Watch Back in Time for Tea

Back in Time for Tea is a heartwarming and fascinating BBC2 series that premiered in 2018, following the lives of one family as they journey through time to experience how people lived, ate and worked in the North of England from 1918 to 1999. Hosted by Sara Cox, an accomplished broadcaster, it also features historian Polly Russell and cook and food writer Caitlin Ellis.

The show takes us back to an era where the North of England was a hive of industrial activity, with cotton mills, coal mines and steelworks dominating the landscape, and families struggled to make ends meet. The Ellis family, originally from Bradford, becomes our guide on this journey, with each episode focusing on a different decade, exploring what life was like for the people living during that time.

As we follow the family through the years, we watch them grapple with the latest technological advancements, coping with hunger and rationing during World War II, and immersing themselves in the spirit of the swinging sixties, all while trying to keep up with a modern lifestyle. From making their clothes and growing their food, to mastering the latest gadgets, the Ellis family takes on each decade with enthusiasm and curiosity.

The show provides viewers with a unique insight into the lives of families living in the North of England during the early 20th century, providing endless detail and new things to learn about this chapter of British history. The historians and cook on the show also provide valuable context and insights into the era, further helping the viewers appreciate the stark contrasts and similarities of life then and now.

Throughout the series, the host and experts often offer up interesting nuggets of information regarding the history of the North of England, from the impact of the Spanish Flu to the rise of the working class, and what they ate and drank during each period. They uncover the working and social lives of families and the role of women during times of transition and change.

Back in Time for Tea also highlights the importance of food in people's lives and how it has evolved over the decades. The show follows the family as they explore and cook traditional meals from each era, showcasing the different ingredients and flavours used, as well as how meals were prepared and served. From traditional pies and stews to exotic dishes like chicken curry and spaghetti bolognese, the series examines how the average family's diet has transformed over time.

Sara Cox acts as a true host throughout the show, offering commentary on the family's journey and how they are adapting to life in each decade, all while keeping the audience engaged with her wit and care. Polly Russell is the historian on the show, providing detailed explanations on the critical moments in British history during each period, grounding the show in its socio-cultural and political contexts. Caitlin Ellis, the cook on the show, adds a unique element, bringing food to life and teaching the audience how meals were prepared and served during different periods in history.

Overall, Back in Time for Tea is an excellent watch, entertaining, informative and educational. It provides an insight into the changes and contrasts of British culture towards the 20th century and how the working-class life has evolved over time. It shows how family traditions, values and aspirations have been passed down from generation to generation while adapting to the changing times, and how crucial food has been in this journey. Its primary strength is the ease with which it makes history relatable and the engaging storytelling style that makes each episode a fantastic watch.