This special blend marks my pilgrimage to Sri Lanka, in the footsteps of my parents who met and married in Colombo in 1956.

My mother was with the French Trade Commission. My father, 17 years her senior, was enjoying the last days of the Raj; cocktails at the tennis club, white dinner suits, a driver, cook and gardener.

As a child I watched my father's 8mm films of those times with wonder; the bejewelled dancers and elephants, festivals and green hill country.

This special blend is also familiar, shades of my English Breakfast but a little stronger, a little maltier. The leaf teas are from three of my favourite estates in Ceylon and Assam; two organic, the third, Ceciliyan Estate makes just wonderful honey-like tea.

It is my special blend. I drink it daily. Enjoy the loose leaf experience.