La Dame du Lac

A tea as a celebration

At Betjeman and Barton, certain teas are born as discreet, elegant, sincere tributes.The Lady of the Lakeis one of them. Created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of our Geneva boutique, this fruity and luminous blend pays tribute to Véronique, the inspired founder, Carougeoise at heart and Breton by origin.

An echo between orchards and Sardinian city

Thirty years ago, Véronique dropped off her suitcases, her dreams, and her love of taste on Rue Saint-Joseph, in the heart of Carouge, a small town with an Italian feel, where you can stroll among pastel facades, cobbled streets, and lively terraces. Carouge is not just a neighborhood: it's an atmosphere, a way of life. In this urban village steeped in craftsmanship and gentleness, tea has found its home. It was there that, in 1995, the Betjeman and Barton boutique was born, driven by the generosity and grace of a young Breton woman who, cup after cup, has infused Geneva with a profoundly human elegance.

The Lady of the Lake, between presence and legend

This name,The Lady of the Lake, says more than it tells. It evokes Véronique herself, a strong and luminous figure who watches over her shop as one watches over a garden: with constancy, intuition, and that rare form of determination. Breton by birth, settled on the shores of Lake Geneva, she has become over the years our own Lady of the Lake, the one who, like a beacon, illuminates the palates in search of a fair, sincere, unforgettable tea.

But this name also carries an ancient breath, coming from the mists of Brocéliande.The Lady of the Lake, the one who, in Arthurian legends, entrusts Excalibur to Lancelot, embodies gentle power, silent transmission, the quiet force of enchantment. Between myth and presence, this tea weaves a double homage: rooted in a land, carried by a legend.

The gourmet memory workshop

ComposeThe Lady of the Lake, was to paint a portrait in flavors, to trace a landscape of emotions, to evoke the tender fruits of a childhood garden. In this tea, we find the brilliance of Lorraine mirabelles, the rustic delicacy of wild strawberries (Véronique's favorite fruits) and the delicate velvety texture of a gently caramelized apple, like those once prepared in the kitchen of her beloved parents. Each note was thought of as a gesture, a memory, a hand extended to a loyal customer. This tea is a hand placed on the shoulder, a smile poured into the cup, like the one who inspired its soul.

Tea and food pairings
This tea pairs naturally with fruity desserts: thin apple tart, mirabelle plum madeleine, almond financier, and fresh strawberries. The soft, subtly sweet textures reveal the depth of the Sencha and the finesse of its aromas. It also complements a warm homemade compote or a yellow fruit jelly beautifully, creating a light and poetic pairing.

Tea-based recipes and cocktails
Cold-brewed, Dame du Lac becomes a fresh and poetic drink. Add a few apple slices, some fresh or dried mirabelle plums, a dash of light cane sugar syrup, and serve over ice with a verbena leaf.

For a cocktail version, make a Dame du Lac tea syrup, mix it with white gin or a smooth vodka, a splash of lime juice, and a dash of floral bitters. Serve in a frosted glass, garnished with a sprig of lemon thyme: a delicate, feminine, and captivating creation.