The Great British Bake Off is almost back, and our teapots are already simmering with excitement. We know fans can look forward to another season of unforgettable bakes, soggy bottoms, and, of course, plenty of tea. While baking takes center stage, tea has always been the quiet, refined co-star.
If you’ve ever caught a glimpse, you know the show often features contestants baking for afternoon tea, from delicate cakes and pastries to rustic breads. The grand finale? A full-on afternoon tea party for the judges, friends, and family — a true celebration of British baking brilliance. Naturally, we wondered: if Harney & Sons were invited into the tent, which teas would we serve? Here’s how we’d pair our blends with the show’s iconic challenges.
Afternoon Tea Challenge
When bakers are asked to create a spread worthy of a traditional British afternoon tea, the stakes are as high as the cake stands. From dainty finger sandwiches to towering Victoria sponges, this challenge is all about elegance and balance. The only thing left? A pot of tea as thoughtfully chosen as the bakes themselves. Here’s what we’d pour to accompany the perfectly tiered display.
- Earl Grey Imperial – A bold black tea with bright bergamot, inspired by blends created for England’s Historic Royal Palaces. Best paired with citrus or butter-based treats such as lemon squares or madeleines.
- Paris – Inspired by Parisian tea shops, this fruity black tea blends vanilla, caramel, and a hint of bergamot for a truly enchanting cup. Best paired with vanilla scones, shortbread, or nut-based treats.
- Darjeeling – Light and floral, this blend of first flush and autumnal Darjeeling captures the elegance of the Himalayan “Queen of Teas.” Best paired with fruity tarts, scones, or cookies
Biscuit Week
Crisp, crumbly, and sometimes questionably dunkable — Biscuit Week is a Bake Off favorite. From intricately piped sandwich biscuits to towering cookie constructions, this challenge demands precision and personality. And since no biscuit is complete without a proper cup of tea, we’ve brewed up a few bold blends to match every bite.
- Royal English Breakfast – A smooth, medium-bodied blend of Ceylon and Kenyan black teas, this classic brew is especially delicious with milk and sugar. Its robust flavor pairs perfectly with rich, buttery biscuits, cutting through sweetness while complementing their crumbly texture.
- Scottish Morn – Our boldest, strongest tea. It’s so robust it can practically hold a spoon upright. Its full-bodied, malty flavor cuts through rich, buttery biscuits, making it the perfect hearty companion. Plus, a portion of sales supports the American-Scottish Foundation®’s charitable work.
- Hot Cinnamon Spice – Our most popular flavored tea worldwide. This blend is bold and naturally sweet with bursts of cinnamon, orange peel, and clove. It’s perfect for pairing with simple biscuits that let its spicy-sweet flavor shine.
Tea Party Signature Challenge
In this challenge, bakers are asked to create a stunning selection of individual bakes that would shine at any tea party, from dainty pastries to elegant cakes. It’s all about flavor, finesse, and making a memorable impression with every bite. Each of these brews is subtly sweet and beautifully balanced, just like the bakes they’re meant to complement.
- French Macaron – Delicate and dessert-like, this white tea blend was the winner of our 2023 Happy Blendings contest, with notes of vanilla, caramel, lavender, and almond that evoke the charm of a classic French macaron.
- Victorian London Fog – The first-ever winner of our customer creation contest, blending tradition with a crowd-sourced twist. The creamy Earl Grey base brings a comforting richness that pairs beautifully with delicate tea party treats. Its subtle notes of bergamot and vanilla enhance flavors without overwhelming the palate.
- Chamomile – Chamomile’s soft, floral flavor makes it a perfect complement to the delicate baked goods featured in a tea party challenge. Its gentle profile won’t overpower subtle treats like shortbread, sponge cakes, or floral pastries.
- Vanilla Comoro – A smooth, decaffeinated black tea infused with natural vanilla flakes and flavor, offering all the comforting sweetness of a vanilla dessert tea without the caffeine. Its gentle, creamy profile pairs well with delicate pastries and sweet treats, allowing you to savor every sip, even late into the evening.
Bread Week
This week is truly the upper crust of the competition. Bakers prove their skills with everything from artisan loaves to soft, fragrant buns. It’s a test of technique, timing, and flavor, showcasing the heart and soul of baking. With such hearty, savory, and sometimes spiced creations, the perfect tea pairing needs to be bold enough to stand up to these robust flavors.
- Chai – Our ultimate blend combines our Indian Spice Tea with cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of vanilla, delivering a perfect balance of bold spice and gentle sweetness.
- Lapsang Souchong – An ancient Chinese tea with large leaves dried over smoky pine fires, creating a distinctive, bold smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with hearty breads and savory loaves.
- Orange Pekoe – A classic blend combining strong Assam with smooth Ceylon for a mellow and comforting cup. A traditional favorite, it is made from small, broken-leaf teas, following the British style, and has long been a staple in many households.
Showstopper Challenge
The grand finale of each week, the Showstopper Challenge, pushes bakers to create their most ambitious and breathtaking bakes yet. It’s where skill meets imagination to wow the judges and leave a lasting impression. For a tea pairing, only the most elegant and complex blends will do because they stand up to rich flavors and stunning presentations while adding their touch of refinement.
- Dragon Pearl Jasmine – A Harney family favorite, this masterpiece from Fuan, China, features delicate hand-rolled pearls gently infused with jasmine flowers. The result is a light-colored brew bursting with floral sweetness and soothing aromas, making each sip a pure joy.
- Royal Palace Tea – Part of our Historic Royal Palaces Collection, this elegant black tea blend delights the senses with bright notes of lemon and grapefruit. Housed in a beautifully traditional tin design, it offers a refreshing and refined cup, perfect for moments when you want a taste of regal tradition.
- Tower of London – This flavorful blend combines Chinese black teas with dried stone fruit, bergamot, and honey notes, creating a cup that evokes the essence of Elizabethan preserves. You can’t miss the stunningly striking amethyst-inspired tin.
- Queen Catherine – Another Harney family favorite, this signature blend honors Queen Catherine of Braganza, who brought her love of tea to Britain. Crafted from three Chinese black teas, it’s proudly featured in the Museum of Tea in Hangzhou, China, where Harney & Sons is the only Western company honored.
Baking, Brewing, and Binge-Watching
Here's to baking, brewing, and binge-watching - the perfect trio for any Bake Off fan. May your kitchen be filled with the warm aroma of freshly-baked goodies, and may your cup never run dry. Whether you're team sponge or team scone, we're raising our teacups to the next batch of brilliant bakers and unforgettable flavors.
