Behind the scenes... Top Tea Awards

30th March 2009

On the eve of the Top Tea Awards 2009 Alexandra Fullerton gets the inside track on what makes an amazing afternoon tea venue and speaks to one of the Tea Guild's anonymous inspectors.

Taking afternoon tea is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world, but did you know that it's likely a band of expert inspectors have been there before you? In preparation for this week's Top Tea Awards anonymous assessors have been sipping, scoring and generally judging each member of the Tea Guild to ensure they meet the prestigious association's guidelines and criteria.

There are almost 100 members of the Tea Guild scattered across Great Britain and the Awards have been going since 1985. Irene Gorman, Head of the Tea Guild, revealed that she has more than 20 inspectors on hand to judge tea rooms nationwide. It's the inspectors' job to assess the Tea Guild's members - the highest scoring London Hotel and Tearoom nationwide will be awarded the sought-after accolade of either Top London Tea, or Top Tea Place 2009. Last years winners include The Lanesborough in London and Juri's in Gloucestershire (both pictured below).

Inspecting afternoon tea venues might seem like a dream job, but our anonymous inspector assured me that it's not all plain sailing. "It requires a certain amount of skill to ask sufficient questions, in order to get the information we need, but without leaving the suspicion that we might be inspecting the premises" he revealed. On an average visit, what do the inspectors look for? The ultimate afternoon tea experience should make you feel like you want for nothing with welcoming staff in attendance. As well as reporting on the variety, quality, freshness and colour of teas served, inspectors give marks in fifteen categories which include the venues' cleanliness, the food on offer, value for money, staff attitude and knowledge of the teas available and ambience and decor. Bonus points can be gained if a tea room or hotel is particularly outstanding (perhaps if there are magazines on hand for guests to read or a pianist playing). Marks are lost if there are scratched skirting boards or scruffy waitresses. After the inspection a comprehensive 2 page report is submitted to the Tea Guild, with all the details of their visit and an overall points score. Each member of the Tea Guild will be visited twice to build up an average score.

A love and understanding of tea is important part of the job, but enjoying eating finger sandwiches isn't the only requirement. All the inspectors have been Directors of tea companies, now or in the past, and have finely tuned palates so they can appreciate and judge a tea's freshness, strength and colouring. The anonymous inspector we spoke to has been in the tea trade for over 30 years (having worked in Tea Broking and running the London Tea Auctions) and is truly an expert in the world of tea.

When quizzed as to the future of tea he opined that, "it looks as if tea will survive the Credit Crunch better than other trades. Tea is relatively inexpensive (it's always extremely good value for money) and although some people may switch from more expensive brews I don't think they will stop drinking tea." In relation to going out for tea, "People may reduce eating out but this could benefit tea venues as you can still have a great time, but at far less cost" he revealed.

So, next time you visit a hotel or tea room for a blissful afternoon of tea-taking, just remember the inspectors who've traipsed up and down the country, judging tea rooms, tea shops and hotels to ensure that you have the best experience possible! Click here for a list of Tea Guild members and check back on Wednesday, when the Top London Tea winner is announced, and Friday when the Top Tea prize is awarded.