Alan Hargreaves

Alan began his tea journey in 1987 with the Ridgways Tea Company based in Liverpool, his early years involved extensive tasting of all major tea growing regions and training on how to blend all varieties of teas into various blends.

In 1990 he started a new challenge and joined another local company Gold Crown Foods Ltd (Mantunna tea) again based in Liverpool. In 1996 He became senior tea buyer & blender and was responsible for all major purchasing including tea, coffee, and fruit & herb, while carrying out his daily blending duties.

Alan joined Typhoo in 2006 and became senior buyer / blender and to this day has an endless passion for this fantastic product.

Alan insists that you should never double boil water as so much love and attention goes into making the perfect blend.

How do you like your tea?
With two tea bags in a cup strong but quite milky, no sugar.

What’s your first memory of tea?
One of my earliest memories of tea is that my parents made tea in the old traditional way, in a tea pot covered with a tea cosy, and to this day they still make it the same way. Anytime I go to my parents house you can guarantee that the tea pot will always be hot with a fresh brew inside.

Jon Chartrey

Jon began working in tea in 1967 with the Meriden Tea Company, Ty.phoo's London buying office. His formative years of tea training involved extensive tasting with tea buyers who had many years experience. Jon relocated to the Wirral in 1974 and began his blending career in 1976. Ty.phoo moved all tea production to Moreton in 1978, where Jon continued blending until he attained senior blender status in 1980. After an interim period spent at Bourneville, Jon returned to Moreton in 1985. Jon says "I have enjoyed blending the Ty.phoo '00' with pride and dedication. My favourite Ty.phoo cuppa is drunk when I get home and can relax and really enjoy my '00' moment."

How do you like your tea?
Strong with half fat milk

What's your first memory of tea?
My first memory of tea was probably after joining Meriden Tea Company in 1967. It was this introduction to tea that really inspired my life long love of tea which continued on through my latter years in the tea industry.

Kevin Evans

Kevin was first introduced to the tea trade in 2000 with Gold Crown Foods Ltd in Liverpool. He held a few positions until he found his ideal role in tea buying and blending, where his tea education began. He joined Typhoo Tea in 2007 to further his career. During his time in Typhoo he has been exposed to a wonderful variety of teas including a wide range of fruit and herbal infusions. Until this day, he still holds the same passion for tea and continues to develop his knowledge. Kevin's favourite cup of tea would be a blend of good Ceylon and Kenyan tea.

How do you like your tea?
I like a good strong cup of tea with a splash of milk.

What’s your first memory of tea?
My earliest memory of tea would be when I was a child and I wanted to drink my Dad’s tea.