Huddersfield’s Tea History

Huddersfield has a rich history when it comes to tea. The town was once a major center for the tea trade in the 19th century, with many tea merchants and importers based in the area.

In the early 1800s, tea consumption in England was on the rise, and Huddersfield was perfectly placed to take advantage of this trend. The town was a major textile center, and the textile mills required a constant supply of water, which was readily available from the nearby rivers. This made Huddersfield an ideal location for tea merchants and importers to set up shop, as they could easily transport the tea from the ports to the mills via canals and railways.

Huddersfield's tea trade declined in the late 19th century, due to increased competition from other towns and cities and the rise of tea bags which made it easier for people to brew their own tea at home. However, the town's tea heritage can still be seen today, with acclaimed tea rooms and cafes, such as The Northern Tea House and Lost Property, which continue to serve traditional blends of tea and provide a taste of Huddersfield's tea history. Not to mention our loose leaf tea shop situated in Byram Arcade, Huddersfield’s oldest market, where you can come and browse our huge selection of ethically sourced luxurious teas from around the world.

Click here to buy luxurious loose leaf tea from our Huddersfield shop

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Click here to buy luxurious loose leaf tea from our Huddersfield shop 〰️

Today, Huddersfield may no longer be a major center for the tea trade, but its history is still celebrated in various ways. The town holds an annual Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival, which features tea as one of its main attractions, with us at Porter Hill, cafes and other local businesses showcasing their goods. It is clear that the lasting legacy of tea trade in Huddersfield can be experienced to this day and it’s something we intend to celebrate for a long time to come!