My day in cups of tea
We asked Edinburgh’s tea expert Esther Kungu-Cooper to tell us about her day in cuppas – and to fill us in on the secrets of a good brew
Morning. How early do you start on the tea?
The first thing I do after getting my two-year-old son something to eat is to put the kettle on. I drink my breakfast tea looking out over the Forth – the views are fantastic. You need time to enjoy tea made properly. What happens next?
We make hand-crafted tea blends, as well as sourcing single-estate teas – there’s always lots of jobs to do! Our new tea studio is within walking distance of home and as soon as we're in, we make tea and write a list of jobs. Today, I had oolong tea. How did you get so into tea?
By accident! Jon ran PekoeTea for a number of years and I started off part-time, but the passion took over and I now run the business full time alongside him. There’s always something to learn and I use my creativity making new blends. Our latest one, The Orangery, is inspired by Victorian orangeries. It’s juicy and floral.
Lovely! Let's get you a cuppa, that's if you trust us? As it’s colder, I might have something like a Chai Black or Blue Lady. And I’m happy if you know the correct water temperature and brewing time!
How do you like switching off with your cuppa?
I like to sit quietly and just enjoy it. Sometimes I knit. Any terrible tea tales?
When our dog, Jasmine, was a puppy she jumped to get a biscuit and smashed a handmade Yixing teapot! Oh no! But talking of which, any snacks?
My mum’s scones. Although, interestingly, some tea and cheese go really well together.
Time for a final cup?
Chamomile, or a caffeine-free infusion, please.
What are you looking forward to right now?
Being able to visit tea gardens around the world.