Frequently asked questions
Where is the shop located?
Gillards of Bath is located in the historic Bath Guildhall Market, near the Pultney Bridge (one of only 4 bridges in the world to have shops located on both sides).
How much tea do I need?
While we generally recommend a teaspoon per cup, it depends on the size of your cup and how strong you like your tea (what you do in the privacy of your own home...).
Specific brewing information, including time and temperature, can be found on each tea's product page.
How much coffee do I need?
Depending on the day, maybe all of it.
The standard for a single espresso shot is typically 7-9 grams while cafetieres generally require a bit more. We recommend starting out with the base amount and adjusting to your tastes.
How do I store my tea or coffee?
Tea is very forgiving and should simply be stored dry and out of direct sunlight. Our Bergamot Collection teas should be kept in air-tight containers (you paid for the pure bergamot oil; you do not want it to evaporate). Teas can be stored for 2 years (although for best flavour we recommend using our Bergamot Collection teas within 1 year).
Coffees require a bit more diligence.
Our beans are roasted weekly and allowed a week to rest. Without the longer supply chain of larger brands (who roast their beans months before they make it into the shops or online orders), we can offer a slightly longer storage time than many other brands.
Store coffee in an air tight container and aim to use whole beans within 6 months and ground coffee within 3 months. Never store coffee in the refrigerator. Coffee absorbs odours and very few people enjoy blue cheese notes with the morning cup. Instead, store coffee in the freezer for longer storage.
What does orange pekoe mean? I don't want orange flavoured tea.
Orange Pekoe (OP) is the broad term for tea leaf. The Orange comes not from the flavour of the tea, but the House of Orange, the Dutch Monarchy at the time of the establishment of the Dutch East India Company.
Look at you learning something new.
Where is my order?
We know, waiting is the hardest part. General information on delivery can be found here.
You can track your delivery using the tracking link provided via email when your order dispatched.
We are a small, independent business and do not have the capacity to ship daily. Instead we dispatch orders every Tuesday and Friday. Rest assured, John will handle your tea with care and have it on its way to you as soon as possible.
While you wait, here is a tea fact for you: In 18th-century Europe and Britain, tea was so expensive (and heavily taxed) that it was stored in specialised, lockable containers called tea caddies to prevent theft and rationing.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, of course. No one should have to drink dreadful tea.
When ordering for international shipment please be aware that all local import VAT, customs duties, clearance fees, and courier handling charges applied upon arrival in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
These charges are set by your local government and border authorities and must be paid before your package can be released for delivery.
We recommend checking your local postal authority’s import guidelines prior to placing an order.
I changed my mind; how do I get a refund?
We do not accept any product returns for tea or coffee if you have a change of mind.
Accessories can be returned within 14-days. Returns must be unused, in original packaging where applicable, and must be accompanied by the receipt.
What about GMO products?
In line with the EU Regulation 834/2007, using genetically modified organisms (GMO) and products derived from them in organic production systems and organic products are prohibited.
We hereby declare that all teas, herbs, fruit infusions and other products offered by Gillards of Bath are not derived from or produced using GMOs or their derivates, and that all reasonable steps have been taken to avoid contamination from GMO or their derivates.