Latest news with #JoBryant
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Milk first or last? Experts FINALLY settle the great tea debate - so, do you agree with their method for a perfect cuppa?
It's a debate that takes place in office kitchens across the UK. Should you put milk into your tea before or after the boiling water? Now, a survey has finally settled the debate - and it's bad news if you're an advocate for putting the milk in first. According to a survey of 2,000 British tea lovers, you should always put the milk in after the water. A resounding 78 per cent of Brits say that when it comes to brewing the perfect cup, milk before water is a percolating no-no! Etiquette consultant, Jo Bryant, agreed that milk last was the correct tea-making mehthod. 'I'm with the majority,' she said. 'A cup of English Breakfast tea, freshly-brewed for around two minutes, with a moderate amount of milk - and its always tea first, milk last.' The survey, commissioned by Aldi, found that the majority of us (72 per cent) drink an average of four cups a day, with 55 per cent preferring tea to coffee. In fact, according to the data, we drink a staggering 127,034,668 cups of tea every day in Britain. Despite our widespread love for tea, a quarter (22 per cent) are making their cuppas incorrectly, by adding the milk in first. According to the majority, the perfect cup of tea is English Breakfast (67 per cent), adding hot water first before letting the bag stew for two minutes to achieve the ultimate shade. Half (49 per cent) agree that a splash of semi-skimmed milk should then be added to help bring the temperature down to 57 degrees, which is considered the perfect drinking temperature. The survey comes shortly after an American scientist caused a stir by claiming the secret to a perfect cup of tea was a pinch of salt. Professor Michelle Francl, a professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College, analysed hundreds of research papers and ancient texts dating back over 1,000 years to devise her ultimate, albeit perplexing, recipe. She says the key factors to a delicious cup of char include: 1. Adding a pinch of salt - the sodium ion in salt blocks the chemical mechanism that makes tea taste bitter. 2. Warming the milk and adding it second - this will reduce the chance of curdling and better control the rate at which the tea cools. 3. Steeping tea bags quickly but with plenty of dunking and squeezing - to reduce the sour-tasting tannins created by caffeine dissolving slowly in water. In less controversial advice, Professor Francl says it helps to pre-heat your cup or pot to release more 'aromatic compounds' from the tea. And a small squeeze of lemon juice can remove the 'scum' that sometimes appears on the surface of the drink, which is formed from chemical elements in the tea and water. The best way to eat a Chocolate Digestive biscuit 1. Remove the biscuit from the packet at room temperature 2. Bring it towards your mouth with the chocolate side facing up 3. As you go to take a bite, turn the biscuit over so the chocolate is facing down 4. Take a substantial bite with the chocolate directly hitting the tongue first 5. If you're by yourself, eat initially with the mouth open to hear the crunching of the biscuit which makes the taste sensation more memorable 6. Chew slowly after the first few mouthfuls to maximise the full taste experience
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Are you brewing your tea wrong? Quarter of Brits are
Almost a quarter (22%) of those who make tea are doing it wrong by putting the milk in first and English Breakfast (67%) is the go-to brew. Of those asked, 78% add the water first before letting the bag stew for two minutes to achieve the ultimate shade - classic builders (toffee brown), the supermarket shared. How many cups of tea/coffee should you drink a day? Nearly half agreed that a splash of semi-skimmed milk should then be added to help bring the temperature down to 57 degrees which is considered the perfect drinking temperature. Two in five (38%) of tea drinkers revealed they prefer their brew with no sugar at all, while almost a quarter (22%) take two sugars. How should you make the perfect tea? Jo Bryant, an etiquette consultant, said: 'It's clear that tea remains a very important part of our lives, with the average Brit consuming a staggering 1,460 cups a year, and each tea-drinker has their own particulars about how they have their tea. 'I'm with the majority as I love a cup of English Breakfast tea, freshly-brewed for around two minutes, with a moderate amount of milk – and it's always tea first, milk last. 'It is good manners when making someone else a cup of tea to check how they like it. Most people simply ask about milk and sugar, but it is better tea-making etiquette to also enquire about strength and any other preferences 'Try to take the time to make perfect brews for friends, colleagues and family, and make sure you remember just how they like it for next time.' While tea remains a constant in British lives, the way the nation is consuming it seems to be changing, with several tea traditions falling out of favour. Can drinking tea help you live longer? Drinking two or more cups of tea per day is linked with a lower risk of death, compared with not drinking tea, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine,' says the British Heart Foundation. The charity added: 'Tea is known to contain beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, that boost your overall health. 'Previous studies in China and Japan have suggested that drinking green tea regularly is linked with better health and a lower risk of dying. 'But past studies focusing on populations that mostly drink black tea haven't given clear results.' Recommended reading: Tea traditions that are becoming less popular Below are the tea traditions that are becoming less popular, according to Aldi. Tea cosies Teasmades Sugar lumps in a small bowl Teapots Using tea leaves and strainers Milk and two sugars China cups Sugar in your tea Cow's milk Dunking biscuits How many of these still apply to your tea-making routine? Let us know in the comments.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
The 13 telltale signs you are more common than you think & your summer habits give it all away
MANY people love summer for unwinding with pals or sprucing up the garden. But some popular sunny weather habits may be giving off signs that you are actually 'common', according to etiquette experts. 10 10 If you don't want to look tacky, you may wish to avoid the following 15 telltale signs… 1. FIRE PITS While fire pits may be appealing to those obsessed with Love Island, expert William Hanson isn't entirely sold on the idea. He told Fabulous: "I suppose they're appealing to the neanderthals among us I guess, I'm not one of them. "They're not the tackiest thing to have in your garden, I'd rather that than a gnome or a hot tub, but if in doubt, don't." As if the barbecue wasn't Neanderthal enough for most men, enter the fire pit. The smarter set will simply add a sensible fleece or heavy jumper if they are outside and getting cold. 2. PATIO STENCILLING William added that not only is stencilling your patio a social faux pas, you should avoid calling it that altogether. He explained: 'To start with, calling it a patio is the first social booby trap. It's a terrace or veranda. 'Patio sounds faintly mythic and socially sound people will have no idea what you're talking about - or pretend not to. 'Then we come to the stencilling. 10 Etiquette expert Jo Bryant reveals the right way to use a knife and fork 'Just as with faux grass, if you want a greco-inspired terrace then rip the tiles up and put in the real deal, rather than waste time doing superficial stencils. 'Patio stencilling is horticultural tattooing. Enough said.' 3. FLIP FLOPS According to etiquette expert Laura Windsor, who runs her own academy, you should not be seen in flip flops in town, even if it is scorching hot. She told Fabulous: 'Flip flops are not appropriate for town, shopping, dining, or socialising unless you are on the beach or by the pool. 'And is it practical? Have you ever tried running in flip flops? You are basically barefoot and one stubbed toe away from a lot of pain as well as opening yourself up to social embarrassment. 'A fashion faux pas, exposing all sorts of toe health problems - who wants to see hairy toes, ingrown toe nails, and other deformities on their way to the coffee shop? 'Common, yes in both senses of the word.' 4. TOPLESS MEN Even during boiling temperatures, men should never take their tops off, according to Laura. She explained: 'A definite no no - even if, on occasion, it may get up to 31 degrees. 'No one wants to see you flaunting your beer belly or your hairy arms, armpits and back. Just adopt a bit of self-control. 'Keep this for your more intimate moments unless you are at the beach or by the pool.' 5. CALLING PROSECCO, CHAMPAGNE Laura said that you never offer a guest 'champagne', when you have prosecco. She added: 'It's like promising someone a luxury yacht and turning up in a rubber dinghy. 'It's also intimating that you think Prosecco is an Italian champagne. 'Champagne is champagne - expressly from the Champagne region in France. 'Prosecco is known as sparkling wine. Refined or 'posh' people know the difference and will call it by its appropriate name.' 6. ADULTS IN PADDLING POOLS 10 Laura said that despite paddling pools being unsightly and only suitable for children, it seems to attract a lot of adults who 'think that it's ok to wash their muddy feet in it, unaware that children are inside.' She added: 'And suddenly it becomes a shared foot bath along with half the garden that the children have brought with them. 'Eventually it looks like a swamp and smells like a science project gone wrong. "Is that really 'posh'?' 7. EGG CHAIRS William said that any form of chair, ovular or not, suspended from a chain is probably not a good idea. He explained: 'We all know what is going to happen at some point. Snap! 'You'll fall to the ground, the thing will break and you'll have egg chair all over your face. 'To paraphrase George Orwell: four legs, good - one chain, bad.' 8. STRING BIKINI BOTTOMS Everybody is racing to update their summer wardrobe with the latest fashion – but there are some trends that aren't so hot. Etiquette coach Anna Bey says a big no-no for summer are high-wasited bikini bottoms with a draw-string. She says: 'Ladies like to pull it up almost to their ears. 'I get it, we have this trend right now with this kind of bikini bottoms but this in particular makes me really disgusted, every time I see it on my Instagram feed.' Anna credits influencers and models as the reason behind the bikinis popularity. The expert says that women who wear ths type of bottoms 'really wants to highlight their crotch area' – and can even be a bit vulgar. She suggests that if women want to look elegant they should go for traditional swimwear looks that are more covered up. 9. HOT TUBS With the hot weather we've had this summer, some people have found buying a hot tub for their garden has been a godsend. However, William argued: 'These oversized petri dishes of filth have become the 2020 social indicator of the aspirational lower middle class. 'There are few worse accusations one can level against someone than that they own, or aspire to own, a hot tub. 'No amount of money spent on such an item will upgrade a person's garden. 'The presence of a hot tub does not transform a nondescript-semi in Borehamwood to a cosy chalet in Val d'isere.' 10. KIDNEY SHAPED PONDS William said it is acceptable to have a "lake" in your garden, if the size allows, but a small kidney-shaped pond is something else entirely. He explained: "They are dreadful for so many reasons. "Even if you put expensive koi carp in it, it is still dreadful." 11. PLASTIC FLUTES Plastic flutes may be light-weight for picnics, but are not that chic, argues Laura. She shared: "It's definitely for the cheap and cheerful. Let me ask you a question: would you prefer drinking beer from a glass or a plastic one? "99 per cent would probably say glass. "Any wine lover will know that drinking a good wine from a plastic cup doesn't exalt the wine's aroma and quality. "It's not just about getting 'happy' - it is about the experience; wrapping your lips around the glass rim, smelling the wine, holding the weight of a glass as opposed to the flimsy weight of a plastic one and holding the glass properly by its stem." 12. PLASTIC PRIVACY SCREENS 10 Privacy fences or screens have boomed in popularity in recent years, but perhaps you should think twice before forking out. Laura shared: "I call them evergreen monstrosities, protecting you from the neighbours, and from having good taste." 13. BLASTING MUSIC It is tempting to host a party when the sun comes out, but there are some rules to consider. Laura advised: "Blasting your music in your garden for all to hear is seen as lacking in consideration and respect for your neighbours - disturbing their peace and quiet. "Wear your headphones, airpods etc! "Nowadays there is no excuse for disrupting everyone's weekend, and that includes wearing headphones anywhere in public too!" Dinner party and guest etiquette Whether it's your first time hosting friends at your new house, or you're a regular dinner party invitee... Fabulous' Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, has put together a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to dinner parties and guest etiquette - and it doesn't include sending a guest a bill at the end of the night! Do show up on time - a 10-minute grace period is allowed, but anything longer without letting the host know, is just plain rude. Don't show up empty handed - unless you're popping round for a quick coffee, you should always show up with a small token of your appreciation for the host and their efforts. Flowers, a bottle of wine, candle, or contribute to the dinner by making dessert. Don't start eating until everyone is seated - what might be an obvious rule, it's one many forget. Cooking a meal for a group of people takes a lot of effort, so wait for the host to park themselves, thank them, and await instruction. Don't do the dishes, do clear the table - everyone has their way of cleaning and tidying up. If you swan into the kitchen and start scrubbing, it could be seen as an insult. So help clear the table, and ask if there's anything else you can do - perhaps top up everyone's glass? Get off your phone - few things can make a person feel less seen or important than coming second to a mobile. Leave it in your pocket, and check anything urgent during toilet breaks.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Biggest entertaining pet peeves for Brits as they plan Bank Holiday gatherings
The biggest pet peeves Brits experience when hosting have been revealed - from guests arriving too late or early to people not giving a heads up about allergies or droning on about kids' achievements With the summer feeling like its upon us, many people will be planning parties and gatherings, particularly with the upcoming bank holiday weekend. But, while we may love throwing a great garden party, having loved ones round for a BBQ or just enjoying a drink with friends in the evening sunshine, sometimes we don't love our guests quite so much. 61% of Brits are getting ready to open their doors to family and friends this bank holiday weekend, and new research has revealed the pet peeves that will dampen even the most sunny of gatherings. The biggest social faux pas that irked Brits were arriving too late or too early, not mentioning allergies or dietary requirements in advance, leaving the bathroom light on and droning on about children's achievements. Other ways to get your host's hackles up include having your phone at the table, not bringing a bottle but drinking other people's drinks, and unwelcome intruders in the kitchen. The survey, commissioned by British Gas, shows just how house-proud us Brits really are. Behind every great gathering is a flurry of preparation - 78% vacuum the entire house, while 21% iron tablecloths and many even tinker with the thermostat or fan to get the temperature to guests just right. And it's not just indoors where we have an eye for minute detail. When it comes to our outdoor spaces, 55% tidy the garden, 43% cut the grass, and 15% go to the extra mile with a pressure wash to really make things gleam. While we love having people round, the research also found that Brits think the price of having guests over has increased. 95% believe the price of hosting during the summer has soared, with 79% looking for ways to try and cut costs. The favourite ways to save include picking wallet-friendly food options like hot dogs (37%), asking guests to bring their own drinks (29%) and 7% even ask for financial contributions. Brits looking to save on their energy bills have said they are switching to an air fryer rather than using an oven (43%), cooking during off-peak hours (17%) and turning off unused devices (45%). British Gas is helping out this bank holiday weekend offering two consecutive days of half price electricity to celebrate reaching one million PeakSave customers. The offer runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday and Monday, helping people enjoy their get-togethers at home, without the added cost, you can learn more here. And if you aspire to be the perfect host, etiquette expert Jo Bryant says the key is organisation, prepping ahead and making sure you relax. 'The best gatherings strike the right balance between thoughtful planning and relaxed fun,' she added. 'And that includes making practical, energy-saving choices behind the scenes. Guests notice the effort you make - whether it's setting a lovely table or just having a tidy kitchen. But good etiquette goes both ways. Guests should arrive on time, join in and be social, not hog any 'sharing food', and always offer to help." Her top tips include writing a list of tasks for your gathering and planning as much ahead as possible. Starters and side dishes that can be served cold can be made in advance while dishes that require similar cooking times and temperatures make prep easier and more energy efficient. Jo also recommends asking close friends to bring a dessert, a bottle or some nibbles to keep your costs and workload down and to keep people out of the kitchen if at all possible. And if you're hosting on Monday, then you can make the most of PeakSave hours on Sunday to clean and tidy the house and garden. Catherine O'Kelly, managing director of British Gas Energy, said: 'Whether our customers want to mow the lawn or cook a family feast, they can rely on us to help them enjoy the long weekend for less. We're proud to have already helped one million PeakSave customers save money by shifting their energy usage and hope that this Bank Holiday, even more can entertain at home without worrying about the extra cost.' Brits' top 20 hosting pet peeves: Guests being late Guests arriving early Guests who won't leave Not being told about allergies House being messy People who tell long-winded stories that enver get to the point Talking about politics The cost of buying everything Parents bragging about their children's achievements People answering 'business calls' at the table Guests not taking their shoes off Phones at the table Not being told about intolerances Guests who don't bring a bottle but drink off yours Managing all the cooking timings Your garden being messy Children acting up because they are bored Guests messing with the table plan People hovering in the kitchen The BBQ taking ages to heat up
