The Apple Tree Tearooms

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Happy Mothers Day
Where would we be without our Mother’s

Mother's Day in the UK, was originally nothing directly to do with ones own Mother. It has its origins in the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday. This day was originally a time when people returned to their "mother church" - the main church in the vicinity of their home - for a special service.

The term "mother church" refers to the main church or cathedral in a particular area that serves as the central place of worship for the community. Historically, people would return to their mother church on special occasions such as religious festivals or for important ceremonies like baptisms, marriages, and funerals. The concept of the mother church is rooted in Christianity and is often associated with the idea of spiritual birth or origin, with local churches considered offspring or branches of the mother church.

Over time, Mothering Sunday evolved into a more secular celebration of mothers and mothehrhood, akin to the modern Mother's Day observed in other parts of the world. In the UK, Mother's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls in March. It's a day ggwhen people honor and show apprecication for their mothers through gifts, cards, and gestures of love and gratitude. The6 modern commercial aspect of Mother's Day, with its emphasis on gift-giving, is largely influenced by American traditions.

Here at The Apple Tree Tearooms we will be open on Mothers Day why not treat your mother with a visit and enjoy a pot of tea with one of our cakes or indulge with one of our afternoon teas. If the weather is nice you can enjoy our delights in our sunny rear walled Tea Garden or our Tea House within.

Our Secret is.....

Our sunny rear walled tea garden. Which gives you some of the best views of St Mary’s Church as it's tower is slowly revealed from beneath the scaffolding.

Even on a day like today in the first days of spring. With a clear sky and the sun fully out our south facing sunny tea garden is still the place to sit, relax with a pot of tea and cake and watch tower slowly be revealed.

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Tea going caffeine free!

While it is true tea contains less caffeine than tea, all true teas are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and this contains caffeine. So if all true tea comes from the same plant why and how do we get black, green and white tea?

The main difference between black, green, and white tea lies in their processing methods:

Black Tea: Black tea undergoes full oxidation, meaning the tea leaves are fully exposed to oxygen. This process gives black tea its dark color, robust flavor, and higher caffeine content compared to green and white teas.

Green Tea: Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation. The leaves are heated shortly after harvesting to halt oxidation. This helps preserve the natural green color of the leaves and results in a more delicate flavor profile with lower caffeine content compared to black tea.

White Tea: White tea is the least processed of the three. The leaves are simply harvested and dried, often with minimal handling. This minimal processing preserves the natural flavor and aroma of the tea leaves, resulting in a delicate, subtle flavor profile and the lowest caffeine content among the three types.

This the real difference is the processing and the amout of oxidation this denotes the strength of caffine. But how do we get caffeine free well you need to go for herbal teas strictly not teas at all so real should be known as tisane’s which refers to being made in the style of true tea (dried leaves being steeped in boiling hot water and brewed for a time then served and drunk) not to be confused with fruit tea where various flavors are added to true to give a fruity note to tea but still contain the full caffeine of the black green or white tea it is added to.

The most tea like of these herbal teas/tisanes is
Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which is native to South Africa. Unlike true teas (such as black, green, white, and oolong), which are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and naturally contain caffeine, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.

The absence of caffeine in rooibos is due to the fact that it comes from a different plant species altogether. Rooibos leaves do not contain caffeine as part of their natural composition. This makes rooibos an excellent choice for those looking to avoid caffeine or for enjoying in the evening without worrying about its stimulating effects. Additionally, rooibos has a naturally sweet and slightly nutty flavour, making it a popular beverage choice for its taste as well as its caffeine-free nature.

Here at The Apple Tree Tearooms we serve all the varieties of tea as well as a selection of tisanes including the most tea like naturally decaffeinated tisane rooibos (redbush). We serve all our teas and tisanes in the proper way, in a pre-warmed teapot and with freshly drawn boiling water. Then it is brought to your table to brew till it is to your required strength and ready for you to pour out.

WE'RE STILL OPEN

Now 4 weeks into the 13 week road closer and dismantling of the scaffolding on the tower of the Collegiate Church of St Mary’s, We are still brewing our lovely tea and serving our delicious cake.

With the warming weather why not enjoy our delights while sitting in our sunny rear Tea Garden and watch as the tower is slowly unwrapped and revealed.

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Britain a nation of tea drinkers?

Britain is often associated with being a nation of tea drinkers. Tea has been an integral part of British culture for centuries and is deeply ingrained in daily life, social customs, and even certain traditions like afternoon tea.

According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, as of my last update in January 2022, Britons consume an estimated 100 million cups of tea every day. Additionally, data from the same source shows that tea accounts for around 40% of the total hot drinks market in the UK, indicating its widespread popularity among the British population.

Britain's love affair with tea can be traced back to the 17th century when tea was first introduced to the country. Here's a brief overview of how Britain became a nation of tea drinkers

1. Introduction of Tea: Tea was introduced to Britain in the mid-17th century, initially as a luxury item imported from China. It was popularized among the upper class as a fashionable and exotic beverage.

2. Expansion of Trade: As trade routes expanded and trade with China increased, tea became more accessible and affordable to a wider range of people. By the 18th century, tea had become a popular drink among the middle and lower classes as well.Colonial Influence: Britain's colonial expansion also played a significant role in popularizing tea. Tea became a staple drink in British colonies such as India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, where large-scale tea plantations were established to meet the growing demand.

3. Social Custom: Over time, tea drinking became ingrained in British social customs and rituals. It became a symbol of hospitality, comfort, and relaxation, with the tradition of afternoon tea emerging as a quintessentially British ritual.

4. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries further fueled the popularity of tea. As urbanization and industrialization transformed society, tea provided a convenient and affordable source of caffeine for the working class.

5. Marketing and Advertising: Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, tea companies engaged in extensive marketing and advertising campaigns to promote tea consumption. Brands like Twinings and Brooke Bond became household names, further cementing tea's place in British culture.

Overall, a combination of historical, economic, social, and cultural factors contributed to Britain becoming a nation of tea drinkers. Today, tea remains an integral part of British identity and culture, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

Hear at The Apple Tree Tearooms we like to continue that tradition by serving all of our tea by the pot. We also love to indulge in best way to have tea hence it part of the name, Afternoon Tea. Here at the Tearooms we do cream teas a small tea as well as the traditional afternoon tea. So why not join us at The Apple Tree Tearooms where everything stops for tea

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Wealth, women and tea! let’s get party started the Tea Party started.

In the early days tea was very expensive so only wealth could afford it. Wealth women didn’t really work and we’re not really ment to go out with out being accompanied by a man. So while the men were out “working” or frequenting pubs and coffee shops, women decided to have a party of their own. A Tea Party.

A tea party is a social gathering where tea is served along with various snacks and treats, often in the afternoon.

The tradition of tea parties can be traced back to the 19th century in England. Initially, tea parties were exclusive events held by the wealthy, serving as an opportunity to display wealth and social status. However, over time, tea parties became more accessible to the middle and lower classes as the popularity of tea increased and tea became more affordable. During the Victorian era, tea parties became a popular social custom, especially among women. They provided a chance for women to gather and socialize in a formal yet relaxed setting. Tea parties were often held in the afternoon, between 3 pm and 5 pm, bringing together the new ladies past time of having afternoon tea with etiquette of a formal party and featured a variety of teas, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.

These Tea Parties be came a big thing in social ci at the time. But the biggest of these parties, well nowadays it a world record. The Guinness World Record for the largest tea party was achieved by the DSSO (Dance, Style, Smile, and Organization) in India on December 18, 2016. The event took place at St. Lawrence High School in Borivali, Mumbai, and was attended by 9,681 participants.

But how I hear you ask do you make enough tea for all those people? Kenneth Williams of the United States has the answer. His Guinness World Record for the largest usable teapot. His teapot, named "Glenburn Tea Estate" and certified on October 21, 2018, measures 3.034 meters (9 feet 11 inches) tall, 1.46 meters (4 feet 9 inches) in diameter, and holds 2,400 liters (634 gallons) of liquid.

But will everyone get a cup?
To estimate the number of average cups of tea that Kenneth Williams' "Glenburn Tea Estate" teapot could make, we'll need to consider the typical size of a cup of tea. A standard cup of tea is around 8 ounces. Then with a little bit of maths and conversation the "Glenburn Tea Estate" teapot could make approximately 10,144 average cups of tea, more than enough than no-one at the DSSO Tea Party would not get a full cup of tea.

Here at The Apple Tree Tearooms we like tea and serving it with our afternoon tea even better you can turn that experience into a Apple Tree Tea Party as our secret is we havhaa sunny rear walled Tea Garden we have a Tea House the perfect private function space to hold your very own Tea Party why not book now.

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Why is well known Warwick Road called “The Butts”?

Warwick has a well known road which you can avoid if you are travelling through Warwick from Birmingham to Banbury called “The Butts” which runs directly behind Warwick’s main church the Collegiate Church of St Mary’s. But how did it get its name and why is that road there. "The Butts" in a road name often refers to archery butts, which were targets used for practicing archery in the past.

In a town like Warwick which grew from the location of Warwick’s now famous medieval castle, archery would have held historical significance for several reasons. Firstly, it was a crucial skill for warfare, providing an effective and long-range means of attack. Skilled archers could deliver arrows with precision, making them valuable assets on the battlefield. Secondly, archery played a vital role in hunting, providing communities with a reliable source of food. This contributed to survival, especially in regions where hunting was a primary means of sustenance. Lastly, archery served as a form of recreation and sport. Tournaments and contests were held to showcase archers' skills, fostering a sense of community and competition. Plus this competition showed the nobleman of the area in this case the Earl of Warwick who their best men were to send in to battle and increase their standing with the current king or Queen.

With this significance in archery laws were made to make it mandatory. Historically, laws regarding the practice of archery varied across regions and time periods. In medieval England, for example, laws such as the Assize of Arms mandated that men of certain social classes were required to possess and practice archery for defense purposes. Failure to do so could result in penalties. Later, during the Tudor period, laws like the Archery Law of 1541 continued to enforce the practice of archery, emphasizing its importance for national defense. However, by the 17th century, as fi****ms became more prevalent, archery laws began to decline in significance.

The practice area for archery were typically open spaces where archers would gather to hone their skills. In towns and parishes most of open space the parishioners could use was owned by the church and so, churchyards or lands associated with churches were used for archery practice.

The name “The Butts” for a road in Warwick could reflect this historical connection between archery and the church. Over time, the name may have persisted even if the use of the land has changed.

We are situated opposite Warwick Collegiate Church of St Mary’s and “The Butts” Road behind. Being The Apple Tree Tearooms you could say we have a connection to archery. Although unlike William Tell we prefer to eat our apples. come and visit the Tearooms where you can sit in our secret Tea Garden with it’s Apple tree and enjoy a pot of our tea, a coffee, cake and more.

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

Modern obsession with coffee, latte, Cappuccino, Americano or Flat White?

The history of modern coffee can be traced back to the Arabica coffee plant, native to the highlands of Ethiopia. Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi, who noticed his goats became more energetic after eating the berries from a certain plant.

Coffee cultivation then spread to the Arabian Peninsula, where it gained popularity. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in Yemen, and coffee houses, known as qahveh khaneh, became social hubs where people gathered to drink coffee and engage in intellectual discussions.

In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to Europe, leading to the opening of the first coffeehouse in Venice in 1645. Coffeehouses became centers of social activity and conversation in cities across Europe. By the 19th century, coffee had become a global commodity. But during all this time coffee was just a coffee produced via an infusion method where hot water was slowly passed over the roasted beans extracting the flavour and creating the dark coffee.

Modern artisan coffee as we think of it today did not come about till a lot later. It took the invention of the espresso machine in the late 19th century to revolutionise coffee preparation. Luigi Bezzera patented the first espresso machine in 1901, allowing for the quick extraction of concentrated coffee. This laid the foundation for various espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Both the latte and cappuccino stem from Italy the home of the esspresso machine, have become staples in coffee culture worldwide, with variations and adaptations to suit different preferences and regional tastes.

While in the 20th century, instant coffee gained popularity for its convenience. Companies like Nestlé introduced soluble coffee products. Meanwhile, espresso coffee still flourished as specialty coffee movements emerged, emphasizing high-quality beans and artisanal brewing methods. This need for specialist equipment and time to produce created the modern coffee culture we have on the high street today, the coffee industry continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability, fair trade practices, and diverse brewing techniques, reflecting a rich history of global coffee culture.

While we are The Apple Tree Tearooms here at our Tearooms we do more than just tea. With our espresso machine we can create all the modern coffee's the way you like it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND A PROSPEROUS 2024
From The Apple Tree Tearooms

Tearoom Talk - Friday Facts

We in England call it New Year’s Eve, but the Scottish call it Hogmanay?

The Apple Tree would like to take the time to wish all our customers over the year and the people of Warwick a Very Happy New Year. Or for those in Scotland a Happy Hogmanay. But why do the Scots call it Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, and its celebration has deep historical roots. The origins of the term are not entirely clear, but it may have connections to the Old French word "hoguinané," meaning a gift given at the New Year. The celebration has ancient pagan and Viking influences, with elements of the winter solstice and Yule traditions.

In the 16th century, the Scottish Reformation suppressed Christmas celebrations, leading to the prominence of Hogmanay as the main year-end celebration in Scotland. The customs associated with Hogmanay vary across regions but often include first-footing (being the first person to enter a home after midnight), fire festivals, and symbolic actions to ward off evil spirits.

The most famous Hogmanay celebration takes place in Edinburgh, where the Hogmanay Street Party attracts visitors from around the world. The customs and traditions associated with Hogmanay continue to evolve, blending old and new practices in a festive celebration of the incoming year.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas to all our customers and the people of Warwick from The Apple Tree Tearooms.

With all the seasons greetings at this time of year, where did Wishing your fellow close family, friends and colleagues a Merry Christmas originate from?

"Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a venerable Christmas carol that has woven itself into the fabric of holiday traditions. Its exact origins are somewhat elusive, but it is widely believed to have emerged in 16th-century England.

During this period, caroling became a cherished Christmas tradition. Groups of singers, often referred to as carolers, would venture from house to house, singing festive songs to bring merriment to their communities. "Wish You a Merry Christmas" likely evolved within this cultural milieu, serving as a musical expression of good tidings and well-wishes for the festive season.The lyrics of the carol are simple yet resonant, expressing the singers' desire for joy and good fortune. The repeated refrain of "We wish you a Merry Christmas" reflects the communal spirit of the season, where people come together to celebrate and share in the joy of the holidays.

Over the centuries, this humble carol has transcended its origins and geographical boundaries. It has become a universal expression of holiday cheer, embraced by diverse cultures and communities around the world. Its enduring popularity attests to the timeless sentiment encapsulated in its verses, making it a staple in Christmas celebrations across the globe.