Monthly Archives: November 2019

When it comes to tea, two cultures often come in our minds: the British and the Chinese. Though they technically drink the same beverage, there are quite a few differences between English tea and Chinese tea. Here are some of the major differences between these two types of tea:

TEA DRINKING CUSTOMS

British tea drinking customs

Afternoon tea This is the one that comes to mind when people think of British tea ceremonies. An English-style afternoon tea is traditionally served between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and typically lasts about one and a half to two hours.

Chinese tea drinking customs

The Chinese popular tea drinking customs is quite different from the British ones. As an art, tea drinking requires a special environment. According to the theory of traditional Chinese tea ceremony, it is unnecessary to have many participants. The theory required one to drink tea in elegant environment, such as by clear springs or in bamboo groves on mountains, in ancient temples and small pavilions, or in one’s own garden while appreciating flowers, snow or fish.

TYPE OF TEAS THEY DRINK DRINKING

English Tea is mostly black tea. English tea appreciates the varied flavoring added. They usually drink their tea with milk and sugar. They are usually imported from India or Ceylon – where the teas are produced. There are many different flavours of black tea, such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, Earl Grey, and a lot more. In the UK, formal tea drinking is usually accompanied by snacks such as cakes and sandwiches. People take their time and enjoy a chat with their friends, often in the lobbies of grand hotels or in tearooms.The English black tea, such as Earl Grey tea, works best with milk and sugar, so the British enjoy drinking their tea this way.TYPE OF TEAS THEY DRINK DRINKING

According to historical records, there are nearly 6000 types of Chinese tea, and can be divided into 6 major categories on the basis of commodity classification. They are Green tea, black tea, white tea, yellow tea, post-fermented tea and Oolong tea. Chinese tea lays more emphasis on its original pure aroma, and matched with traditional Chinese medicine and diet. The Chinese drink their tea without additional ingredients because they have quite a vast array of flavours to choose from, and most of them don’t really taste good with milk. Take jasmine tea or lavender tea for example. They are not likely to mix well with milk.

Look at the pumps in front of you; you will see at least a half dozen different types of beer, lager and bitter with different varieties.  More popular today is larger , which is lighter in colour and served cold. Guinness , a very dark, creamy kind of beer called a stout, is made in Ireland and is popular all over Britain.

As to the opening hours, British pubs are required to have a license, which is difficult to obtain, and allows the pub to operate for up to 24 hours. Most pubs are open from 11 to 11.  If you hear the sound of a bell or see flashing lights , that means it’s last orders. In conclusion, British pubs are not only a place for pints, but also for fun, culture, and union. I think only if you are at a British pub will you understand Samuel Johnson’ s famous saying “ There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn.”

During the week, people use pubs for a quick lunchtime drink or a social meeting, while on weekends, you will find families in pubs as well as groups of friends.It’s unusual for someone to buy only their own drinks in a pub or bar. Speaking of bar, it opens at night, while pubs open in the afternoon, evening and night, which is more influential in UK while bar is more common in US. Oh, forget  to tell you! You cannot walk into a British pub and ask for a beer—it’s a bit like saying “I want something to drink.” The Barman will just look at you and wait for you to say what you want.

A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment which is part of British culture.They are places where all ages and social classes mix to talk, do business, or just spend a couple of quiet hours before heading home in the evening. Most public houses offer a range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. The interesting thing is that most pubs have no waiters— you have to go to the bar to buy drinks. This may sound inconvenient, but there is a hidden purpose. Pub culture is designed to promote sociability in a society known for its reserve. Standing at the bar for service allows you to chat with others waiting to be served. The bar counter is possibly the only site in UK in which friendly conversation with strangers is considered entirely appropriate and really quite normal behaviour. Don’t ever introduce yourself with an outstretched hand and a big smile. Natives will cringe and squirm with embarrassment at such brashness. Talk generally about the weather, the beer or the pub. If someone gets you a drink, you should reciprocate.The atmosphere is usually relaxing and cheerful, but it changes everyday.