Text by Shelby Duffy • Photography Courtesy of Whittard of Chelsea
Where past meets future
Whittard of Chelsea has a long-standing history in the tea community. In 1886, founder Walter Whittard opened his own shop on London’s bustling Fleet Street after leaving his job as a tea trader. The walls of his establishment were lined with giant tea caddies, and Walter ensured that all tea was blended and coffee was roasted on site, giving the shop an unmistakably pleasant aroma.
It did not take long for the Whittard brand to grow a devoted following, and Walter enjoyed success in his business into the early 1900s. After Walter’s death in 1935, his sons Dick and Hugh took over the business. Only five years later, Whittard’s warehouses sustained extensive damage after a bombing during a blitz in World War II, leading the brothers to relocate their business to Chelsea.
Since the Whittards were initially unable to purchase tea-blending machines for their new location due to the lasting effects of the Great Depression, their workers learned to hand-blend tea on the warehouse floor using shovels. The company was still able to maintain a loyal clientele, even with wartime rationing regulations in place, thanks to the quality of the offerings on which the brothers insisted, in keeping with their father’s philosophy of “buying the best” and seeking to try new and exciting tea blends as often as possible.
More than 100 years after its founding, Whittard of Chelsea, which was run by the Whittard family until the early 1970s, is still committed to finding the highest quality, most unique products for their customers. Now an impressive tea chain with more than 50 shops in the United Kingdom and worldwide, including the flagship store in London’s Covent Garden, the brand also has several tearooms throughout England. In person, visitors will delight in a cup of tea to taste, as staff always have a pot steeping and tempt shoppers to try something new. On certain days, Whittard’s latest teas, hot chocolates, and biscuits are also available to sample, with a rotating selection each week. More than 75 unique tea blends, which range from black, oolong, green, and white teas as well as rooibos and fruit and herbal blends from all across the globe, are on offer. Even their English Breakfast Tea is distinctive from other versions, as they choose more delicate leaves to give the blend a honied, slightly floral flavor. Some of their other popular products include Earl Grey Loose Tea, Milk Oolong Loose Tea, and Warming Loose Infusion. Patrons look forward to Whittard’s yearly Christmas and holiday offerings, like their Christmas tea blend, which features notes of clove, vanilla, and citrus for a spice-filled tea perfect for colder weather, and the Tea Advent Calendar, which makes a wonderful gift for any tea lover. Whittard also has an extensive collection of specialty and limited-edition coffees and an array of flavored hot chocolates.
With a commitment to discovering the wonderful diversity of flavors in each tea blend they sell, Whittard believes that “life’s too short to stick with what you know,” and encourages customers to explore an ever-evolving and unique range of products. Whittard of Chelsea offers a “Taste Guarantee,” and if customers are ever unhappy with a selection, they may return the tea and exchange it for a different one.
Online, there is a host of information to help customers make the perfect cup of tea. Each product listing includes information that ranges from brewing guides for both hot and iced tea to origin descriptions and even suggested food pairings. “Whittard’s Wisdom” includes countless articles that present readers with an array of knowledge on afternoon-tea best practices, tea-pairing tips from the company’s most knowledgeable tea buyers, and even recipes to make with some of their different products.
Since its inception in 1886, Whittard of Chelsea has had a knack for blending tradition and innovation, giving tea lovers worldwide the perfect setting, whether in person or online, to enjoy cherished favorites or explore fresh finds.
For more information or to order, visit whittard.com.
