We’re thrilled to kick off our new blog series with an inside look at the heart and soul behind The Tea Makers of London. In this blog, we sit down with our founder, Sam, to explore his remarkable journey from the tea fields of Sri Lanka to establishing a beloved tea brand in the UK.
Discover how his childhood experiences among lush tea plantations ignited a lifelong passion for tea and learn about the early days of the business that began in a small, terraced house. From sourcing authentic teas to building a family-owned company, his story is a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and a love for sharing the true essence of tea.
Join us as we delve into the origins of our tea, the values that drive us, and the personal favourites that make each cup a unique experience.
Happy reading!
Can you tell us about your background and journey into the tea industry?
Tea has been a part of my life since childhood, deeply rooted in the lush valleys where I grew up, surrounded by vibrant green tea fields.
One of my earliest memories is playing around the tea fields with my cousins, absorbing the lush greenery and the aroma of tea leaves. I remember watching tea workers walk back from the plantations, carrying freshly plucked leaves in their baskets.
This early connection fostered my love for tea–not just as a comforting beverage, but as a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship.
As a young man, I wanted to avoid being stuck in an office. So, after completing secondary education, I entered the tea industry, going through a rigorous training process known as ‘creeping’ which is strenuous training in every minute aspect of running a tea plantation; managing and supporting the workers, overseeing the growth and harvest of the tea leaves and involvement in every stage of the processing after, ensuring the tea produced was of the utmost quality.
I developed a deep appreciation for the skill and dedication involved in tea production–from planting and harvesting to the intricate processes that bring out its unique flavours.
Having had the privilege of working directly with tea plantations and being involved in the tea-making process deepened my passion for tea and gave me a profound respect for the art of tea cultivation and the nuances that make each tea unique.
What led you from working on tea plantations in Sri Lanka to setting up a business in the UK?
The decision to start selling tea came naturally to me.
In the late 1990s, seeking a career change to learn new skills and explore more of the world, I moved to the UK to work in Procurement and Project Management. It was a great opportunity, and I loved my job, but I always had a deep desire to return to tea.
This was aided by the fact that I simply couldn’t find good tea here in the UK!
People drank cheap teabags from supermarkets and consumed it unthinkingly. Places that did sell loose-leaf were few and far between, and just didn’t have the quality and authenticity of the tea that I grew up with.
Tea had become a mass commodity, losing its authentic essence.
When I visited family in Sri Lanka, I would bring back tea to share with friends and colleagues
Seeing people truly enjoy what may very well have been their first taste of authentic loose-leaf tea revealed an appetite for it in Britain, people just needed to be made aware of it. And so, my wife and I decided to start The Tea Makers of London, aiming to share, quality, authentic tea.
What were the early days of the business like?
The early days were challenging, juggling our passion project with full-time jobs and raising two young children.
Unable to afford a web developer, my wife created our website herself. We started with a small selection of directly sourced Sri Lankan teas, operating from our two-bedroom terraced house. Our kitchen became our sampling area and were nearly always tripping over boxes.
I have fond memories of carrying bags of orders on foot to the local Post Office while heading to work. The staff soon came to recognise me, as you can imagine!
We operated this way for the first five years. It was tough but rewarding. The business grew, allowing me to leave my job and dedicate myself full-time to tea.
We eventually leased a small warehouse for our stock, and with passion and hard work the business has continued to grow and grow ever since.
What does a running a ‘family-owned’ business mean to you?
Family-owned companies have a close-knit team dynamic, and a strong company culture rooted in the founder's values. We’re no different here at The Tea Makers of London.
Decision-making is swift and personal, reflecting our vision, values, and long-term goals. This direct leadership fosters a strong sense of purpose and direction within the team.
It helps us be agile, resourceful, and prioritise long-term sustainability and legacy over short-term profits. Our team members tend to wear multiple hats, promoting versatility and high engagement. We build deep, personalised relationships with customers and maintain a strong sense of values and ethos.
What matters to you about tea?
Selling quality products is crucial, but spreading our knowledge and passion for tea is central to our mission.
My travels to various tea-growing regions around the world have deepened my understanding and admiration. Each region’s unique cultivars, terroir, and processing methods produce teas with distinct characteristics, reflecting the diversity and richness of this ancient beverage.
Tea is more than just a drink to me; it’s a lifelong journey of discovery and a testament to the beauty of nature and human craftsmanship.
Central to offering good tea is having good, strong relationships with suppliers. This way we not only ensure quality, but workers’ welfare as well.
When I worked in the tea industry, I saw up close the challenges that many of the tea workers faced. As a plantation manager I was involved in building housing and infrastructure for workers, providing childcare creches and promoting education. I wanted to ensure our teas came from estates that cared for their workforce.
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends?
I have a close network of friends and colleagues in the wider tea industry, and this is a great way to keep abreast of the latest industry news and share information and knowledge. I also take a keen interest in the new trending topics whether in wider beverage world, hospitality sector or wellness, so that it helps us to make sure we offer the products what the customers are looking for.
Ok, here’s an easy question to finish on: which are your favourite teas?
I’m not sure that’s an easy question! During the spring I enjoy the lightness and freshness of a First Flush Darjeeling or a white tea.
My favourite green teas are our Supreme Dragon Well and our Japanese Sencha.
Black teas are my daily staple; I enjoy a strong Sri Lankan (or commonly referred to as Ceylon) tea or a malty Indian Assam for my breakfast, often with a dash of milk.
While we provide detailed information about our teas– their origin, origin, flavour, and brewing guides I believe tea is something personal to everyone. and everyone should enjoy it based on their experiences and preferences. After all, it should be your cup of tea.
