Builder's tea — the strong set tea
A robust black tea, brewed strong, cut with a splash of milk and sweetened with sugar: the 'builder's tea', the tea of workers, technicians and directors. Not refined, just comforting and effective.
A robust black tea, brewed strong, cut with a splash of milk and sweetened with sugar: the 'builder's tea', the tea of workers, technicians and directors. Not refined, just comforting and effective.
On a set, tea isn't a drink, it's an institution. You want it strong — a tea you could stand a spoon up in, as we say. You let the bag steep properly, almost too long, a splash of milk, two sugars for the hard-bitten. The runner who brings the right round of tea, believe me, he's worth his weight in gold on a fourteen-hour shoot.
- •Strong black tea (Assam or English blend) — 1 well-filled bag (tannic base)
- •Boiling water — 1 mug (infusion)
- •Milk — a splash (smoothness)
- •Sugar — 1-2 lumps (sweetness)
Builder's tea — the strong set tea
A robust black tea, brewed strong, cut with a splash of milk and sweetened with sugar: the 'builder's tea', the tea of workers, technicians and directors. Not refined, just comforting and effective.
Why this dish? On long shooting days — megaphone in hand, storyboard under arm — the 'cuppa' is the universal fuel of British cinema. A strong, sweet cup that keeps the crew going from dawn to the last shot.
On a set, tea isn't a drink, it's an institution. You want it strong — a tea you could stand a spoon up in, as we say. You let the bag steep properly, almost too long, a splash of milk, two sugars for the hard-bitten. The runner who brings the right round of tea, believe me, he's worth his weight in gold on a fourteen-hour shoot.
Ingredients (period version)
- Strong black tea (Assam or English blend) — 1 well-filled bag (tannic base)
- Boiling water — 1 mug (infusion)
- Milk — a splash (smoothness)
- Sugar — 1-2 lumps (sweetness)
Ingredients
- Strong black tea (English Breakfast/Assam) — 1 teabag (tannic base)
- Simmering water — 250 ml (infusion)
- Semi-skimmed milk — 30 ml (smoothness)
- Sugar — 1-2 tsp (to taste) (sweetness)
Method
- Scald the mug, put in the teabag and pour in very hot water.
- Steep for 3-4 minutes for a strong brew; press the bag against the side before removing.
- Add milk until you get a deep amber colour.
- Sweeten to taste, stir, and serve piping hot.
How it was made : Milk and sugar tea became a popular drink in Britain from the 19th century as tea prices fell. In the 20th century, 'builder's tea' became the archetype of working-class tea: strong, milky, sweet, served in a large mug, on building sites as well as film sets.
The contemporary twist : Served in an enamel mug styled like a film clapperboard, with a digestive biscuit for dunking: the 'tea break' staged.
Alan Parker · Charactorium
