'Chroniclers' should know tea's place in the coffee business

Behind every successful man is his wife (or husband) - and behind every coffee business is tea.

Tea is coffee's submissive life-partner, always in the shadow of it's more successful and infinitely more popular bedfellow.

As a tea-drinker, one is already a step behind. Therefore, it is important to choose your brand wisely.

In 1706, Thomas Twining opened Britain's first tea room on The Strand in London. Twinings could have funded our Olympic bid all on its own, as having occupied the site ever since, they are London's longest-standing rate-payer.

In 1787, they designed their logo. Which holds the record for the world's oldest continually-used logo.

Avid "Chroniclers" (our readers, like Justin's Beliebers) will know that Twinings possess a royal warrant.

Chroniclers also know that Twinings stake an almost convincing claim to the introduction to the market of Earl Grey. Its main contender to the throne is/was Jacksons of Piccadilly. In true regal style, Twinings did what one must do when one is faced with such a dilemma - they bought the rival company. As you do.

In 2006, Twinings started making hot chocolate (don't know - never tried it) and in 2007, it added to its range with tins of coffee (not interested).

As ever, the company is moving with the times and has gone all green and earthy and founded an Ethical Tea Partnership.

It's steeped in history, hippy-friendly, and it tastes all right, too. So what's not to like?

If you simply must shun coffee and have tea, then it simply must be Twinings.

We'll be mother.