Jane Pettigrew

Jane Pettigrew's career began in tea twenty years ago when, after ten years as a language and communications lecturer, she opened the well-known tea shop, Tea-Time, in Clapham, south London. As well as acting as hostess and organising events, she cooked a large number of cakes and scones.

She has written several books on tea and its traditions, including Jane Pettigrew's Tea-Tijme, The National Trust Book of Tea-Time Recipes, Time for Tea - A Book of Days and A Social History of Tea. She contributes articles on tea to specialist journals, including the international Tea and Coffee Trade Journal, lectures on the subject at conferences and other venues around the world, and appears regularly on TV and radio.

She is now Managing Director of St James Teas in London.

What subjects and genres does Jane Pettigrew write in?

She writes primarily about tea and its traditions, producing works that cover tea history, tea-time rituals, and practical recipes for tea accompaniments.

Which of her books are good entry points for learning about tea traditions?

Good entry points include Time for Tea - A Book of Days for tea rituals and daily practices, and A Social History of Tea for an overview of tea's historical and cultural development.

Do her books include recipes and practical guidance for tea-time?

Yes. She has written recipe-focused books such as The National Trust Book of Tea-Time Recipes and draws on her experience running a tea shop to include practical tips and recipes.

Are her books aimed at general readers or at specialists?

Her books are generally accessible to general readers while being well informed; she also contributes to specialist journals and gives lectures, so her work balances popular and researched perspectives.

Is there a recommended reading order or a series to follow?

There is no single required reading order. Choose by interest - start with a recipe book if you want practical guidance, or a history/overview if you prefer context and background.