a love of tea and during his work with Mr Scruff and Make Us A Brew, has visited tea plantations across the world. Yvette, having spent time travelling herself, grew frustrated at the quality of teas available as part of the afternoon tea experience. One conversation led to another and Propertea was born.
There are around 100 loose leaf teas on offer, along with cakes, pastries and all sorts of goodies from the team behind Teacup.
Having sampled a mince pie (let alone my numerous visits to Teacup) I can vouch for the treats on offer. And the teas? They are stunning. From a second flush Darjeeling, to Yvette’s own favourite, Rosy Grey, there are teas for all tastes. And you can let tea sommelier Galpa guide you in your choice, or, as I will, simply work your way through the menu one tea at a time.
And the flavours don’t stop there. You can buy the teas to take home, or even have your own tea blended.
So whether you’re a tea obsessive like me, want to try something different, want somewhere to take your mum for an afternoon treat, or just want somewhere to sit with your laptop for a few hours, this place is for you.
I’ll be the one in the corner eating cake.
