Although sales of black tea have been on the decline, with a reported 10% drop between 2015-2019 (due to the growing popularity of more sensual and wellness-based herbal infusion offerings) – it seems that in the face of Covid-19, its cultural associations with comfort, informal domesticity, and national unity, could renew the relevance of traditional tea. From Coronation Street to Downton Abbey, ‘putting the kettle on’ is one of popular culture’s conduits for soothing conversations and close social interactions. The physical and metaphorical warmth of tea is evoked and harnessed by black tea brands in various ways.