During the 1930s the garden was owned by Mr. Bagdon who lived in London but visited the tea garden regularly. He had two daughters. The younger daughter named Margaret; who when she saw the tea garden fell in love with it, hoped one day she would have an opportunity to return. Sadly she fell ill on board ship during the return trip to England and died soon after. In her memory, her father changed the gardens name to Margarets Hope. It is believed that she visits the estate bungalow from the western side, coming through the main guestroom and leaving from the study through the verandah to the tennis courts. Many guests have claimed to have felt and even seen her apparition gently looking over them as they sleep.
The bushes at Margarets Hope are almost entirely the Chinese Jat (genus) accounting for the green leafed tippy appearance of the manufactured leaf and the superb fragrance. Because the tea is grown at such high altitudes and in relatively cool weather the bushes do not grow quickly, and as such the production is limited. The best time of the year for quality is during second-flush (end May - end June). During this time Darjeelings are incomparable to any other tea in the world. The fragrance and taste is a complex bouquet that reaches right out of the cup. Some would describe the taste as nutty; others find it reminds them of black currants, but most often it is described as similar to the taste and fragrance of muscat grapes.
Some people enjoy this tea with a little milk or coconut milk, although many enjoy Darjeeling teas without.
Try brewing at 95°C, and brew for 3-5 minutes. The resulting flavour is worth it. It is lighter, with less astringency, and has quite a different flavour profile, as the leaves are not burnt by the hot water. I recommend trying this first without milk, even if you normally consume black tea with milk added.
Some people like to add a little honey or sugar, which can even work as a milk substitute.
Also delicious iced and cold-brewed.
Iced Tea
Make as for hot, but add extra tea - double the amount of tea per cup is recommended.
When the tea has cooled a little, pour over ice and then serve.
Cold Brew
For a smoother taste experience.
Place the tea in a jug and add cold water.
Leave to infuse for a few hours (or overnight in the fridge).
Strain and enjoy.
Country of Origin: India.
Region: Darjeeling.
Grade: TGFOP (Tippy Golden Flavoury Orange Pekoe).
Altitude: 3500 to 7000 feet above sea level.
Manufacture Type: Orthodox.
Ethical Sourcing: Monitored internally by the Margaret's Hope Tea Estate.
Cup Characteristics: Good body with a classic muscatel character.
Infusion: Bright tending light.
Ingredients: Luxury black tea.
Antioxidant Level: Very high.
Caffeine Content: Medium.
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SKU:5060210561659
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Brand:Simpli-Special
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Condition:New
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Product Code:5060210561659
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Weight:0.175kg
Customer reviews
Have been ordering now for 4 years. Verified Purchase
No problems with this product
John Hill | Market Harborough | June 2026
Wonderful tea, we get through a LOT of it :) Verified Purchase
Our favourite tea. We drink it every day and the service from simpli-special is great.
Grant Fuller | Rustington | April 2026
A simply special tea Verified Purchase
This my favourite Darjeeling loose tea with a delicate flavour, sadly it has become very expensive
Peter Kennington | Bolton | March 2026
Simpli-Special Tea 5/04/2026
Hi Peter, Our business model means that we pay a fair price to producers and to our staff, and we don't compromise on quality. As a small family business, we do not make huge profits or have shareholders skimming profit. Before making any price rises, we always look at other options, but global markets are increasingly expensive. I still believe our prices are very competetive.
Delicious
I find I need to make it stronger than suggested to achieve the flavour I prefer.
Heather Hurt | Isle of Man | September 2025
Excellent tea and super fast shipping as always Verified Purchase
Our favourite tea, always wonderful and with the standard very fast shipping. Cant be bettered.
Grant Fuller | Rustington | May 2025
