Tradition is officially out, and reinvention in, according to new research commissioned by non-tea traditionalists Bird & Blend Tea Co.  The survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals that 85% of Brits are ready to part ways with long-standing British customs which include rigid work schedules and our usual traditional tea making habits, as well as predictable British weather chat.

The results:

• 37% believe that the 9 to 5 is outdated, with those surveyed favouring flexible working hours instead
• 24% want to rewrite the traditional rules of tea, ditching the milk and two sugars standard for more experimental options like matcha and fruit teas
• 29% say breaking traditions opens the door to fresh thinking, a firm belief that proved most popular among Gen Z (38%)

Even at the dinner table, the results were clear, with 86% of Brits saying they’re ready to mix up food traditions, with black pudding on a full English (40%), Brussels sprouts at Christmas (21%) and sugary milky tea (24%) topping the list of customs they’re eager to leave behind.

The results also confirmed that we’re quite happy to part ways with long-standing customs like marriage expectations (36%), sending personal cards or invites (28%), and even sitting down for large family dinners (23%).

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is celebrating the findings of the survey by encouraging the public to become ‘traitors to tradition.’

At every one of its 25 stores across the UK including their Kent store on Canterbury’s Parade Street, from 25 – 27 April, they’re giving away a free tea from its new range of Earl Grey teas, which all have a modern twist on the traditional brew.

Charlotte Berman, finalist on BBC’s The Traitors series 3, is supporting the results of the traitors to tradition survey and free cuppa for all, saying, “Being a ‘traitor’ has its perks. I’ve always found it fun to challenge the norm. Whilst traditions can be comforting, they can also hold us back. Sometimes, the best way to discover something amazing, like an incredible new tea, is to break a few rules.”

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is celebrating the versatility, beauty and history of Earl Grey. Steeped in history, Earl Grey is loved for its smooth floral and citrus taste and in true Bird & Blend style, they’ve put their own spin on it in unexpected, exciting and delicious ways. Read all about the new flavours below:

Smoky Earl Grey

The Smoky Earl Grey uses robust Lapsang Souchong, which offers a complex taste that pairs beautifully with bergamot’s floral, citrus notes and the delicate Sri Lankan Black Tea. Enjoy hot with a dash of milk for a milder taste.

Elderflower Earl Grey

The Elderflower Earl Grey combines the crisp, fresh taste of elderflower with its musky undertones with fragrant bergamot and black tea for a delicate but complex flavour that’s best enjoyed hot without milk.

Chocolate Earl Grey

This Chocolate Earl Grey makes the perfect afternoon tea time treat. Cocoa shells give a rich, velvety smooth taste of chocolate, creating a decadent taste sensation when paired with fragrant bergamot and black tea. Enjoy hot with a dash of milk for an even creamier taste.

Caramel Earl Grey

A decadent caramel & buttery flavour that works in perfect harmony with the bergamot fragrance to create a smooth, creamy blend. Enjoy hot with a dash of milk for a smooth creaminess, or without milk to really bring out the rich tasting notes.

Visit Bird & Blend’s beautiful Canterbury store today to pick up your free brew and taste the brilliant new flavours: birdandblendtea.com

About the Research

• Conducted by Research Without Barriers (RWB) between 8– 11 April 2025
• Sample: 2,008 UK adults
• Compliant with MRS Code of Conduct & GDPR