Tea by the sea

It’s National Tea Day on 21st April. We spoke to Cornish Tea, the local makers behind the in-room brews at Fistral Beach Hotel, about what goes into a consistently great blend, why plastic-free tea matters, and how to build a tea moment that feels as restorative as the view.

Cornish Tea began with a search for a “proper local tea.” What was missing at the time, and what did you want to create instead?

There just wasn’t a tea that felt like it belonged to Cornwall. Plenty of great teas, of course, but nothing that reflected the place itself. We wanted to change that, to create something people could genuinely call their local brew (and be quite proud of it too).

From kitchen-table beginnings to a Cornwall-based factory: what have been the biggest turning points in the business so far?
Moving into our own factory in Cornwall was a big one, it meant we could grow while staying true to who we are. Another key moment was going fully plastic-free with our tea bags. That was a challenge behind the scenes, but absolutely the right thing to do.

You make tea (and coffee) in-house. What does that allow you to do differently in terms of quality, consistency, and innovation?
It gives us control over everything, which is exactly how we like it. We can make sure every batch tastes just right, keep quality consistent, and move quickly when we want to try something new. It also means we can be a bit more hands-on, rather than just watching from the sidelines.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about tea bags, packaging, or sustainability in the tea industry?
That many tea bags still contain plastic, even the ones that look paper-based. It’s one of those things people are quite shocked by once they hear it.

You introduced plastic-free tea bags early on. What prompted that move, and what did you have to solve to make it work at scale?
We didn’t want to be part of the problem. Once you realise how much hidden micro-plastics can be in everyday tea bags, you can’t really ignore it. The challenge was finding materials that still delivered on flavour and strength, and then making that work reliably at scale. A lot of testing, a lot of tea drinking… not the worst problem to have.

Which teas would you match to (a) breakfast, (b) afternoon tea/treats, and (c) post-dinner wind-down, and why?
Breakfast calls for something strong and reliable like Smugglers Brew. Afternoon tea is a chance for something a bit lighter or more aromatic, perhaps our vanilla chai to go alongside sweet treats. And after dinner, a herbal tea like peppermint or chamomile is perfect for slowing things down.

What’s next for Cornish Tea and Coffee over the next year or two, and what are you most excited about?
We’ve got plenty brewing over the next year or two. We’re expanding our blends, especially on the flavoured side, and working on a new sustainable upgrade to our Smugglers Brew range, with more to share over the summer. We’re not ones to sit still. We’re always evolving our range, refining what we offer, and finding new ways to support standout locations like Fistral Beach Hotel. And as for what’s next… there are a few ideas quietly brewing that we’re not quite ready to share just yet. Who knows what might be coming.

Find your wind-down brew: Whether it’s a slow morning before the waves, a mid-afternoon pause, or a post-spa cuppa back in your room, Cornish Tea & Coffee is waiting: proper job, every time.

Check out Cornish Tea in your room, when dining in Bay Bar, Dune, or as part of our afternoon tea.