We go from last weeks broken teapot to a plethora of teapots that need drinking from. Well it's a dirty job but someone has got to do it so it may as well be me. After writing this post a-place-with-all-the-elements.html about Elements Tea and Coffee House I was invited to go on a tea tasting evening which Elements were hosting. 

I had never been to a proper tea tasting session before and to be honest I didn't know what to expect. I thought I may have to seem professional and swill tea round, make slurpy noises and nod in all the right places but no it was so relaxed and very informative. I learnt so much about tea, yes more than I ever thought I knew. This session contained a bit of geography and history, it was like school but better because we drank tea. 

We were hosted by a lovely chap from Elements who really knew his stuff about tea and we were able to sample a large range of teas from white tea, green tea, black tea to the lovely tasty Rooibos which I think had to be my favourite. It was quite cleverly organised so that we started with the white teas which are not so strong and as we worked down the teapots, the tea got a little stronger. As I've mentioned we learnt where all these teas originated from, how they became to be popular and we also learnt the important bit......how to brew them or steep them.

All of the teas were presented in a shot glass which I thought was quite amusing at first but it made sense, we were tasting not on a marathon mug drinking sesh. Although I am now thinking that may be a great idea, to be sponsored to drink tea for charity? Only me then......ok.

We were given some bread as well to cleanse the pallet enabling us to get a real taste for all the different flavours. I was able to get some gluten free bread so very impressed there. We used the chart pictured above to describe the flavours we were tasting. It is very interesting how everyone's taste buds are slightly different and how some people interpret the taste of different teas. That's how we all discovered that we were drawn to different types of tea.......tea is very like people or should I say people are like tea. Life is one great big teapot. 

Overall I can really recommend this event if you are thinking of going. They do have another one scheduled for Sunday 27th January 3pm - 4.30pm. For £15 per person. You can enjoy a light buffet and taste a diverse range of teas including white, green, oolong, and black tea. Tickets are available on Eventbrite here www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elements-tea-tasting-workshop-tickets-53767759817?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

.....or you can get them from Elements too. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself booked in. The staff are so friendly and really spend time enabling you to get the most out of this experience. If you love tea this is a must and even if you don't please still think about going as you may learn something you didn't know or you may fall in love with a tea you hadn't even thought of loving. I'm making it sound like dating now eh? Go and meet your brew match........oh and let me know which tea was your favourite and which one you decided to take home. 

Thank you to the staff at Elements for providing a great evening for us. I hope all their events are successful as I'm sure they will be. Thank you so much for reading today. I will return tomorrow for What to Buy Wednesday but for now.........

Take care.

I know what you're thinking, my brew's gone all mouldy. No I hadn't waited that long, the service was better than that. It's a Matcha Latte which is delicious even with a bit of vanilla syrup added... ooooh yummeeee.

Matcha is a Japanese green tea and when mixed with steamed milk and a bit of sweetness it makes the perfect latte. Matcha is meant to have so many health benefits, it's high in a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate EGCG which is believed to have cancer fighting effects on the body. It tastes lovely as well, something between a milkshake and custard, probably not a great description but go and try one.

In fact go to this lovely place called Elements and try all sorts of tea and coffee. There are other drinks available and lots of tasty food. They cater for the gluten freer's and vegan ones amongst us which is great and there are events you can join in on as well. There is a Tea Tasting evening coming up  and they have opportunities for you to purchase vouchers for afternoon tea and even a vegan afternoon tea too. 

If you need a space to hold a workshop or meeting there is a space available to hire so this place just has everything. Free Wifi, changing facilities for the little ones and a friendly atmosphere. I loved it here, it was busy on a Saturday which is good......always think it's a good sign if it's busy. 

I first became aware of Elements when I attended the tea festival in Derby recently and they ran the teashop there. They haven't been open for long but from what I can see it's a successful little place so far. The staff are so friendly and I think I will be returning very soon. 

If you would like some more information on Elements Tea and Coffee House they have a website here: www.elementsderby.co.uk or if you fancy a visit then they can be found at 6 Royal Buildings, Victoria Street, Derby. DE1 1ES. I tend to follow them on Instagram, they put up some lovely photos and a lot of info including links to their events.

So go and have a brew and let me know what you think. I'm sure you will enjoy it. 

Thank you for reading today, I will be back tomorrow for What to Buy Wednesday but for now, take care.