Pairing Tea with Cozy British Shows

There’s something undeniably charming about pairing a hot cup of tea with a good British television show. When you see the characters on screen enjoying a cuppa, it’s hard to resist savoring one of your own. I love the cozy ambiance, slower pacing, and endearing characters that are staples of British shows. Holding a warm mug in your hands and feeling the heat radiate through your body while inhaling the delicious aroma of tea definitely enhances the overall viewing experience.

I have a few beloved British shows that I enjoy revisiting, always with a freshly brewed cup of tea at the ready. Recently, after devouring the latest season of The Great British Bake Off followed by a cozy binge of Downton Abbey, I decided that certain teas in my collection complement these series perfectly. Now every time I hear the opening theme, I find myself craving the corresponding tea! I realized there are a few other special shows that evoke an association with a tea. I thought it would be fun to share my pairings. Now, if you feel like enjoying the cozy combo of tea and British TV, you have some inspiration!

The Great British Bake Off (2010- )

Also known as The Great British Baking Show, this is the coziest competition series with charming music, quaint countryside, and delicious baking. When I watch the intro and I see that final raspberry placed on the delicious chocolate cake, I love to have a fresh cup of tea in hand to enjoy with the episode. (Especially when the contestants and judges enjoy their own cups of tea throughout!)

Pairs well with: The Tea House Private Reserve

The Tea House Private Reserve by The Tea House on Los Rios is a black tea blend of Ceylon tea, vanilla, and grenadine. The aroma is scrumptious, and smelling this tea makes me immediately crave warm scones with jam. I remember watching the GGBS opening and seeing the freshly baked scones with strawberries and cream, made me think this tea would be lovely to drink with that show! (And now I always enjoy the two together) This tea is full-bodied and I think the the notes of vanilla and grenadine are enhanced with a small splash of milk. For me it is an ideal “tea-time” tea.

Why I watch it…

Contestants sipping tea, judges sipping tea, hosts sipping tea—what more could you ask for? The Great British Bake Off is my ultimate feel-good show. With its uplifting music, the cozy visuals of the English countryside (rainy day episodes are the best), and the iconic baking tent, it’s a warm escape. The contestants seem genuine and have such lovely personalities. The judges, though tough at times, are always kind and encouraging. And the biggest drama for this reality TV show? Someone dropping their cake or, heaven forbid, a soggy bottom! The opening montage always leaves me craving a cup of tea. When a new series starts, I eagerly anticipate a new episode each week, and when it’s time, I grab my cup of tea, snuggle up, and settle in for a delightful, cozy hour of television.

Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

This show has one of my favorite television series title sequences. The first notes of the piano of the opening theme immediately release cozy endorphins and I am transported to an era where tea time is steeped in tradition. The soft lighting, the sound of tea being poured, and the sweeping shots of the estate all create a warm, cozy environment that feels perfect for sipping tea.

Pairs well with: Earl Grey Creme Tea

An organic black tea from Art of Tea that is a must for Earl Grey lovers. Balanced well with bergamot and French vanilla for a creamy, rich, and robust flavor. I love a good Earl Grey with uplifting citrus notes in the aroma. This tea feels refined and decadent, perfect for an elegant sipping experience to pair with Downton Abbey. Immerse yourself in a leisurely viewing experience that has you savoring the cinematography and character drama along with your cup of tea.

Why I watch it…

Downton Abbey is a great show to sip your tea slowly and relax into the rhythm of the rich story telling. The opulent visuals, soothing music and detailed costumes draw you into a time when life was slower. Watching Downton Abbey evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort (even when drama is going down), making it a peaceful backdrop for a quiet moment. The upstairs vibes are stately, elegant, lush, while downstairs a warm kitchen, and busy staff makes a tea break have that much more impact of a moment of peace and relaxation. The show has such a wonderful and talented cast and there are many great characters with story lines to get overly invested in.

Poirot (1989-2013)

The mystery genre lends itself very well to a cozy day in, enjoying tea, especially if it’s an atmospheric whodunit in the era of art deco. The kind, refined, and gentle character of David Suchet’s Poirot pairs perfectly with the calm and careful ritual of drinking tea. Although he drinks tisanes, I will always enjoy a cup of tea while watching this nostalgic show with its delightful cast of characters.

Pairs well with: Winter Solstice

Warming spices of cinnamon, clove, and allspice brighten the mind and stimulate the little grey cells for keeping up with Belgium’s greatest detective. Notes of vanilla smooth the blend making it balanced and pleasant (much like the amiable Captain Hastings), while orange peel adds a bit of zest (like our witty dear Miss Lemon). The blend of black teas are similar to a typical breakfast blend that you can rely on to be always be robust and comforting (like the reliable Chief Inspector Japp). Overall, this black tea blend from Peet’s is delightful and invigorating and perfect for watching a cozy murder mystery show.

Why I watch it…

The art deco opening of dark colors contrasting with soft purple accents and a slow, jazzy saxophone always makes me want to snuggle under a soft blanket with tea and some dark chocolate to nibble on. This show gets double nostalgia points for the early seasons being filmed ‘89-early 90’s and for taking place in the 1930’s. The atmosphere of serene locations to contrast with a surprise murder along with the slower pacing of the episodes makes for a very comfortable viewing experience. The main cast of character’s are so endearing. David Suchet’s Poirot is kind and courteous, Hastings is adorable and genuine, Miss Lemon is lovely (her dry humor and wry looks are the best), and Japp just warms your heart. It almost seems contradictive to say this is a feel good murder mystery show, but there you have it.

Hamish Macbeth (1995-1997)

Moody Scottish highlands, thick knitted sweaters, small town dynamics, and quirky mysteries to be solved, Hamish Macbeth is a charming and warm show that I am so happy I discovered. The narratives often balance levity with drama, all in small community with a cast of characters you will grow to love. It is so cozy, sometimes silly, and cute (with quite an emotional range) that I am always ready with a cup of tea to immerse myself in the lives of the residents of Lochdubh.

Pairs well with: Storm Watcher

Even though there are plenty of episodes when the sun is out, I can’t help but think of grey skies and rainy days when I think of this show. That is why I always drink one of my favorite black teas Storm Watcher, a blend that was made for sipping safely indoors while watching the stormy weather pass by. It is a full-bodied, yet smooth black tea from Murchie’s, that is brisk, malty and warms you to the core. Perfect for watching a show with dramatic skies and characters you’d love to join for a cup of tea.

Why I watch it…

For young Robert Carlyle…. Haha, but seriously now, Hamish is a great protagonist who truly loves his small town. Characters will have their flaws, but their hearts are in the community and their bonds with one another (sometimes begrudgingly acknowledged) give this show it’s warmth and charm. I love the 90’s nostalgia and fashion. It falls into the cozy mystery genre with a unique quirkiness. There are episodes that are whimsical and silly, there are episodes that are heavy and moody, and often both? I’m pretty sure an event that was both sad and ridiculous made me cry. I’m looking forward to revisiting this show, yet again, with a big comforting mug of tea in hand.

Keep calm and Sip On!

Next time you brew a pot of tea, consider settling down with some delightful British episodes for the perfect cozy tea time! Comment with your favorite British TV Series to enjoy with tea, I’d love to get recommendations of new shows to watch! This post is not sponsored, I just wanted to share some teas I love. Always drink loose leaf for a quality sipping experience!