In his diary entry from September 25, 1660, Samuel Pepys marked an ordinary yet significant moment in his life. He recounted trying tea for the first time, specifically noting it as "a China drink" that he had never tasted before. This moment is particularly noteworthy as it represents the earliest recorded instance of tea consumption in England.

Despite documenting this milestone, Pepys did not express his opinion on the flavor of the tea, leaving readers curious about his true feelings. This diary entry, as noted in Bill Bryson's "At Home: A Short History of Private Life," highlights not only a personal experience but also the growing influence of tea in British culture during that period.