My New Nicolas Fairford Loose Leaf Tea - A dream come true
Tea has been a lifelong passion of mine - some of my happiest memories are evoked by the scent and flavour of teas that I’ve enjoyed around the world.
I first enjoyed tea as an occasion from about the age of five. I would visit my grandmother who always gave me a cup of tea in a china teacup with a saucer. I’m not sure whether it was this, or that she gave me an extra heap of sugar in my tea that made me love it so much! From then on I saw teatime as a special occasion - this was not an everyday ritual, but something that happened once in a while, and something that I really enjoyed.
Throughout my teens I kind of forgot about tea as a special occasion - I was more interested in going to parties with friends, but in my early twenties my love for tea was reignited when I began to travel with my first boyfriend.
It was Valentines Day 2012 and we were spending the weekend at The Ritz in Paris. This was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen and I immediately became enamoured with the Parisian way of life and culture.
That weekend I had my first ever Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. Even now when I smell the fragrance of Earl Grey Tea I am immediately transported back to that magical time and place. This for me is the joy of teatime - it really is a very simple pleasure, but one that can be such a special moment to share with friends or loved ones.
After that weekend in Paris, we decided that we would have Afternoon Tea in as many places as possible. It became our special ‘thing’ and we had so much fun seeing how it was done in different places and countries.
When I first decided that I would like to have my own business and build a brand, having my own blend of tea was one of the things that I really wanted to do. Recalling all of the happy moments and memories I had enjoyed because of tea, I wanted to be able to help other people experience the very same, all because of something so simple but lovely.
I’m so excited to have achieved this goal with my three new blends of loose leaf tea. These are my favourite blends that I typically drink throughout the day, taking a little moment for myself at various points so that I can relax and recharge.
This last two years my life has been quite different. Like most people I have been unable to travel much due to the pandemic. I realised pretty quickly that I better make the most of what I could do - spending time in my City, and enjoying time with close friends.
As Edinburgh began to open up, I loved walking around the little cobbled streets, filled with boutiques and cafes. Tea, once again became something for me to cherish. I found a small, independent tea store with shelves filled with all different blends of loose leaf tea. The owner relished the opportunity to talk about all of these teas and how each one was unique and beautiful.
I believe strongly in shopping locally, and supporting local business. I also want to be able to do business with people who I can see face-to-face. I am pleased to say that my tea blends are sourced from this local supplier, just a few minutes walk from my home in Edinburgh.
My Breakfast Tea is a robust blend which gently eases me into the day and helps me get ready for a busy morning. I like it strong with just a drop of milk.
The Earl Grey with blue flowers is a highly fragrant tea which tastes wonderful with lemon. It is perfect after lunch to cleanse the pallet.
My Rose Petal tea is the most delicate of the three blends, it is wonderful in the later afternoon when you are craving something sweet.
I hope that these blends will inspire you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, especially in this time of extreme uncertainty - we all deserve to take a break and just breathe for a moment. I also hope that one day these moments will be fond memories for you, just like my weekend at The Ritz in Paris.
Nicolas x
Comments on this post (5)
BEAUTIFUL, I JUST DISCOVERED YOU ON YOU TUBE WATCHING 24/7 I’M RETIRED N DISABILITIES. I LIVE IN THE VILLAGES, FL. 32162 U.S.A. RECOVERING FROM 3 EMERGENCY SURGERIES STILL NOT WELL. I LOVE EVERY THING YOU SHARE N YOUR PERSONALITY IS LOVELY.. THANK YOU. YOU CHEER ME UP.. WAS TRYING TO FIND YOUR PRODUCTS NOT REAL TECHY GIGGLING… I’M 73YR. LIVE ALONE.. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I HOPE ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE YOUR DREAM HOME N RELATIONSHIP N FAMILY.. GOD BLESS YOU, SINCERLY, MARY MARTIN.. XOXOXOXOXO….
— MARY MARTIN
Dear Nicholas, I adore your channel and enjoy how you display everything in your home. Your style of entertainment is warm and very nice. I find all your travels so interesting and relaxing. I purchased the Downton Abbey cookbook just to have. You have inspired me to make some of the pastries for the holidays. I’m a fan of Downton Abbey series too! Blessings to you in all your endeavors.
Evelyn Mitchell
Compton CA
— Evelyn Mitchell
Nicolas, I just came across your YouTube channel and have started following you on all your social media. You seem like such a sweet and nice young man. And your style is absolutely exquisite in a natural, timeless and classy type of way that is my own. I hope all the best for all your endeavors. Thanks for sharing it with the world.
— Fabi Johns
Hi Nicholas,
I was wondering if you are thinking about creating pods with your tea to be used in Keurig machines? I am busy NP and sometimes I don’t even have time to eat, but when I find a little break between patients I like to enjoy a tea and I have a Keurig machine at my clinic. I would like to have the opportunity to enjoy your tea selection. It would probably make me think of the beautiful places you have shown us in your videos and the relaxing colors at your home.
Take care,
Mónica
— Mónica Schonteich
Wonderful story. I really enjoyed it and thank you for sharing. Sand Diego, California US
— PAMELA BEDELL