Sally Gurteen is a tea expert, writer, cook extraordinaire, and Avantcha's marketing manager. She is also my foodiest friend. The first half of the conversation is a true tea masterclass: from how tea is classified and where it comes from, to practical tips for storage, favourite blends from the Avantcha collection, and how Sally brings tea into the kitchen through both sweet and savoury recipes.

The second half explores Sally’s personal relationship with food and tea, deeply influenced by her grandmother Celia and reflected in her Substack publication. The conversation ranges joyfully from dating stories and “millennial men-oirs” to Jungian archetypes, a 92-year-old neighbour, and even the mitochondrial Eve.

A lively, generous, endlessly curious exchange — and a celebration of Sally’s humour, warmth, and zest for life._

Follow Sally on:

Instagram @sally_gurteen

Substack Celia by Sally Gurteen

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

Follow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related content

Shop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com

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This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.

If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans almost 170 varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.

You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

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On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Jasmin Silver Needle

Other teas we mention:

Majestic Earl Grey — Bergamot-perfumed classic, perfect brewed or folded into desserts.

Da Xue Shan Wild Tree Black Tea — Ancient wild-tree black tea from Yunnan, rich, wild and heroic — the one we poured during the show.

Noël — A festive, spiced, comfort-cup for winter nights.

Honeybush Chocolate — Cozy, pastry-like, soft chocolate + almond notes.

Organic Lapsang Bai Mu Dan — Smoked white tea: pine-smoke, honeyed depth, brilliant in cooking.

Matcha — Bright, green, classic morning ritual.

Organic Hojicha — Roasted, nutty comfortable-evening tea.

Travel journalist and author Gina Jackson shares her journey into the industry, her top three UK boutique hotels, the story behind her book deals, and her approach to honest reviewing.

About the guest:

Gina Jackson is a London-based journalist, photographer and editor specialising in travel, hotels and destination storytelling. Known for her honest, design-led approach, Gina contributes regularly to Condé Nast Traveller UK, The Times, The Telegraph, House & Garden, and other international titles. She is the author of two acclaimed books—British Boutique Hotels and London Hotels—both published by Hoxton Mini Press. Through her newsletter Gina’s Journal and social platform @ginagoesto, she shares expertly curated hotel reviews, interior inspirations and travel adventures.

In our conversation, we talked about Gina’s journey, from studying classics at Cambridge to becoming one of the UK’s most trusted voices in boutique travel.

She shares her top three hotels in the UK, how she maintains transparency and honesty with her audience whilst writing her reviews, the process behind pitching and publishing her first book, and her experience growing her platform through Substack.

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Follow Gina on:

Instagram @ginagoesto

Substack Gina's Journal

Buy Gina’s first book, British Boutique Hotels, published by Hoxton Mini Press (aff link)

Gina’s second book: London Hotels (aff link)

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

Follow the show @spillingtea_podcast to see snippets of the conversations and related content

Shop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com

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This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.

You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Da Xue Shan Wild Tree Black Tea

Chef, food stylist and author Olivia Cavalli joins me for tea to talk about her Italian roots, her grandparents’ love story that began in Wales, and the winding path that took her from The Telegraph to restaurant kitchens — and eventually, to writing her beautiful debut cookbook Stagioni.

Follow Olivia on:

Instagram: @olivia_cavalli

Website: Olivia Cavalli

Book: Stagioni: Contemporary Italian Cooking to Enjoy Every Season (HarperCollins, 2022)

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

Shop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com

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This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.

You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avanctha's Superior Qian Tang Long Jing

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Mentioned in this episode:

Pasta Grannies: YouTube Channel

Carousel London

Adriano Celentano's Prisencolinensinainciusol song

Follow Spilling Tea:

Instagram — @spillingtea_podcast

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Substack

Support the show:

If you love what I do, please show your support by following the show, leaving a rating and a review. To go deeper into the conversations and to access Bonus content, consider becoming a paid subscriber — it helps me keep brewing stories and homemade treats for every episode.

Cate St Hill has been an interior writer for over a decade. We discuss her recently published book on Japandi, the psychology of interiors, and our common ADHD tendencies

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Follow Cate on:

Instagram @catesthill

catesthill.com

Buy Cate's book "The Japandi Home: Nordic Minimalism Meets Japanese Zen"

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantryShop my homeware range on thevenetianpantry.com

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This episode is generously sponsored by Avantcha.If you’ve been listening for a while, you’ll know I’m a little evangelical about their teas. Avantcha’s collection spans over a hundred varieties — from elevated classics like Majestic Earl Grey (my absolute favourite) to rare small-batch leaves sourced directly from producers around the world. And if you don't know where to start, may I suggest their Silk Teabag Explorer box, a selection of 16 of their best-selling flavours.

You can explore the full range on Avantcha's website and get 15% off your order with the code SPILLINGTEA15.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avanctha's Organic Hojicha powder.

🎙️ Spilling Tea — Season 2 Teaser

The kettle’s on again! Spilling Tea is coming back for Season 2 — the first full episode drops Monday, 20 October.

In this short teaser, I share a few behind-the-scenes updates and what’s new this season:

– A simpler, snack-based format (goodbye, three-course meals 👋)

– The return of our lovely sponsor Avantcha Tea — with a brand-new discount code: SPILLINGTEA15 for 15% off their teas

– A new rhythm: bi-weekly episodes, with little in-between bonuses called Sips on Substack for my paying subscribers

Plus, an Instagram giveaway celebrating both the launch of Season 2 and my new homeware line, La Collezione — designed in collaboration with makers from Italy and the UK

The giveaway includes:🫖 Six of my favourite Avantcha teas (Majestic Earl Grey, Midnight Chocolate Mint, After Lunch Herbal Blend and more)🍵 Teaware and a Silk Teabag Explorer Box🏺 A few pieces from La Collezione — now available on thevenetianpantry.com

To enter: head to @thevenetianpantry, find the giveaway post, and follow the instructions there.Entries close Sunday, 19 October, and the winner will be announced on Monday, 20 October, when the new season officially begins.

Links mentioned:

💻 The Venetian Pantry — Shop La Collezione

🫖 Avantcha Tea — use code SPILLINGTEA15 for 15% off

🗞️ Subscribe to Spilling Tea on Substack

📸 Join the Giveaway on Instagram

The table turns and this time Amira interviews me on all things interior design. Recorded with a live audience as part of Riverscape's "At Home Series".

To find out more about Riverscape 'At Home with" Series, follow them on Instagram @riverscapeldn

Amira is on Instagram as @thedesgineditor

Follow me @thevenetianpantry on Instagram and Substack _

I mention in the podcast:

Homework, one of my favourite scent makers (check out Steph's episode of Spilling Tea)

Jolene and Perilla, my favourite neighbourhood restaurants in Stoke Newington

Khruanghbin, my go-to musical band to play when hosting

Interior Designer Alice Grace

A favourite contemporary homeware shop: Rowen & Wren

Favourite places for Antique shopping: Homebarn, Rye, Lewes

Amira is a journalist, creative director, broadcaster, events host, and more. We chat about her journey, antique sourcing, her favorite spots in Notting Hill, and how she came to own a royal basin.

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Follow Amira on:

Instagram @thedesigneditor

www.clubrapport.com

neighbourhoodedit.com

www.patinabyrapport.com

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

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This episode is sponsored by Avantcha.

With over 100 different teas in their collection, Avantcha is truly a one-stop destination for tea lovers like me. If you don't know where to start, check out Avantcha's Tea Silkbag Explorer box and take advantage of their limited-time offer for new customers: simply create an account and enjoy a complimentary box with your first order over £50.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Rooibois Masala Chai

Jessica is the founder of Deorling, an interiors & antique-sourcing practice based on traditional craft. We chat about how she started her business, sourcing antiques, and why she enjoys the Juggle.

Find out more about Jessica:

Website deorling.co.uk

Instagram @deorling_

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

_

This episode is sponsored by Avantcha.

With over 100 different teas in their collection, Avantcha is truly a one-stop destination for tea lovers like me. If you don't know where to start, check out Avantcha's Tea Silkbag Explorer box and take advantage of their limited-time offer for new customers: simply create an account and enjoy a complimentary box with your first order over £50.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Rooibois Vanilla Earl Grey

Farrah (former editor of Cosmopolitan and Elle) is Head of Partnership for Europe at Substack. We chat about life without children, body image, and why it's necessary to embrace discomfort.

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More from Farrah:

Her Substack: Things Worth Knowing

Instagram @farrahstorr

Farrah's book The Discomfort Zone

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

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This episode is sponsored by Avantcha.

With over 100 different teas in their collection, Avantcha is truly a one-stop destination for tea lovers like me. If you don't know where to start, check out Avantcha's Tea Silkbag Explorer box and take advantage of their limited-time offer for new customers: simply create an account and enjoy a complimentary box with your first order over £50.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avantcha’s Rose Gold Black Tea

Edi co-owns the best building company in town (speaking from personal experience). We chat about all things renovation, from builders' red flags and ballpark costs, to why insulation can be problematic.

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Follow Optimal on:

Instagram @optimalbuildltd

Website optimalbuild.co.uk

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Behind the scenes and recipes on my Substack

Follow me on @thevenetianpantry

_

This episode is sponsored by Avantcha.

With over 100 different teas in their collection, Avantcha is truly a one-stop destination for tea lovers like me. If you don't know where to start, check out Avantcha's Tea Silkbag Explorer box and take advantage of their limited-time offer for new customers: simply create an account and enjoy a complimentary box with your first order over £50.

Find out more at Avantcha.co.uk

On this episode, we drink Avantcha's Organic Lapsang Bai Mu Dan