Little Yellow Teapot Interview: “Great White” Teapot from Devonshire Tea

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Once again, I step into the spotlight on this blog (usually dominated by my humans expounding on the virtues or not of some tea or another that I steeped for them) to see how other teawares manage. This time, I get cozy with the teapot from Devonshire Tea. She’s a real cutey that goes by the name “Great White” and is the star of several videos the company has done.

As with the Head Teapot from Shui Tea, this interview was a real eye opener. Just wish I could have done it in person, but she’s in Plymouth, UK, and I’m, well, here in my humans’ kitchen.

Little Yellow Teapot: Hi, Great White Teapot. So happy I could speak with you today. My first question is pretty obvious. How long have you been helping your humans enjoy tea?
Great White Teapot: I was recruited by the Directors of Devonshire Tea in Plymouth, England in February 2009 so that I could be fully trained ahead of the official launch of their blend the following month. I am their CHIEF Teapot, affectionately called “Great White”!!

LYT: Oooo…gorgeous and smart! You seem to really know what you’re doing in those videos and are a big help to your humans, Debbie and Gavin. So, where were you made?
GWT: I was born in China. I am a China Teapot!!! However, the birthmark, stamped on my bottom, says “John Lewis”.

LYT: Wow, all the way from China, and you arrived safely with no chips or cracks. That sounds like quite an adventure. Do you still keep in touch with your “siblings”?
GWT: Sadly no, the Directors of Devonshire Tea make certain I am worked hard everyday, and as such have no time for anything other than brewing delicious “Devonshire Tea”.

LYT: Speaking of your humans, they sound like they’re really dedicated to tea. Which is their favorite?
GWT: Devonshire Tea

LYT: I should have guessed. After all, it’s their company brand. I must confess that sometimes I get my humans to steep up a potful in me because I loved it so much. Do they have a tea that they think is yucky?
GWT: Supermarket own label and some of the “commercial” brands that make these “own label” versions of their own tea. Sorry, but my humans won’t let me mention any of these brands…

LYT: Understandable. By “Supermarket own label” I’m supposing you mean the store brand (as we call it in the U.S.). I’m too much of a gentleman to hurt your feelings by mentioning their names, nor some of those other brands. A teapot as cute as you wouldn’t let your humans steep yucky tea in you anyway. What do your humans usually use in their tea?
GWT: Lemon in “iced” tea & “Devonshire Pimms”. One of my humans (Directors) does have a little milk in their (hot) “Devonshire”, but the other takes it “neat black”. When they chill it / ice it they will include ice cubes and lemon. They even have a recipe for a “Devonshire Pimms” which they say is delicious, but as I am TEA-TOTAL I wouldn’t know!!

LYT: Sounds like you are one busy little teapot (but you still manage to keep your cuteness). Your humans must take good care of you. Do they wash you regularly or let the tea build up in you?
GWT: Before each brew they will ensure I am lovely and warmed with hot water. After a hard days brewing at home / office or even at an event, they will clean me out with hot water (no detergent)…

LYT: Smart humans. Pre-warming is the best. It helps you keep the tea warm longer. Also, I’m so glad they avoid detergent in you. That keeps the tea tasting great. Do your human(s) usually used bagged or loose tea?
GWT: “Devonshire Tea” is only bagged at present. I usually have the “tagged” bags, with the label hanging outside (as per my photo), although have been known to have the un-tagged bags brewed inside me as well.

LYT: I must confess my humans do not like strings and tags at all, but they understand that when you are on display at one of the many fests and shows you attend, you have to be able to show what wonderful tea is in you. You also look so cute with them neatly arranged over your side. Any other thoughts (about tea, that is) you’d like to share with our readers?
GWT: I LOVE TEA!!! I love the fact that I am a GREAT WHITE tea-pot, and particularly adore attending & working at Trade & Consumer Shows so that I can hear & see the delight of the humans who taste what I produce!!

LYT: That’s a feeling I know well. When I steep a great pot of tea for my humans, I feel very satisfied and warm inside (not just from the tea). Gee, we have so much in common. Some day I’ll get my humans to pack me up carefully and pay you a visit. Stay safe until then!

Well, there you have it. Another insight into the life of a teapot helping her humans provide tea lovers like you with that tasty brew. Hope you enjoyed it.

[Thanks, Gavin and Debbie, for helping your teapot type up her answers and send them along with her photo to my humans.]