Fortnum & Mason: Time for Tea

by Tom Parker Bowles

Time for Tea is a celebration of Fortnum's passion for tea in its every form. Drawing on over 300 years of experience, you will find the history, geography, seasonality of tea  – everything from leaf to cup – as well as 50 delicious recipes. Fortnum & Mason has nearly as much experience of selling tea as Britain has of drinking it –  some three centuries’ worth, in fact, since the early eighteenth century.
 
This fun and deeply authoritative guide whisks you through all the information you need to get the most out of your cuppa. It instructs on how to make the perfect brew or infusion and  helps identify a wide range of teas to try that will suit different tastes whether for a single estate Darjeeling, a smoky or a delicate tea from China or a regular builder’s. It also explores which teas are best to kickstart the day, revive the spirits or soothe at evening’s end. And now, enough of the talk, it’s Time for Tea .

Genres: Cookbooks, Tea, History, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food

240 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I learnt so much about tea leaves and the regions that grow tea. It was fascinating. The only thing I would caution is that this isn’t a book about tea in general, it’s specifically about tea in Fortnum & Mason. So many of the tea blends Parker-Bowles talks about are only available in Fortnums. So you really do need to have access to Fortnum tea to fully appreciate this book. Also the recipes included are a little aspirational for the novice cook but there are some easy recipes included as well.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love hot tea and I learned all about the process of growing, preparing and pairing teas with foods. After actually going to tea at Fortnum & Mason in London, which I hope to repeat, I learned about their massive selection of loose teas at the tea counter in the store. Next visit, I’ll bring my list of teas to buy. (Amazon sells some F & M teas!)

[Xaheen Qaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a very welcome birthday gift from my sister. I have been savouring it by reading it on Sunday mornings over a (sorry to admit it) morning cup of F&M’s french press coffee. I drink coffee in the morning, tea throughout the day and herbal infusions mainly in the evening. I’m passionate about tea. I’ve visited tea plantations in Sri Lanka and tried some of the best teas there! I found the book informative - much of it I had learned from that particular holiday already mentioned). I enjoyed reading about Fortnum’s history with tea. I also appreciated how the book did not sugar coat the history of unfair monopolies (linked to colonisation) on tea trading - however neither did it go into great depth. The book is however fun to read (the original illustrations further ensure that). It has also tempted me to consider trying a number of teas mentioned in it that I have not yet tried. The recipes are mainly basic (many to be enjoyed with tea), none of which I have yet tried.

[Mara · Rating 1 out of 5]

The lovely drawings aren’t enough to save this book. I know it is F&M sponsored, so the teas in it are obviously theirs. But the book in itself is oversimplified. (Sorry.) I am not sure I would recommend it even to the newest newbe.

It doesn’t really talk about teas, except in passing (the very basics), and the recipes are not anything you’d serve with tea (it may actually be the bonus point); unfortunately again it’s oversimplified and not in a good way. So take the lovely chiffon cake: unless you’re someone who cooks (I do) what size of cake stamp you need? (I know, but not everyone may.) Some with cakes and pies.

Add that some local foods have been translated in the Italian version I got my hands on (how can you decide to translate clotted cream?) and maybe you get my rating.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning about Fortnum & Mason was a life changing experience for me, having traveled to London in 2022 and gone to the flagship store, exploring for countless hours and really enjoying the environment. Being there near Christmas was delightful too because I got to see it in a way I wouldn't have otherwise.

This book elaborates on the history of tea, the culture and ritual of it all, the importance of it's quintessential Britishness, and the joys and delights of pairing flavors. This book is a compendium of great information, recipes I am most eager to try and full of good memories for me as well.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should convince anyone to try tea! Coffee table format but you'll want to read it cover to cover. Lots of information on the varieties of, how to brew and what you can bake using tea. The author, Tom Parker Bowles has a great sense of humour and will give you more than the odd chuckle. Who says tea drinkers are stuffy.

[jagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous! Great history of tea, interesting facts about tea, and looking forward to making yummy things for afternoon tea. Realised that I probably wouldn't have survived WW2 in Britain with their meagre tea rations...

[Rebs ✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for the beginner, the curious or a fun read for the experienced tea lover. From the knowledgeable insights, to the recipes and illustrations, this book was the one that didn’t stop giving.

Highly recommended!

[Sonia Sundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardback. This book was a birthday gift from my sweet daughter. I'm a tea nut so the book was so fun to read. A bit of history, culture, how-to, quirky illustrations, and some fun recipes to try. I love this book! Can't wait to brew my next cuppa!! ❤️☕️❤️

[Loes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully illustrated, and is clearly written.
Yet to try the recipes, but they do look mouthwatering.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful look at the history of tea, tea recommendations, and recipes that range from simple (scones) to complex. A great addition to any tea lover's library!

[Koeeoaddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant book, nicely presented. Wish it had more recipes.

[Meandmy Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful book for Lovers of TEA!!!!

[Grant Kedge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the ‘The Cook Book’ recipe well written with easy to read and inspiring text but I found a lot of cross over compared to The Cook Book and would recommend having both.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that blends three centuries of Fortnum and Mason history with tea politics, and their tea recommendations and recipes.

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book my son brought me from a recent trip to London. I'm not sure I'll ever make any of the fancy recipes, but it was a fun and educational book to read.

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recetas como la tarta de crepe son súper ricas y además se aprende mucho de té. Lo recomiendo si quieres conocer más sobre esta bebida. 5/5

[Ts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an initial browse through and thoroughly enjoyed that. Looking forward to an in depth read