Brew the Perfect (Cornish) Cup of Tea

In Cornwall, tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re perched on a harbour wall, watching the waves roll in, or warming up after a blustery walk across the moors, a proper Cornish brew is essential. Here’s how to make it just right:

Cornwall Brews It Differently

First things first. Here in Cornwall, tea isn’t just a drink—it’s fuel. Whether you’re hauling crab pots at dawn, hiking the cliffs with the wind in your face, or just watching the waves roll in after a long day, a proper brew is part of the rhythm of life. Fine china? That’s optional. What matters is that your tea is hot, strong, and ready when you need it—and that’s exactly why we came up with our Smugglers Brew.

Built for the bold, Smugglers Brew is as robust as the Cornish coastline itself—perfect for keeping you going through the toughest days. Packed with flavour and strength, it’s made to give you that extra push when you’re working hard or just soaking up the view. No frills, just a good, hearty brew to fuel your adventure. Whether it’s in your flask, your mug, or straight from the pot, Smugglers Brew is the cuppa Cornwall’s been waiting for.

Tea Goes Where You Go

Tea in Cornwall doesn’t wait for a fancy teapot or a quiet moment. It’s in your flask on a fishing boat, in a chipped mug on a workbench, or balanced on a fence post while you take a break from grafting. It’s brewed in beach shacks, caravan stoves, and thermoses tucked under a coat on a stormy day. It’s the first thing you reach for when the sun comes up and the last sip you take before turning in (though we do like to switch to decaf teas in the evening!).

Some say there’s a right way to make tea. We say there’s your way—so long as it’s strong enough to keep you going and hot enough to thaw out your fingers. Because in Cornwall, a good cuppa isn’t just about taste—it’s about getting on with the day, one sip at a time.

Flask in your backpack? Mug on the dash of the van? Steaming brew in your workshop? That’s the Cornish way. A decent tea keeps you going, whether you’re knee-deep in seawater or halfway up a windswept tor. It’s there when you need to warm your hands after a long morning on the water, or when you finally down tools for a well-earned break.

Take a Moment to Enjoy

Of course, it’s not all graft—Cornwall does tea breaks properly too. An afternoon brew with a sea view? That’s a way of life. A flask cracked open on the cliffs, a quiet moment in a harbourside café, or a full spread of scones, jam, and clotted cream (jam first, obviously). We’re particularly fond of our orange teapot—it’s seen more brews than we can count, and it’s proof that a proper cuppa is all about simple pleasures done right.

Water Fresh Off the Boil

A proper cuppa starts with fresh water—none of that reboiled nonsense. Stale water makes for stale tea, and we won’t stand for that. If you’re out in the wild, a kettle over a campfire, a gas stove, or even a flask filled from a beachside café will do the trick. If you’re at home, just make sure the water’s rolling hot—no half-hearted simmering.

Of course, if you’re making green tea, don’t go scalding the poor thing. Let it cool a little first, or you’ll end up with something as bitter as a seagull that’s just lost its pasty.

Steep It Like You Mean It

None of this wishy-washy nonsense. Let it brew proper—strong and full of character. Whether you’re taking a break after a hard day or just enjoying a quiet moment, this is how you make a brew that packs a punch:

Drink It However You Like

Here’s the thing - Cornwall does what Cornwall wants. Milk first, milk last, no milk at all - it’s your brew, your rules. Just don’t let it go weak, or we’ll have words.

Perched on a harbour wall, straight from a travel mug on a fishing boat, or with a Cornish biscuit in hand after a surf - tea in Cornwall isn’t about being fancy. It’s about getting on with your day and enjoying every sip.

Brew up, crack on, and do it the Cornish way.