Plan a Bridgerton-themed watch party around these suggestions from a British dairy expert
Dearest gentle reader, Bridgerton is back for its highly anticipated fourth season in which ton-favorite Benedict Bridgerton may indeed meet his match. There’s only one genteel way to celebrate the return of Shonda Rhimes’ sexy period drama: with a piping hot cuppa accompanied by some of culture’s favorite British cheeses and a gaggle of friends.
“Most teas, especially black teas, have a lot of tannins—the same as red wines,” says Brian Wasik, owner and cheesemonger at Massachusetts’ Wasik’s Cheese Shop, when asked about having tea and cheese together for our Spring 2025 issue. “Tannins come from leaves, seeds, buds, and tree bark. This astringency often plays a perfect foil to rich, creamy cheese—the same as acid appreciates fat when pairing beverages with cheese.”
For a U.K. twist on the topic, we’ve tapped Victor Willis, Vice President of Great Britain’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. “Territorials predominated during the Regency era,” he says. “This was also the era when tea became more ritualized.”
Queue up Netflix and break out the fine china while browsing Willis’ recommendations.
Earl Grey + Clothbound West Country Cheddar
“Bergamot citrus lifts the cheddar’s dense savory core while black tea tannins cleanse the palate. Notes of buttered toast and roasted nuts are sharpened by orange peel and dried florals, finishing clean and lifted,” says Willis.
English Breakfast Blend + Red Leicester
“Malty depth balances Red Leicester’s gentle sweetness and crumbly texture,” he says. “Caramelized milk and nuttiness meet brisk tannin, evoking the comfort of toast with marmalade”—a British classic.
Darjeeling (First Flush) + Lancashire
“Floral, spring-fresh Darjeeling complements Lancashire’s lactic acidity and fresh butter notes,” says Willis. “Meadow flowers and muscat grape soften lemony tang for a restrained, elegant pairing.”
Lapsang Souchong + Aged British Farmhouse Cheddar
Willis says Lapsang Souchong is defined by “pine smoke, resin, and dried wood.” “[Lapsang Souchong] demands a cheese with depth, savory concentration, and firmness,” he adds. “A well-aged British farmhouse cheddar provides the necessary structure: firm texture, crystalline crunch, and a flavor profile that leans into umami and caramel rather than lactic freshness.”
Masala Chai + Stilton
“Warm spice meets salt and richness. Cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and black tea malt soften Stilton’s savory depth, creating a harmonious blend of sweet spice and salty cream with a long, enveloping finish,” Willis says. Wasik seconds the pairing. “This sounds counterintuitive because we usually add milk to chai, and I wouldn’t think that would work with a rich, creamy cheese,” he says. “However, the sweet, warm spice of chai tea really matches well with the salty overtones of this classic English blue.” Plus, blue happens to be the Bridgerton family’s signature color.
Afternoon Tea Blend + Caerphilly
A perfect choice for the park strolling scenes when characters and their mamas gossip. “A lighter black tea allows Caerphilly’s clean lactic tang and crumbly texture to shine. Soft florals and gentle tannin refresh the palate, making this an ideal teatime pairing,” says Willis.
Assam Tea (With Milk) + Mature Cheddar
When the queen declares her diamond for the season, serve mature cheddar and Assam tea. “As cheddar matures, it develops salt, savory depth, and sharper acidity,” Willis says. “Assam—traditionally taken with milk—has the weight and malty richness to meet that intensity without overpowering it.”
Gunpowder Green Tea + Wensleydale
“Herbal bitterness and mineral notes balance Wensleydale’s fresh acidity and honeyed milk character, resulting in a crisp, structured pairing,” Willis says. An excellent combination for when the two main characters inevitably overcome their flimsy arguments and realize they should indeed be together.
Ceylon Black Tea + Cheshire
“Bright citrus notes and brisk tannin balance Cheshire’s crumbly texture, lactic tang, and saline snap, finishing clean and highly drinkable,” says Willis. In other words: a tea and cheese made for binge watching.
Light Afternoon Tea Blend + White Stilton With Mango & Ginger
For blue cheese lovers looking for another way to imbibe tea with classic Stilton, try this. “Tropical fruit and gentle spice are grounded by soft malt and clean tannin,” says Willis, “preventing excess sweetness while preserving warmth.”
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
