Lisa will take you to see where tea was first served in London and will explain how, from those small beginnings, the thirst for the tea and its profits turned tea into a national and global obsession and shaped the Empire.
You will see where tea auctions were held, where tea was stored, and where well-known brands eg. Tetley, PG Tips, Brooke Bond, etc. operated from.
You’ll hear about tea clipper races, and how one of the most notable examples of corporate espionage led to India becoming the tea-growing nation that it is today. As you walk through the City you’ll see where the East India Company – those architects of Empire – operated its tea trade from. You’ll hear how tea drove them to become drug smugglers as well as, unknowingly, the catalyst for the American War of Independence.
“The British never seem to do anything until they’ve had a cup of tea, by which time it’s too late” Lauren Bacall in North West Frontier (1959)
The history of tea is hidden amongst the City streets and alleyways. Lisa will uncover it with you and will also take you on a fascinating journey through time.
Elevenses anyone?
Click here for a steaming hot podcast – an advancer, a backgrounder – about the walk.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
“London Walks puts you into the hands of an expert on the particular area and topic of a tour” The New York Times
Your guide is the distinguished former diplomat Lisa Honan CBE, the former Governor of St Helena – a British Overseas Territory governed by the East India Company for 200 years
APRÈS WALK
The walk finishes near the Tower of London close to Tower Hill station.
“If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are excited, it will calm you” 19th century British statesman and Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone
Paul –
My wife and I took this tour and Lisa’s tour on the East India Company on successive days earlier this month. Although they covered a lot of similar geographical ground within the City, there was only a little overlap between them, and both were first-rate. Lisa seemed to leave no leaf unturned in her presentation of the cultivation and consumption of tea and their fascinating, far-reaching consequences. Her storytelling was spellbinding, too: at each new stop along the tour, the group was so quiet you could hear a pin drop — and if you want to learn the origin of that expression, take the tour! We highly recommend it.
A Riddell –
Excellent, well informed and interesting tour. Who knew what the PG in PG Tips stood for – if you want to know ….. better take the tour.
A Pyman –
Lisa was entertaining and knowledgeable, making this a great tour.
Jouko Riihonen –
Thanks Lisa. After east India what next?
Jouko Riihonen –
Thanks Lisa! Very entertaining and informative walk. After east India what next?
Andrew McDonald –
Superb walk led by Lisa. We learned so much and loved every minute. Thank you for the sparkling tour.
Daryl –
Lisa is an outstanding guide with an astonishing breadth and depth of knowledge. She is generous with her time, invites audience participation, and tells a truly fascinating story with enthusiasm and expertise. Thank you so much, Lisa, for all the research and preparation that went into creating this superb walk!
Susan & Raj –
Lisa was absolutely fantastic and spoke fluently about the British Empire and tea throughout the tour. As a Londoner, she’s a true expert and clearly knows her stuff, bringing the history to life with real passion. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this fascinating part of London, which is so steeped in history. Couldn’t recommend this tour more highly!
Mary Barry –
I really enjoyed this walk, which combined three of my favourite things: tea, London, and walking. Our guide Lisa had an extensive knowledge about tea’s history and trading. And led us into corners of the city I had not previously visited. The facts were delivered with a light touch, and Lisa’s enthusiasm rubbed off on us all. Dusty the dog made a lovely addition to the group.
Melinda –
London Walks delivers again! Lisa’s tour was illuminating, engaging and thought-provoking. So many interesting sites, stories and quirky facts for both the tea lover and tea agnostic.