Unleashing celestial sips: A night out at Portobello Road’s Bird & Blend Tea Company Shop

Activities

Published on Sunday, 16 July 2023 20:47

Last Updated on 18 July 2023

Monica Costa

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On a hot summer evening in the vibrant neighborhood of Notting Hill, Portobello Road is bustling with life. Amidst the eclectic mix of shops and colorful houses, there is a hidden gem called Bird & Blend Tea Company Shop. This unique tea shop combines the worlds of astrology, mixology, and tea to create an enchanting experience for tea lovers and astrology enthusiasts alike. As I stepped into the shop, I was immediately captivated by the aroma of various tea blends and the lively atmosphere. The highlight of the evening was the Zodiac tea collection, where each astrological sign has its own specially crafted tea blend. Led by the visionary Chief Mixologist, Krisi Smith, Bird & Blend takes tea blending to new heights, offering a range of blends that go beyond one’s zodiac sign, allowing for a personalised and magical experience.

Zodiac Alchemy and Celestial Brews

During my enlightening encounter with astrologist Amanda on site, she delved into the intricacies of my birth zodiac and unveiled the multifaceted world of Gemini, coincidentally her own star sign. With profound insight, she unraveled the layers of my personality traits, highlighting my adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and expressive nature. Amanda then ventured into the realm of relationships, exploring the potential compatibility between Gemini and Pisces. She suggested that in my quest for a suitable partner, I should set my sights on a male Pisces, emphasising their innate sensitivity, empathy, and imaginative spirit. Amanda’s guidance sparked a newfound curiosity in celestial connections, paving the way for a captivating journey of self-discovery and romantic exploration.

Surrounded by the eclectic mix of tea blending and zodiac, we then went on to indulge in Gemini and Pisces tea blends. 

Tasting the Stars: Exploring the Zodiac Tea Collection

The Zodiac tea collection at Bird & Blend is a testament to the artistry and creativity of the mixologists. By carefully selecting and blending different flavors, spices, herbs, and the finest tea leaves, they have created teas that beautifully align with the characteristics of each astrological sign. It’s a fusion of astrology and tea, inviting tea enthusiasts to embark on a celestial journey.

The beauty of the Zodiac tea collection lies in its versatility. It goes beyond merely matching your zodiac sign; it offers an opportunity to explore and experience different flavors and elements. As a Gemini, I was intrigued by the tea blend specifically created for my sign. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my favorite blend was actually the one designed for Cancer, a water sign. This blend, featuring apple, strawberry, and hibiscus combined with rooibos tea, offered a fruity and cakey indulgence that provided the warmth and loyalty I sought.

The mixologists at Bird & Blend have paid great attention to detail in crafting each blend. For Aries, the fire sign, they created a tea that is spicy and zingy, incorporating cinnamon, apple, rosehip, and orange peel. Taurus, an earth sign, is grounded by its connection to nature, and the blend for this sign features roasted dandelion root, nettle, liquorice, fenugreek, and chamomile. The exploration of flavors and ingredients continues through each sign, resulting in a diverse and enticing collection.

 

Unlocking the Elements: Tea Cocktails and Cold Brews

At Bird & Blend, the journey through flavors doesn’t end with the Zodiac tea collection. The mixologists have also curated a delightful selection of tea cocktails and cold brews that bring a new dimension to the tea experience. These innovative creations combine the depth and complexity of teas with carefully chosen ingredients to craft refreshing and imaginative concoctions.

One standout tea cocktail was the Leo blend, inspired by the warm and comforting energy of the Leo sign. This luxurious and sparkly fruity blend, featuring apple pieces, cocoa shells, rosehip, hibiscus, hawthorn, orange peel, and sprinkles, provided a delightful and indulgent experience. It was a true celebration of Leo’s vibrant personality.

For those looking for a refreshing twist, the cold brews at Bird & Blend are a must-try. Cold brewing tea brings out unique flavours and subtleties, creating a smooth and refreshing beverage. The mixologists have crafted cold brews using different tea blends, fruits, and herbs, resulting in a diverse range of flavours to suit every palate. My favourite ones are the Strawberry Lemonade and the Peach Soda. Cold brew tea offers hydration, low sugar content, and ready to brew convenience, these teas are not only a healthier choice but also eco-friendly and cost-effective. They retail at a starting price of £3.50 from www.birdandblendtea.com

 

Mixing Magic: Tea Mixology Blending experience

As part of the evening at Bird & Blend, the tea mixologist delved deeper into the art of tea blending. The event began with an introduction to the different types of teas and their production processes. Learning about the origins and characteristics of various teas heightened my appreciation for the craft. We sampled an array of award-winning blends, immersing ourselves in their unique flavours and aromas. The mixologist shared insights into the best ways to enjoy each tea and their respective health benefits, making the experience not only enjoyable but also informative.

Throughout the tasting, we were treated to unlimited tea and tea cocktails. This continuous flow of inspiration kept our creativity fueled as we explored different combinations and experimented with flavours. The tea cocktails, in particular, added a fun and playful twist to the blending process. It was fascinating to see how tea can be transformed into a refreshing and vibrant beverage when combined with complementary ingredients.

At the end of the event, we left with our favourite zodiac blends, ready to be enjoyed at home. I did not choose my Gemini sign blend but the Cancer mix as I prefer roiboos to black tea. The experience not only deepened my understanding of tea but also sparked a newfound passion for tea blending. It was a truly unforgettable evening of exploration, creativity, and indulgence.

Bird & Blend Tea Company Shop in Notting Hill is not just a tea shop; it is a haven for tea enthusiasts and astrology lovers alike. Its unique concept, combined with knowledgeable and friendly staff, creates an enchanting atmosphere where tea becomes a magical experience.