British style tea

• The kettle is brought to a rolling boil (with fresh water to ensure good oxygenation which is essential for proper diffusion of the tea leaves).[19]
• Enough boiling water is swirled around the teapot to warm it and then poured out.
• Add loose tea leaves, (usually black tea) or tea bags, always added before the boiled water.
• Fresh boiling water is poured over the tea in the pot and allowed to brew for 2 to 5 minutes while a tea cosy may be placed on the pot to keep the tea warm.[20]
• The host asks guests if they want milk and sugar with their tea.
• A tea strainer is placed over the top of the cup and the tea poured in, unless tea bags are used. Tea bags may be removed, if desired, once desired strength is attained.
• Fresh milk and white sugar is added according to individual taste. Most people have milk with their tea, many without sugar.
• The pot will normally hold enough tea so as not to be empty after filling the cups of all the guests. If this is the case, the tea cosy is replaced after everyone has been served. Hot water may be provided in a separate pot, and is used only for topping up the pot, never the cup.