Man about Tea

A visual journey of tea and it’s British heritage with a masculine twist.

Through tea, a trend can elevate towards the idea of men socialising over a cuppa and putting the world to rights, to fashion and lifestyle choices. Man-about-Tea believes that this can be a new innovation for men of Britain today.

We live in a society filled with technological, futuristic, fast paced developments, yet so many past times are forgotten. We must slow down and take in the important things. Let’s create lifestyle choices that promote a simpler way of living, filled with craftsmanship and heritage. Let’s be inspired and innovate new ideas, be creative and take in our surroundings, but most importantly... let’s be British!

When going to buy your tea, what do you buy? Do you just pop to your local supermarket and buy the best deal on the shelf? Or do you always stick to the same type of tea and even brand? If so, why don’t you experiment. There are so many fantastic, flavoursome teas out there, so why would we just stick to one. Tea can be enjoyed, not just consumed. For the masculine palette it is recommended to go for a strong tea, one of the most popular being an Assam A, which is a full bodied tea that provides hints of walnut. Or how about trying more of a smokey tea, Lapsang Souchong Formosa is one of the smokiest teas which gives a distinctive smokey aroma. Another smokey tea is a Russian Caravan, which has a slight toasty

taste but is not as smokey as the Lapsang Souchong Formosa. But not everyone likes smokey teas, so why not try some different green teas. Yes, there are different types of green tea! A popular green tea is a Spearmint Gunpowder. This, with the spearmint, provides a really refreshing, well rounded tea. Another green tea to try is a Japanese Sencha. This looks really bright in the cup and lets off a strong aroma, as well as being a good quality green tea. And finally, if you want to really treat yourself, how about trying a Pai Mu Tan. As one of the most expensive teas, Pai Mu Tan provides you with a delicate, fresh, fruity and nutty flavour.

Masculine Teas

ASSAM A

LAPSANG SOUCHONGFORMOSA

RUSSIANCARAVAN

SPEARMINTGUNPOWDER

JAPANESESENCHA

PAI MU TAN

“There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea”Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘letters and social aims’

Perched on the front doorstep of his kooky little terraced cottage in West Yorkshire, Gordon sat, frantically trying to make his red labrador, Scarlet, sit by his side. Kitted out in a Bladen tweed jacket accompanied by a Harris Tweed flat cap, I instantly noticed there’s no doubt born and bred yorkshireman, Gordon Higgin’s, had an accustomed style with his meticulous attention for detail and craftsmanship. With Scarlet eventually settled, the shot painted a quintessential picture of a tra-ditional english man living in the country side. The sage green door sat perfectly amongst the four story yorkstone, all speckled in blacks, browns and beiges. An inviting home, to say the least.

‘Clink clank’, the sound of china jingled together as Gordon carried up a tray of his best china tea set and an array of different teas from the kitchen in the basement. The fire was roaring in the beautiful black 18th century fireplace and the little antique clock chimed on the mantlepiece. “Scarlet, time for a walk!” I turned my head in confusion, I was sure it was only myself and Gordon in the living room. I subsequently notice a small grey and white feathered creature flutter it’s wings in a chrome, gridded, stand alone cage across the room. It turned out Gordon owns a pretty little African Grey parrot called Jasmine. A funny little character.

The simple lifewith Gordon Higgins

Gordon poured himself a cup of assam tea, a strong tea with a full bodied, good malty flavour. He told me about a place in Newcastle where he buys his tea;

“I go to Newcastle regularly to go shopping, and each time I visit I always take a trip to Granger Market to go to the Pumphrey’s Tea market stall. They offer a great selection of teas that you can’t just buy in regular supermarkets. There you can buy loose tea leaves by the gram, which is more expensive than just buying your regular pack of P.G. Tips, but worth the money. I tend to go for an Assam A, which has a higher grain, or I sometimes buy the Russian Caravan, which has a distinctive smokey aroma but full of flavour.”

A stack of scones placed on a glass stand on the mantlepiece caught my eye...they would go down nicely with a cuppa! Next to the scones stood some elegant vases, which were Gordon’s favourite Moorcroft vases, of which some were limited editions. It felt like Gordon’s collection of antiques surrounded us.

“I tend to travel around to buy my antiques. There’s an antique shop in Shropshire which I mostly go to where I can find my Moorcroft vases and clocks. I think I have a thing for antique clocks. Got quite a few!”

In addition to his many antiques, Gordon revealed to me his gramophone record player and hoard of vinyls. With a love for classical music and marches, Gordon’s vinyls showed a common trend running throughout of the 30s and 40s music, one of his favourite artists being Bing Crosby.

The scratching of the needles crackled as they etched against the vinyl disk- the music began to play. There was something quite pleasant about the way the music rippled through the large, brass horn. I felt like I had gone back in time, to a simpler time.

“When you’re blessed with the wealth of good name and good healthAin’t that a grand and glorious feelingWhen whatever you gotyou’re content with your lotAin’t that a grand and glorious feeling”

Ain’t That A Grand And Glorious Feeling byThe Troubadours

A 30s theme was trending as I carried on uncovering a sense of Gordon’s lifestyle. He held out a pinstripe suit jacket from his wardrobe upstairs in the bedroom, which instantly reminded me of the surge of the pinstripe suit in the 20s/30s. I also spotted an array of different shoes on the floor.

“I have a bit of a shoe fetish...I love shoes. I must have about 20 pairs, I guess that’s a lot for a man! My favourite brand has to be Jeffery West, they are good quality, have intricate designs and I strongly believe into buying true British brands, I feel this is important.”

I finally climbed up the rickety, oak ladder to discover another room on the fourth floor. Used as a study, Gordonkeeps all his books tucked away in book shelves that stretch across the quaint loft conversion. It wasn’t to my surprise when I observed plenty of antique books, with antique and interior books being Gordon’s best-loved read. As well as an array of books, more of Gordon’s possessions were unraveled within the loft conversion, including a collection of shaving mugs

which hung in repetition along the old, rustic, black beams. Overall it’s clear to see that Gordon has a very classical, exquisite, country home with beautiful features throughout. When offered an array of different teas upon arrival, it showed a true sense of British nature. I was truly inspired by Gordon’s sense of simplicity and stripped back lifestyle, and with not a house full of technology, but full of character and attention to detail. Inspiring, isn’t it!

“All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.”

George Orwell, ‘A Nice Cup of Tea’

is for man

Are you a Bow Tie kinda guy?

The CravatOK! So cravats may not be a traditional British heritage, but that’s not to say that you can’t wear one. Originating from Croatian battle dress, the cravat spread across Europe in the 17th Century which then, in the 19th century, the English adapted by expanding on different ways of knotting the cravat and changing the honory white colour into an introduction of many colours.

How to tie a formal cravat

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

1. Wrap cravat around shirt collar2. Cross the right side of the cravat over the left side3. Bring the now left side underneath the top cross over4. Pull down so that the left side is laid flat over the right side5. Take the top side and wrap back around the underneath side6. Loop back through to tie a knot7. Pull tight, so that the left side is longer than the right side8. Bring the long side underneath and back over, then secure with a pin

How to tie a scrunchy tie

1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

1. Wrap cravat around neck leaving the right side longer2. Cross the right side over the left side3. Pull the longer side back underneath the shorter side4. And pull it back over the short side towards the left5. Bring it back up underneath the cross over at the top6. Pull down through the loop and lay flat on top

How to tie a day cravat

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. Wrap cravat around neck and place the right side over the left side2. Pull the now left side and pull it up underneath the cross over at the top3. Place down on top of the underneath and pull tight4. Tuck cravat ends into shirt

My Grandad is dressed here in, what you could call, typical 50s attire. Despite the fact that it’s a black and white photo, you can still notice there’s not a lot of bright colour within his outfit. The traditional greys, browns, dark greens and dark blues were very popular in the 50s, which can be familiarised in this photograph. A preppy look, which demanded a knitted sweater, white shirt and blazer or jacket, was the accustomed British 1950s style, which I have to say...my Grandad pulls off pretty well! With what looks like a cigarette in one hand and the other arm propped on the bike seat, my Grandad casually stances next to his bike. A bike which he would ride everywhere.

There’s something about an old photograph. It brings us back and reminds us of our British heritage and how it shouldn’t be forgotten. The ambience of an old photograph, now-a-days, I feel can be overrated by so many viewers. With so many effects that give a photo that ‘vintage’ look, many people can bypass what’s actually portrayed in front of their very eyes. When looking at an old photograph there’s personality, understanding, memory, and a history that will never be retrieved but a story to always be told. There’s something about this image that promotes a traditional English lifestyle. It makes me question what lifestyle my Grandad had and how it should be re-lived.

A PIECE OF HISTORYWith my Grandad

Unless, of course, he was riding a donkey! In fact, it was only seconds later when my Grandad fell off the donkey. The laughter on my Great Uncle Graham’s face, pictured here as a young child, says it all!

My Grandad was brought up in Somerset, so farming was a lifestyle he was very familiar with. Although sent to boarding school at a young age, his farming roots were still embedded in him. He loved the outdoors, and one of his first jobs was being a pig farmer, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He had a strong belief in British farming, and I always remember him telling me off if I hadn’t brought home British produced food from the supermarket. He was very passionate about being British.

I always remember my Grandad being a smart dresser and forever taking a great amount of pride in himself when coming to outfit choices. Checkered shirts, tweed jackets and ties were of the most popular wardrobe items. So when rummaging through old photographs it wasn’t to my surprise when I noticed him wearing a tie in nearly every single photograph. Whether it be a smart occasion, going out on his bike, or even riding a donkey on the farm, he always appeared to look his best.

After looking through old photographs, I began to understand the importance of remembering and reflecting on past times and the people within them. Whether it be looking at an old photograph or simply recollecting memories, I believe it can inspire and encourage the people of today towards the importance of understanding and valuing our British heritage.

is for tea

“Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn’t try it on.” Billy Connelly

Do you raise your pinky when holding a tea cup?

Afternoon Tea RecipesAfternoon tea can often be perceived as a female get together for the ‘ladies that lunch’...But men like lunch? Don’t they?Traditionally originating as something to eat to tide you over till dinner time, afternoon tea consists of a three tiered stand with dainty sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and then topped with sweet treats. Here are some masculine recipes to give afternoon tea that manly feel for you to enjoy with friends. And don’t forget the tea!

Proper Pork PieIngredients

For Filling

450g pork shoulder finely chopped55g pork fat, finely minced55g minced bacon

For Pastry

450g flour225g lard90ml waterbeaten egg yolks, or milk to glaze

For the Jelly

300ml water1/2 envelope powdered gelatine (about 6g)parsley (or other chosen herb)

Method1. For the pastry: put the flour in a mixing bowl and crumble in the lard. Work until beginning to come together. Add a pinch of salt and start adding water gradually, working until the dough breaks and let rest for 1 hour.2. Preheat the oven to 190C/gas53. Knead the dough on a floured surface and roll out about 5mm thick. Save enough pastry to make a lid. Use the larger piece of dough to line the base and sides of a 20cm plain flan ring or spring-form tin.4. For the filling: mix the pork shoulder, pork fat and bacon and and season with salt and pepper. Place this mixture in the dough case, but do not squash it in.

5. Brush the edges of the dough with water and place the lid on top. Make sure this is sealed well by pressing with a fork.6. Brush the top with egg yolk or milk. Cook in the oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes, until golden brown.7. Remove from the oven and remove the flan ring immediately. Leave the pie to cool, and then chill overnight.8. The next day, make up the gelatine with the water according to the packet instructions. Add plenty of parsley or other herbs if desired. Make a hole in the top of the pie and pour the gelatine in until completely filled. Let the pie set in the fridge overnight (12hrs).

Steak andCaramelised Onion Ciabatta Bites

Ingredients

2 x 1cm thick sirloin steaks1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling1 small ciabatta loaf4 tbsp caramelised onionshalf an 85g bag of watercress

Method1. Put the grill on. Heat a little oil in a frying pan. Season both sides of the steaks with salt, then fry for 1-2 minutes each side.2. Slice the ciabatta in half lengthways and grill the cut sides until golden.3. Drizzle the toasted ciabatta with olive oil, spread the bottom half with the onions and sit the steaks on top.4. Cover with the watercress and close the sandwich with the other half of the ciabatta.5. Cut into four mini sandwiches to serve hot.

Whisky-cured Sea Trout, Lapsang Souchong andMaple Mustard Sandwich

Ingredients

250g sea salt250g brown sugar250ml whisky100g Lapsang Souchong tea leaves50g Lapsang Souchong tea leaves, finely ground4 lemons, juiced50g Sichuan peppercorns1kg sea trout fillets, skin and pin bones removed150g Dijon mustard75ml maple syrup2 free-range egg yolks12 slices brown bread, crusts removed300g watercree

Method1. For the sea trout, mix together the sea salt, brown sugar, whisky, tea leaves, lemon juice and Sichuan peppercorns in a large bowl. Add the sea trout fillets, turning in the mixture several times to coat. Cover with cling film and place in fridge to marinate for two hours.2.After two hours, remove the fillets from the fridge and scrape off any excess marinade. Rinse the fillets under cold water, then pat dry with kitchen paper then thinly slice the cured sea trout and set aside.3. For the tea and maple mustard, place all of the mustard ingredients into a heatproof bowl

set over a pan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens.4. To serve, spread the tea and maple mustard over half of the slices of bread. Arrange the cured trout over, then top with some watercress. Sandwich with the remaining bread slices and cut into triangles.

Earl Grey Scones and Berry Sensation Jam

Ingredients

For Scones

500g self-raising flour1 egg50g caster sugar60g butter200ml Earl Grey brewed tea50ml milk

For Jam

500g berries1 lemon, juiced500g caster sugar120ml strong brewed Berry tea1 packet fruit pectin

Method1. Preheat oven at 180C/gas42. For the scones: Mix well together the caster sugar, butter and self raising flour in a mixing bowl.3. Slowly add the Earl Grey brewed tea, milk and egg to the mixture. 3. Roll into 1 inch thickness and use a round cutter to obtain scones shape.4. Brush with milk and dust with a bit of caster sugar and bake at 180C for 12 minutes.5. For the jam: Brew 4 Berry tea bags in 1 litre of water and reduce to 120ml.6. Add the berries, lemon juice, caster sugar and fruit pectin and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.7. Pour into sterilised jar and cool over night.

Robust Rocky Roads

Ingredients

150g butter4 tbsp golden syrup400g milk chocolate, broken into squares10 pink and white marshmallows (100g)12 Digestive biscuits (150g)20 glace cherries (100g)4 tbsp sultanas

Method

1. In a pan over a low heat, gently melt the butter with the golden syrup and the chocolate. Cool the mixture while you chop the rest of the ingredients.2. Chop the marshmellows and biscuits and quarter the cherries. Stir these and the sultanas into the chocolate mixture and mix together.3. Tip the mixture into a lightly buttered 20cm, shallow-sided square cake tin (or similar sized dish).4. Cool and chill to set for 2-3 hours.5. Cut into chunky squares and serve.

Green Tea Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 tablespoons green tea powder1/2 pound unsalted butter (room temp)3/4 cup white sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted1/4 teaspoon kosher saltPowdered sugar for sprinkling

Method1. Cream butter in a bowl until fluffy. Add green tea powder and beat until completely blended and colour is even.2. Slowly add the sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.3. Slowly add flour and salt and blend until dough sticks together when squeezed with fingers. Form mixture into a dough ball.4. Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and place on a baking tray. Place dough balls on the parchment paper and roll out to 1/4inch thickness. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until firm.5. Cut out cookies and place on a lined baking tray; sprinkle cookies evenly with powdered sugar and return to refrigerator for 30 minutes.6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180C for 17 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

Keep a stiff upper lip chaps!