At Austin English Tea Company, tea is never rushed, never careless, and never treated as an afterthought. It’s brewed with intention, served with warmth, and enjoyed as it was always meant to be — slowly, in good company.
Our approach to tea is rooted in British tradition, guided by quality and craft, and shaped by a simple belief: tea should make you feel better when you leave than when you arrived.
Tea, Thoughtfully Chosen
Tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years, not only for its flavor but for how it makes people feel; calm, focused, restored. Tea leaves naturally contain antioxidants called polyphenols, including catechins, which are especially abundant in younger leaves found in green, white, and first-flush teas.
These compounds are widely studied and associated with benefits such as:
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Supporting heart health
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Helping regulate blood sugar
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Reducing inflammation
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Promoting long-term cognitive health
An 8 oz cup of green tea contains approximately 100 mg of EGCG, one of the most well-known catechins. All true teas — black, green, white, and oolong — contain these compounds, though their character and strength vary depending on how the tea is grown, processed, and brewed.
That said, we don’t believe tea needs to justify itself with a lab report. Its greatest benefit may simply be the pause it invites; a moment to slow down, sip, and reconnect.
Brewing Tea Properly
A good cup of tea doesn’t happen by accident. Brewing with care brings out both flavor and balance, avoiding bitterness while allowing the tea to shine.
We focus on three essentials:
Measuring
Tea leaves vary greatly in size and density, so consistency matters. Whether you use a scoop or a scale, the goal is balance; enough leaf to give depth, without overwhelming the cup.
Water Temperature
Different teas ask for different temperatures. Water that’s too hot can scorch delicate leaves; too cool, and the tea won’t fully open. We always recommend filtered, freshly heated water — never reheated — to preserve clarity and taste.
Steeping Time
Timing matters. Over-steeping can draw out bitterness and excess caffeine, while under-steeping leaves the tea flat. A timer is your friend, especially as you get to know a tea’s personality.
Done well, brewing becomes less of a rulebook and more of a quiet ritual — one you’ll come back to again and again.
A Note on Afternoon Tea Etiquette
The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to the 1840s, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, found herself feeling peckish between lunch and dinner. She introduced a mid-afternoon tray of tea and light bites to bridge the long gap. This daily afternoon activity caught on, and soon it became fashionable to dress up and indulge in afternoon tea
Over time, etiquette grew up around it — but we believe the spirit matters far more than the rules!
If dressing up adds to the fun, do it. If learning a few traditions enhances the experience, wonderful. If not? That’s perfectly proper too.
A few gentle truths:
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Pinkies are optional
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Milk goes in after the tea
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“Scone” is pronounced skon (and we’ll happily defend you)
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Afternoon tea and high tea aren’t quite the same — but we know “high tea” is often how it’s referred to here in the U.S.
Above all, afternoon tea should feel relaxed, welcoming, and enjoyable, never stiff or performative.
Tea, As It’s Meant to Be
Whether it’s served on fine china in our tearoom or poured into a well-loved mug at home, tea is about connection. Conversation. Care. A shared pause in the middle of a busy day.
That’s the philosophy we brew into every pot — and we’re delighted to share it with you.
For more teatime stories and tips, visit our blog.