Hoogly Blogs

You might not know it from this bright sunshine, but we are now well into autumn. And even though it’s sunny and warm now, there’s sadly only one direction it can go. This happens every year. We think we have beaten the weather. We could swear it’s getting hotter by the day. But then the cold finally snaps upon us, and the leaves fall, and the jumpers and jackets must be taken out from the summer storage.

While for us here at Hoogly Tea hygge doesn’t take any breaks, believing that time should always be taken out of our lives to spend time with the people we care about and enjoy the simpler pleasures, we understand that others aren’t quite as committed. It seems that autumn is the season where hygge has infiltrated British life the most. The celebration of a quieter warmth in darker months, and of cosiness. Perhaps even one of our wonderful hot water bottles upon your lap!

Because of this, at Hoogly we have a lot of love towards autumn. Slowness begins to return to life, scenery becomes something to admire rather just as an a to b, and of course, people fully appreciate the power of a good cup of tea. And who could possibly resist the pull of an autumnal woodland walk followed by a cup of Hoogly Tea?

What teas though would I recommend for Autumn? I will start with a rooibos tea. Our selection of rooibos are almost all perfect for this season. We ensure that our rooibos tea blends pack a punch. Fruity. Spicy. Ones that I would pick out though would of course be Pumpkin Spice. The richness and depth of the allspice perfectly complements the tartness of the rooibos. Can you get any more autumnal?  While certainly a more American spice mix, dating back to the Dutch settler colonies in the 1600s, it has really become a part of our lives here in the UK since Starbucks first opened its doors in 1998. And, to be honest, we will give the Americans this season. Who doesn’t like halloween? If you fancy, why not turn this tea into a syrup to cover your ice cream with! Simply boil up the tea with sugar and water, scoop out your ice cream,  and hey presto, a delicious and easy dessert. Naturally caffeine free as well, so you won’t be springing off any bedroom walls.

Our black teas are probably our second most autumnal tea selection. Baked Apple Chai embraces the aromatic firieness of a Masala Chai whilst also celebrating the autumn harvest.  The baked apple gives a real smokey sweetness to the tea. This is a more aromatic tea than the pumpkin spice, which is a richer blend, so it depends which style you prefer. If you are feeling adventurous, why not try adding a teabag of our baked apple chai to your apple crumble! Just pop one into the mix when you bake it and enjoy.

Of our white and green teas, Rhubarb and Vanilla is what springs to my mind for this season. This might seem odd. Is rhubarb not more of a spring fruit? Something happens when it is mixed with vanilla though, which brings me straight back to the sweet shops of my childhood. It is, in essence, confectionary in a cup! The hibiscus enhances that clean sharpness of the rhubarb, which is then undercut by the smallest of hints of vanilla. The warmth and the sweetness will bring the flush right back into your cheeks. The hibiscus also makes it a beautiful deep red.  If you are looking for a savoury way of enjoying our tea, why not try making this into a jelly to have in a trifle? Pop it into the hot water for a bit, then pour it over some jelly mixture and leave to set! I promise it won’t disappoint.

We have skirted over some of the more jarring elements of the seasons changing. Colder, longer nights can mean that people are in need of lifestyle changes. Our Turmeric Twist, a herbal infusion made primarily of turmeric, is soothing and relaxing.  A miracle tea, it will sift through the foggy malaise which comes when the days get darker and the sun hides itself for a little bit. Subtle hints of citrus and mint add to the delightfulness of this cup of tea, raising the spirit and the body! It’s delicious in a butternut squash soup as well, and we all know that they are just round the corner.

These are of course just four of our teas. Who knows what your tastes could be. We have a list of over fifty different blends for you to pillage your way through though, so I’m sure one will be the perfect blend to get you through the coming months. 

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

Silk curtains and pretty tablecloths, silver trays and cutlery, people gossiping about incidents not quite as scandalous as the hushed tones would have you imagine. This is no doubt what you think of when you think of the institution that is the afternoon tea. George Gissing writes that “Nowhere is the English genius of domesticity more notably evident than in the festival of afternoon tea. The chink of cups and the saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.” It  is this repetition that lends afternoon tea its universality; crustless cucumber sandwiches and china teaware. The fussy, old world charm of village jigsaw puzzles and Agatha Christie. No violence or disagreement can penetrate. Gets itself stuck in all the curtain folds.

If you are thinking this way, then you are more in line with your imagination than reality. For a start, tea has splintered into so many different factions in modern British life. Even the word itself has lost its university. Is it tea as in camellia sinensis, or tea as in a herbal infusion, or tea as in rooibos?  The tins and jars, precariously stacked to find space, crush me.

Just like the changes in tea that have come about in the past 50 or so years, so too has the afternoon tea adapted to the changing culture. As the years roll on, generations pass onwards into disrepair. Entropy hits even millennials. If I get palpitations when someone of my own generation becomes prime minister, what’ll happen when a zoomer finds themselves there? This rolling on of time has helped to lift afternoon teas up from its stuffy origins. Millennials and Generation Z are the chief revolutionaries, with Generation Z at the vanguard. Not the normal battleground for teenage angst, but I guess that is the point. According to studies from Jing Tea, afternoon teas have rocketed amongst zoomers, with 52%  having been once a month. As their interest grows, they have been adding their own spark. Younger audiences are moving towards herbal and green tea options, as well as a towards more artisanal patisserie, as opposed to your more basic victoria sponge. Alexander House, for instance, one of the hotels we work with, has a fantastic array of cakes and tarts. Champagne as well has become a popular addition to the afternoon tea, adding to the party element.

Millennials as a generation are drawn to particular brand identity, whereas gen z are drawn more to how brands interact with them. A generation weaned on choice, they are constantly drawn to uniqueness.

This seesaw between uniqueness and identity has been the driving force of the changes to the afternoon tea. In a competitive marketplace, an establishment has to stand out, both in appearance and what it can offer. An integral part of this is that it is becoming more of an events based activity among modern generations; a treat as opposed to your average afternoon activity. Gissing’s domesticity shrinks into the shadows. But while this is true, I think what is drawing younger generations to it is still contained essentially in what Gissing has to say. For him the afternoon tea represents a form of slow excitement, which I think strikes a chord with modern generations. Generation Z are turning more and more to simpler, more routine based lives. Influencers speak of ‘romanticising your life’, embracing the little pleasures, such as candles, a bath, or a Netflix binge. Younger generations are also drinking less and less, so the statement “pub anyone (?)” is losing its power.

It seems like the slow and subtle beauty of an afternoon tea fits perfectly into the priorities of the younger generations. Eric Hobsbawm speaks of British traditions as being malleable. We pick and choose our traditions so that they may fit into the modern times. It seems like this is being done here. The slowness, the repetition of an afternoon tea appeals to the fast paced, almost cyber reality of the modern world. To put it bluntly, it’s something to do that keeps us off our phones.

It maybe true, that in its development  as a response to the speeding up world, it contains within its success its essential failing. It’ll innovate too far, lose its initial power, show up in one too many ads, and people will lose interest. This is true of everything though really. Nothing stays forever. Who knows what the tea habits of Generation Alpha will be. Let’s just relish, for the moment, in the current popularity of the most wonderful of all drinks.

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

Hello and a Hoogly New Year to you all! It’s that time of year again; a time of reset and resolution; a time of looking forward to the months ahead; of new challenges and high expectations; of learning from our mistakes and setbacks in an attempt to do better this time round. At Hoogly, we are always searching for ways to help you feel happy and empowered, and this month we are sharing our top tips for achievable New Year’s Resolutions. Obviously, drinking more Hoogly Tea is the number one target for 2023, because this is a sure-fire way to tranquillity and mindful bliss—but we also have a whole load of equally amazing suggestions, so buckle up and see if any of these ideas strikes a chord…

1. Boundaries. This is a tricky one to get right, but hugely beneficial in the long run. Learn to say no in the right way and at the right time. If you can master this simple-sounding (but often difficult) act, you will find yourself with more time, more productivity, more belief in yourself and a good work-life balance. 
2. Become a better listener. Give people around you the time and space to express themselves.  Active listening will make others feel respected, valued and understood, and the feelings will usually be reciprocal. 
3. Mind-wandering. Give your brain the space to make connections and form ideas without the constant interruption of technology or conversation. Allow your thoughts the silence they need to coalesce, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much your focus and creativity is bolstered.
4. Social Media time out. Maybe start with a ban on checking your socials first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you can, expand the times when you are tech-free, and attempt wherever possible to avoid ‘doom-scrolling,’ endlessly swiping through content that lasts only for a few seconds. Engage in an activity that fills you with joy, one that makes time melt away in a positive way, and focus exclusively on being present in that activity. Your mind will thank you.
5. Be health-conscious. This doesn’t mean an all-out blitz on every aspect of your life, but small and positive changes as you are able. Walk or cycle instead of driving where possible. Dodge the lift and take the stairs. Eat an apple instead of a chocolate bar. Chose proteins over trans-fats. Drink less coffee and add more water. Even doing these things once or twice a week can make a big difference, and the positive changes you notice might just motivate you to continue!
6. Gratitude. Start a journal and jot down three things each day that you’re thankful for. It can be big or small, getting a new job or simply narrowly avoiding a downpour. Go back over these notes every night and focus on the positive things in your life, gently pushing away negativity. 
7. Read more books. Of course, this requires a certain investment of time, but if you can carve out some moments from your schedule, this traditional hobby is a hugely mindful way of relaxing, as well as offering (depending on the genre) excitement, cosiness, educational value or a darn good fright!
8. Drink more Hoogly Tea.  This comes in at number 8, despite being the most valuable item on our list! As you know, being more Hoogly is about tapping into the Danish sense of cosy, calm and joyful living, focussing on the things that matter most in your life, and treating yourself to things that put a smile on your face. It is about slowing down and appreciating the people, places and hobbies that we love; it’s about being kind to yourself; it’s about fluffy socks, candlelight baths and baking cakes; it’s about board games with friends, light conversation for the sake of conversation, and surrounding yourself with people who make you feel special. And all this joyful Hooglyness has been condensed and curated into our wonderful selection of teas, offering you a tantalising treat to help you shed the day’s stresses and a deliciously Danish taste of comfort that you can turn to time and time again.

And now introducing our brand-new addition to the Hoogly shop: Silver Needle White Tea! This is the champagne of all white teas, utilising only the top buds of the Camellia Sinensis to produce beautifully smooth and elegant loose-leaf brew, ideal to send as a delightful gift to your nearest and dearest, or simply to enjoy as an indulgent treat for yourself. 

If it’s possible, our next newcomer might be even more spectacular! Jasmine Flower Balls Green Tea are intricately hand-crafted, jasmine-scented Green Tea balls, whose blossoms unfurl as the brew infuses to reveal a stunning display of delicate flowers. This is a mesmerising spectacle, perfect for wowing guests on special occasions, and ideal for adding light and cheer to the dark winter months!

That’s it for now, Hoogly lovers. Good luck with your resolutions—stay safe and take care of each other!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

Greetings Hoogly fans. The Christmas season has crept up on us again: kids are scribbling down lists, adults are starting to feel a greater sense of urgency and the streets are getting busier. Shops have already decked out their interiors with tinsel, stars and fir trees, enticing us in with shiny gifts and familiar festive music. But this year, the world is a different place. As the weather worsens, so do many issues that affect households up and down the country, not least of which is the cost-of-living crisis. It’s a grim fact that many of us will have to be more mindful than ever of how we budget this Christmas, finding ways to make our funds go further.

With this in mind, we at Hoogly would like to highlight some of our exclusive gift range, giving you some ideas for presents that are original, unusual, and luxurious—without costing the earth. 

First off, we would like to present our snuggly and huggly hot water bottles. Our gorgeous range of winter-beating warmers are all hand-crafted from luxury fabrics and come in an attractive selection of colours, including red, cream and brown. We do things Danishly at Hoogly, and in that part of the world, they know how to keep warm in style—and now you can too!

Up next is one of our personal favourites, the Hoogly filter teapot! This elegantly branded glass pot has a silver lid with a filter which can be removed after the tea leaves have been brewed. Perfectly portioned for one person, simply add two teaspoons of loose leaf or a tea pyramid—then sit back, relax and watch as your tea leaves unfurl! Suitable for both hand wash and dishwasher, this little beauty makes a simple, practical and novel present, perfect for someone who likes to unwind and shake off the stress with a cuppa in true Hoogly style.

Santa is not the only one bringing a sack of presents this year! We at Ho Ho Hoogly are now offering a gorgeous, branded cotton bag filled with fifty individually wrapped tea pyramids! Although we don’t advise throwing it down a chimney! Teas include a huge range of our customer favourites, including Cosy Chamomile (herbal tea), Rhubarb and Vanilla (green tea), English Breakfast (black tea) and Danish Pastry (Rooibos). This really is the gift that keeps on giving, not only providing you with a strong and stylish shopping bag, but also a delightful surprise each time you flip the kettle on and choose one of our tasty brews!

If you feel like being really fancy, then there is only one gift choice for you. Our supremely elegant and branded wooden tea tray comes with two lovely Hoogly mugs, complete with bamboo lids/coasters and golden spoons! The perfect gift for couples, this wonderful package is rounded off with 20 envelope-wrapped teas, featuring a wide range of our most popular blends. Replicating the experience of a luxury hotel, this attractive gift is the perfect way to make an impression this Christmas!

For all of these gifts—and more—visit https://hooglytea.com/collections/all

And we’ll finish today with our Tea of the Month—our Hoogly recommendation for November! Beat the winter blues with Banoffee Pie black tea, an indulgent and sweet treat in a cup, combining a rich black tea with subtle warming banana and toffee flavour. Mixing a British classic with a hint of the exotic, this sublime cuppa will warm your cockles and put a smile on your face when the weather gets you down!

Stay safe, tea lovers. See you soon!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

Greetings Hoogly fans! One of the most exciting times of the year will soon be upon us; a period rich in history and tradition; a night packed with mischief and mystery. For some, it is a bit of good fun; for others, an unsettling plunge into the dark side. I’m talking, of course, about Halloween! As a child, I used to adore heading out into the crisp October chill in one of my many disguises, including Batman, Count Dracula, Spiderman and various Victorian ghosts. Knocking on people’s doors and collecting chocolate seemed like an excellent way to spend an evening (it still does) but I don’t have any children of my own, and it seems extremely weird to borrow some for this purpose, or to trick-or-treat alone as an adult. One time during my childhood, however, there was some actual horror amidst all the fun. After collecting a hatful of sweets, I felt a pang of hunger and decided to unwrap a few chocolates and gorge to my heart’s content. It turned out that one of the sweet treats was not chocolate, but some kind of hard candy, which proceeded to chip my tooth and subsequently cut my gum. So, with very real blood dribbling down my chin, I returned to the nearest house, arms outstretched in panic, slapping a doorbell until a strange adult opened up and (after jumping back in shock) allowed me to come in and use the bathroom and get cleaned up. My friends were delighted with my antics, and it was clear that I had ‘won’ Halloween that year (as the kids say these days). I was in pain for a month afterwards, though, and I ended up with a tooth that was more werewolf than human (which is still prone to savaging my cheek from time to time), but I guess this is an adequate price to pay for a gob full of blood and some genuine scares on the spookiest night of the year!

To get you all the mood for the big day, we at Hoogly have cobbled together some of the most genuinely creepy places in the UK, to be avoided all costs if you are afraid of ghosts and other things that go bump in the night. 

1. Ancient Ram Inn, Gloucestershire. This 12^th century inn is purportedly ‘the most haunted house in Britain,’ having apparently been witness to suicide, child sacrifice, black magic and been used as a hideout for criminals. Visitors have claimed to have seen or felt the presence of a pair of demons, orbs, a witch and many other apparitions. Even hardened fans of the supernatural have admitted the Ram Inn is the scariest place they’ve ever visited. 

2. Borley Rectory, Essex. This Victorian Mansion first gained a spooky reputation in the 1860s when footsteps were heard during the night; in subsequent years the ghost of a nun, a pair of headless horsemen, a ghostly carriage and phantom servant bells have all been reported. The rectory’s hauntings came to prominence in 1929 when famed paranormal investigator Harry Price and the Daily Mail covered the strange goings-on. In a further twist, the building was sadly destroyed by fire in 1939.

3. Berry Pomeroy Castle, Devon. A picturesque castle in a pretty town harbouring a sinister secret! Two female spirits, The White Lady and the Blue Lady, stalk the halls of the old structure. The White Lady is said to haunt the dungeons; The Blue Lady is reported to haunt the tower, luring strangers to her aid, resulting in a lethal plunge if the passer-by intervenes. 

4. Ballygally Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The castle dates to 1625 and is steeped in history. Lady Isobel Shaw fell to her death more than 400 years ago after her husband (Lord James Shaw) locked her up for failing to produce a son. Isobel’s tragic fall occurred during an escape attempt. It is said that her ghost wanders the hotel to this day, wrapping on doors, as well as appearing and vanishing in rooms. Madame Nixon, a 19^th century inhabitant of the castle, has also been seen and heard roaming the castle in her silk dress. Some visitors also claim to hear the running and giggling of ghostly children.

5. Pluckley Village, Kent. Pluckley has featured on many television programmes and is a popular haunt for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts from around the UK. Guinness World Records 1989 named it the most haunted village in England, having as it does between 12 and 16 ghosts, including a screaming man, the Fright Corner highwayman, a school teacher found hung by a group of kids, and an old smoking woman on a bridge. Visit if you dare!

And what can possibly keep us safe from places of death, misdeeds and horror? Well, nothing, sadly. But a nice cup of tea will help. We heartily recommend Around the Fire Oolong tea for the frosty chill of late October. One of our customer favourites, this gorgeous brew is a cosy combination of smoky tea leaves and warming spices, licked by flames of safflower and sprinkled with crushed chilli for a hint of fiery charm. It’s the perfect shield against the creeping draughts of winter, ideal for winding down at the end of the day, as well as faithful and delicious companion as you watch late-night horror movies or read some spine-tingling ghost stories!

That’s it for now, tea lovers. Stay safe and have a horrific…I mean happy…Halloween!!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com