STANSTED, UK — Signature beverages went down a treat with judges in the first heat of the UK Tea Brewer’s Championships. The championships were launched at the Beverage Standard Associations PopUp Show at Bury Lodge, Stanstead where contestants were required to prepare 3 Classic Teas consisting of High Mountain Black tea from Taiwan, Mi Lan Dan Cong Dark Oolong from China, and Japanese Sencha, and a Signature Drink within a 20-minute time-frame
Only loose teas are used during the competition (no infusions are to be used for the preparation of the signature drinks unless they contain pure teas in them).
Tomasz’s Signature Drink was a green tea blend inspired by Le Manoir Aux Quat’saisons’ emphasis on natural foods and flavourings that aid the digestion and offer health benefits.
Bogdan’s Signature Drink, entitled Summer Breeze at Giverny, was inspired by Monet’s painting of his lily pond in his garden at Giverny.
The panel of judges was delighted with all the teas prepared and Head Judge, Jane Pettigrew, said: “Both Tomasz and Bogdan were prepared and produced a range of delicate and exquisite drinks from the 3 teas that were supplied. Both then raised their game to produce Specialty Drinks that wowed all the judges.”
Tim Sturk who compered the event said, “It was awe-inspiring to see two competitors who were steeped in tea knowledge and passion go head to head and produce 8 fantastic drinks.
The panel of professional judges included Jane Pettigrew, Director of Education, UK Tea Academy, Asako Steward from Infuse Tea, Juyan Webster from The Chinese Tea Company, and Martyn Herriott, of the Beverage Standards Association, who heads up the Beverage Standards Association UK City & Guilds and International Training Centres.
The UK Tea Brewers Championship now moves to further heats at Caffe Culture at the Business Design Centre in London in October 28-29 and will take place on both days of the event.
Twelve contestants will move forward to the semi-final on the first day of the UK Tea Festival (to be held at The Business Design Centre, Islington, London in March 2020), with the final six competing in the Competition Final on Day 2, culminating in the crowning of the UK Tea Brewers Champion 2020.
If you would like to know more about the UK Tea Brewers Championship go to
https://www.ukteaacademy.co.uk/uk-tea-brewers-championship
The top two contestants – Tomasz Wardecki from Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’saisons in Oxfordshire and Mihail Bogdan Danielescu Chirlomez – produced all their drinks within the time limit to a very high standard.
