High Tea Tuesday: Yorkshire v Dorset

Yorkshire Vs. Dorset. How could you possibly choose between the two? Both steeped in history and flecked with beautiful scenery; the character of both counties have my heart in a permanent chokehold.

I first visited Yorkshire when I was going to see my sister studying at Leeds Met. It took my breath away. As we were driving through the dales, the Emmerdale theme tune haunted me; the county's scenery truly is almost as dramatic as the soap itself. And the warm hearted nature of the locals that I met made my visit even more memorable. I love Yorkshire, and since, I have loved a Yorkshire brew. It's been my go-to, even when I uprooted and moved to Bournemouth Uni. It felt like a cup of home.


But that was until I tried what Dorset had to offer. The café at the end of Bournemouth Pier ensures that only Dorset Tea is on the menu, and as you sit looking out on to Old Harry Rocks, the warmth of the southern sun and Dorset's gold blend feels like an embrace. Living in Dorset for the past two years, I've spotted nudists in the dunes of Studland Bay and had poo flung at me by Gorillas in MonkeyWorld. So will the tea be as cheeky as the county itself?

Yorkshire Tea has a blend of rich, earthy Assam and African tea leaves that pack a punch. The thing I love most about a Yorkshire brew is that it is as strong little Millen Eve's accent. Rich in colour, the mahogany hues of tannins in the tea ensure the tea coats the mouth for a full-bodied flavour. A builders brew; strong and inexpensive – every cup is guaranteed to satisfy your tea need.

Dorset Tea has a clean-cut taste and is full of flavour. It has strength, yet is not overwhelmingly confrontational. Selecting African, Indian and Sri Lankan tea leaves, the golden blend of Dorset Tea has a balance between strength and fragrance. The softer flavours are not overpowered by the earthy leaves and I think it is this and the beauty in it's gorgeous golden hue that makes me quite the fan.

Little bit cringe, no?

Living in Bournemouth, I am subject to Hard Water, so the likelihood of the filmy "Tea Scum" that forms on the top of a brew is quite high. I have found that Dorset Tea leaves less tea scum and this, in my opinion, is favourable. Yorkshire Tea offers Hard-Water tea bags, however they're never usually on offer, so I make do with standard.

Yorkshire Tea offers a wide variety of quantities. 80 bags of Yorkshire Tea are often priced at around £2.50, however are usually on offer for £2 in most supermarkets. That's an amazing price for a good quality standard tea. Dorset Tea offer 80 bags for between £2.50 and £2.65, but I think the extra 15p is definitely worth it. Both competitively priced, Yorkshire Tea wins on value for money, however Dorset Tea is worth the expense.

Too darn cute.

I love the packaging of both teas. You cannot hate that little lamb on the Yorkshire Tea box, it's impossible! Yorkshire Tea is traditional, bold and in your face. Dorset Tea are quite artsy with their packaging, and it really encapsulates the area. It's bright, sunny and full of nature, however some of the marketing is a bit cringe.

In conclusion, I love both teas, but Dorset Tea has a slight edge for me. It comes down to less tea scum and a more complex flavour than the Yorkshire Brew. However, Yorkshire Tea wins on price and does have a very homely, comforting feel that is to be reckoned with.

Let me know if you agree in the comments, and if you liked this, please share! 

Ashley x