Welcome to Iford Manor Teas

A more personal approach to tea

Iford Manor Teas was founded by William Cartwright-Hignett:

"I have been importing fine teas since 2005.  I know what I like, and I know where to find it, and I love nothing more than putting the right tea with the right client".

Today, we supply private clients, hotels, restaurants and other discerning clients with a wide range of fine leaf teas.  We take pride in getting to know our clients personally - this has led to the creation of a number of very personal blends, and also ensures that we know who we are buying for when looking for new teas.

Our home

We are based at the beautiful Iford Manor near Bath, which was home to Harold Peto, the famous Edwardian garden designer, from 1899 to 1933.  His philosophy was to travel the world to find curiosities which he would import for his clients, or for himself to display and enjoy here. We take the same approach with tea - seeking out the fine, the intriguing and the inspirational leaves from around the world.

An international pleasure

We think tea should be a pleasure from start to finish, not just a vehicle for caffeine. We look for teas which taste and smell enticing both in leaf form and once brewed; teas with a great story behind them; teas which deliver in a way that your average teabag just plainly doesn't.  

Our teas come from all over the world, as do our clients, which makes for a wide range of tastes and preferences.  

William explains: "Much as I might like to think of myself as a tea expert, truth be told our best tea-tasters are our clients, friends and family.  If we can't get a tea past the family and team at home, it probably isn't going to sell."  

So, if you find something that you think we should be selling, then do please send us a tip-off and we'll see if we like it too.

Our website

The pleasure of tea starts right here - with the joy of selection, and the anticipation of delivery!  Our webshop offers an easy way to order.  Potential wholesale customers or those unable to use the webshop for whatever reason, can email us and we will come back to you as soon as we can to assist your enquiry.

We really love it when you write to us and tell us what you think - so please keep in touch; or just send us photos of our tea on holiday as you tour the world!  

There's contact information here; you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter; or add your email to our mailing list.