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A Nice Cup of Tea


A Nice Cup of Tea, the Orwell Foundation 

George Orwell, the author of classics like *1984* and *Animal Farm*, wrote a delightful essay titled **"A Nice Cup of Tea"** in 1946, where he passionately outlines his vision for the perfect brew.

He argues that tea is a pillar of civilization (especially in Britain), yet surprisingly absent from most cookbooks, and that its preparation sparks fierce debates. Orwell insists on strong black tea from India or Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), dismissing Chinese varieties as lacking the invigorating kick that makes one feel "wiser, braver or more optimistic."

His **eleven golden rules** for brewing the ideal cup:

1. Use Indian or Ceylonese tea—China tea lacks stimulation.

2. Make it in small quantities in a teapot (preferably china or earthenware; avoid silver or enamel).

3. Warm the pot beforehand.

4. Make the tea strong—one strong cup beats twenty weak ones.

5. Put the loose leaves directly in the pot (no strainers or bags that trap them).

6. Bring the teapot to the boiling kettle (not vice versa) for truly boiling water on impact.

7. Stir or shake the pot well after pouring, then let leaves settle.

8. Drink from a cylindrical "breakfast" cup, not a shallow one.

9. Use creamy (but not too rich) milk—avoid skim or dairy substitutes.

10. Pour the tea into the cup first, then add milk (to control the amount precisely).

11. No sugar—tea should be bitter, like beer; sugar ruins the true flavor.

Orwell's rules remain charmingly opinionated and quintessentially British, even if modern tea lovers might quibble over sugar, milk-first debates, or global varieties. Fancy trying his method for your next cuppa?
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