Borough brews to mark Tea Day

Vickie Battersby, manager of Mrs Lyon's Tea Room, Standish, is celebrating National Tea Day with a pot of tea

National Tea Day 2017 takes place today and tea lovers across the UK will be raising a mug to celebrate the nation’s favourite drink.

And there will be plenty of establishments across Wigan borough who will be serving up cuppas in tribute.

Brits spend a hefty £1,475 on tea in a lifetime - more than we spend on other household staples including pasta, cooking oils and jam.

Kensington Roof Gardens will host the main event itself, the National Tea Day Festival, with artisan tea blends and snacks galore to sample.

However, the festivities are not limited to a rooftop in London. National Tea Day is something everyone can share in.

Some of the best tea houses in the country are participating, acting as official partners by running special promotions throughout the day.

The campaign is also encouraging tea-lovers to get involved themselves by hosting their own tea parties with friends and family.

And for some establishments a little closer to home, it will be business as usual.

Mrs Lyon’s Tea Room in Standish will be welcoming its customers to try its vast array of drinks and snacks, just as it does on any other day.

Manager Vickie said: “We have 19 loose leaf teas, and all your regular teas too.

“We also do a tea of the month, because we like to encourage people to try different things.”

Vickie, whose sister Elaine owns Mrs Lyon’s, added: “Tea culture in Wigan is alive and well.

“It’s such a novelty here because we serve tea in pots and fine china.

“People don’t really do that at home anymore, so it’s a nice treat.”

National Tea Day takes place every year in the UK on April 21.

It was founded as a community movement of tea drinkers to promote tea in British culture and also highlight charitable causes, including British Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and the cancer counselling charity We Hear You.

Author George Orwell, who will forever be linked to the borough through his book The Road to Wigan Pier, also won acclaim for his discourse on how to make the perfect cuppa.

For more information about the events and to find a participating tea room near you, visit nationalteaday.co.uk