In 2012, Good and Proper Tea founder Emilie Holmes decided to take off her corporate advertising hat and don a trader’s apron, bringing her obsession for tea to the people of London and beyond.

Leaving a successful career at Ogilvy & Mather, Emilie had a vision for tea done right. She parlayed her corporate advertising savvy into establishing a new “classic” brand that restores quality and craft to this quintessential component of British culture. She bought herself a stylish 1974 Citroen H van, had it fitted out for the tea trade, and opened her side window to London’s tea lovers. And the people of London are better for it. Emilie makes a mean cuppa.

Good and Proper Tea first caught my eye while exploring around the King’s Cross area in late summer. I stopped by for a tea and a short chat with Emilie. Both tea and conversation were pleasant and stimulating.

Knowing that Good and Proper Tea also traded south of the river at Brockley Market, a few weeks later I headed over to enjoy another tea, try out the crumpets, and to have a closer look at this quaint neighborhood market.

Arriving early, the market was in full set-up mode. The locals were out in force ready for a quick breakfast and to stock up on groceries for the week.

I went for the Good and Proper Tea “Golden Tips” brew. And to accompany my tea, the “Posh Crumpet” …

Brockley has a nice nostalgic feel tempered by a bevy of hipster handcrafted food offerings. A good mix of meat, vegetables, bread and flowers are on offer as well as some specialties. The game meat purveyor and raw milk concession caught my eye. I’m going to try out those guys on my next visit. Interspersed amongst the food suppliers is a good variety of street food vendors. You will, without a doubt, find something there to suit your cravings.

Even before opening, Emilie’s operation was in full swing, her array of special “steep” timers counting down the seconds to pure tea happiness. Customers and traders alike had started to queue. There was no shortage of self-proclaimed “tea snobs” in line for tea steeped to perfection.

I went for the Good and Proper Tea “Golden Tips” brew. And to accompany my tea, the “Posh Crumpet”, a lovely breakfast treat of salmon, cream cheese, and cheese piled high on a square crumpet – sort of a sister snack to the Manhattan classic, coffee and a bagel with lox and cream cheese. Communal tables and benches are dispersed around the market making for a fun place to mingle and strike up conversations with the locals.

Emilie now provides her loose teas beautifully packaged for home brewing. You just need to supply your own timer. It’s a perfect souvenir of modern British culture, looking forwards and backward in equal measure. Take some home and share the experience with friends and family.

Looking for an authentic London experience? This Saturday-morning outing fits the bill.

Details

You will find Emilie and her spiffy Citroen on Saturdays at Brockley Market, or on weekdays at Kings Cross. Follow Good and Proper Tea on Twitter or Facebook.

www.goodandpropertea.com

Photography and story by Daniela Stallinger

Article last updated on: August 31, 2016