Yorkshire Tea – History, Heritage, and Why It’s a British Favourite
When people in Britain say they want a “proper brew”, more often than not they mean a cup of Yorkshire Tea. It’s strong, malty, and consistent – the kind of tea that fuels mornings, punctuates afternoons, and brings comfort in the evenings. For expats in the Philippines, it’s a taste of daily life back home. For Filipinos curious about British tea culture, Yorkshire Tea is one of the best introductions you can find.
From Harrogate to the World
The story begins in 1886, when Charles Taylor opened a shop in Harrogate, Yorkshire, selling carefully blended teas. What started under the name Taylors of Harrogate grew steadily, and by the 1970s the distinctive Yorkshire Tea brand had arrived. Unlike many tea companies that were swallowed up by corporate giants, Yorkshire Tea remained proudly independent under the Bettys & Taylors Group, a family business still based in Harrogate today.
Over the decades, Yorkshire Tea became more than just a brand. It became the UK’s best-selling black tea, loved for its strength and no-nonsense flavour.
Inside the Yorkshire Tea Factory
Production is still centred in Harrogate, where millions of tea bags are blended and packed each week. The company is famous for doing things “properly.” Every day, expert tasters sample hundreds of cups to guarantee consistency.
One quirky tradition is the “tea baptism”, new staff are taught how to make the perfect Yorkshire brew, down to the smallest detail. It’s part of the culture that keeps quality at the heart of everything they do.
Why It Tastes Different
Yorkshire Tea is blended from the best leaves grown in India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Rwanda. The company was originally careful to make its blend suit Yorkshire’s famously hard water, but the result proved so good that it became popular nationwide. Strength and balance are its hallmarks, making it stand out from milder supermarket blends.
Beyond the Classic Brew
Yorkshire Tea has grown beyond its original blend. Today the range includes:
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Yorkshire Tea Original – the everyday classic, strong and malty 👉 Yorkshire Tea Original
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Yorkshire Gold – a premium version using teas from the top 10% of the best gardens, offering a smoother, richer cup 👉 Yorkshire Gold
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Yorkshire Decaf – with the same full flavour but naturally decaffeinated, ideal for evenings or anyone avoiding caffeine 👉 Yorkshire Decaf
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Yorkshire Tea Biscuit Brew – infused with a comforting hint of biscuit flavour, perfect for those who love dunking 👉 Biscuit Brew
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Yorkshire Bedtime Brew – a calming herbal option with vanilla and nutmeg for a soothing night-time cup 👉 Bedtime Brew
Part of British Culture
Yorkshire Tea has become part of everyday life in Britain. Known for witty adverts and celebrity endorsements, it keeps its roots firmly in the community. Whether it’s sponsoring cricket or poking fun at itself on TV, the brand has built an identity tied to humour, tradition, and quality. Its slogan, “Where everything’s done proper,” sums up the brand perfectly.
Yorkshire Tea in the Philippines
At Buy British PH, you don’t need to settle for just one blend, we stock the full Yorkshire Tea range. Whether you prefer the classic strength of Original, the smooth richness of Gold, the easy-drinking Decaf, or the fun twist of Biscuit Brew and Bedtime Brew, they’re all available and shipped directly from the UK.
👉 All our Yorkshire Tea products
For expats, it means your favourite brew is always within reach. For Filipinos curious about British tea, it’s a chance to explore the whole family of Yorkshire Tea flavours, each one crafted “the proper way.”
Final Sip
Yorkshire Tea is more than just a drink, it’s a piece of British heritage. From its 19th-century beginnings in Harrogate to its place as the UK’s top-selling tea, it represents strength, comfort, and consistency in every cup.
👉 Browse the full Yorkshire Tea range in the Philippines today, Original, Gold, Decaf, Biscuit Brew, and Bedtime Brew, and see why millions of Britons won’t drink anything else.
