Perfect Pot for Two

I recently moved back to London and as this was not a major move (not sure how long I'll be here or what life will throw my way next) and I could only bring over whatever would fit into two suitcases (mind you one of them was big enough for me to fit uncomfortably inside - below is proof for your giggling pleasure) I sadly had to choose function (clothes and important documents) over fun (books and knick-knacks).

Sadly this meant that my tea cups and teapots had to be left behind. I did have fun trying to drink through as much of my tea as possible and then gave it to grateful friends (good homes all). However, it meant that once in London I had no kettle, no teapot, no tea cups and no tea - HORROR!

Okay I exaggerate a little, I did bring one or two unopened teas with me from Montreal and I quickly started buying teas here to rebuild my collection (we're at about half the selection I had before but it does give me the opportunity to try new things, and some old favourites), yet I was still without the other tea essentials.

We moved into our new little flat (we call it the sub as it's a semi-basement place with a fridge that makes submarine noises - specifically the echo sound after the sonar ping) and found a kettle, bought tea cups from Ikea and a secondhand store, bought mugs from Sainsbury's, and were given a cute teapot as a housewarming gift from my mother.

Left: Ikea 365+ Tea cup and Saucer
Right: Sainsbury's Tea Time Mug set

This stumpy pot is the best teapot for two I've come across.

FORLIFE Stump Teapot

It handles well and the lid is solid but easy to open which is key in getting your loose leaf in and out at the right time.

Holds enough liquid for two mugs of tea or four small tea cups (ideal for two people or one tea-lover).

Keeps the tea warm for quite awhile (I haven't timed it, but I'm a slow sipper and have not had a cold second cup yet).

Pours well without being drippy.

Comes with a removable infuser (I know that a lot of teapots do these days, but this one has a nice little handle so you don't need to fiddle - and it folds down so not to block the lid).

Easy to clean...

And comes in great colours, mine is mandarin but I think it's more pumpkin orange (maybe I have Hallowe'en on the brain though). I also really like the lime, carrot and turquoise colour choices.

I have to say so far I haven't been disappointed by this little guy and though he's not as funky or beautiful as my other teapots he's pretty stylish for a stump.

Busaba Eathai Lemongrass Tea (Herbal Infusion)

I've been in London a few weeks now and though I have been drinking tea regularly (breakfast, lunch, tea time, before and after dinner, before bed... really whenever I feel I need a pick me up or something to sooth my soul) I have yet to get out and try some of London's many tea shop and tea house teas.

So far my first encounter with tea that has not taken place at home has been at a quite nice Thai restaurant called Busaba Eathai on Old Street. Whilst everyone else ordered wine or beer to accompany their spicy meals I decided to try out the Lemongrass Tea.

This herbal infusion or tisane was nicely presented in a little white teapot with sipping cup, honey and cashew and coconut cookies. There was enough tea in the pot to fill my cup four times and keep it nice and hot the whole time (forgot to look at the make of pot as it really was quite good).

As it is not a tea but rather a lemongrass infusion I cannot comment on the leaf. The lemongrass looked, well... like lemongrass, stalky and green/white.

Liquor: Was a lovely light pink-gold (not well captured by my old phone's camera) and crystal clear. Oddly it didn't smell much of lemon, rather it smelt of almonds and a bit biscuity. I thought maybe the cookies had contaminated my first pour, but even with my nose firmly in the teapot it still came out almonds. The taste was rather the reverse, with the lemon flavour coming out more (though still not strong which surprised me considering how pungent lemongrass usually is) then the biscuit and frangipani flavours.

Overall it was a light infusion that went well with the spicy Thai food, helping to cut the burn and not overwhelming the food's flavours, however next time I'd have a beer instead.