About Tala
Tala: Masters of Baking and Icing Since 1899 Tala has been a trusted name in British kitchens for over 125 years, supplying generations of home bakers with quality equipment for cakes, biscuits, and decorative icing. From the iconic Cook's Measure to traditional icing syringes still made to original designs, Tala represents enduring British craftsmanship in kitchenware. At Grocefully, we help you compare Tala prices across UK retailers, ensuring you find the best deals on these beloved baking essentials. Victorian Origins The Tala story begins in 1899 when Frederick Taylor and Thomas Law founded Taylor Law & Co Ltd to serve the developing Victorian kitchenware market. The name 'Tala' emerged from combining the first two letters of each founder's surname – TA from Taylor, LA from Law. Victorian Britain had growing appetite for domestic goods as middle-class households expanded and domestic service became less affordable. Families increasingly prepared their own meals and baked their own treats, creating demand for quality kitchen equipment. Taylor and Law recognised this opportunity, establishing their factory to produce metal goods for the kitchen and garden. The business proved successful from the outset. The workforce grew as demand for Tala products expanded beyond local markets. From baking pans to icing syringes, galvanised tubs to travelling trunks, the factory produced diverse products serving multiple domestic needs. Through Two World Wars The First World War brought significant changes to British industry, and Tala adapted accordingly. The factory continued producing baking and cooking products whilst contributing to the war effort through munitions production. Even ration books emerged from Tala's manufacturing capabilities during this period. After the war, Thomas Law's son Frank took the helm. He formally consolidated the brand identity, combining the founders' names into the 'Tala' brand as we recognise it today. Under Frank's leadership, the company built on its established reputation for quality kitchenware. The 1930s proved transformative. By their 1933 product catalogue, the 1690 Tala Icing Syringe was already described as 'an old favourite' – remarkable given the company was barely 35 years old. This period established Tala as a leading kitchenware supplier with international reach, having representatives in over 21 countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Palestine. Growing demand necessitated expansion. Tala moved operations to Stourbridge and Birmingham to accommodate increased production, reflecting the brand's success in capturing the British baking market. The Second World War again disrupted normal operations, but Tala's established position in British kitchens meant demand remained strong through rationing and beyond. Post-war Britain's domestic revival brought renewed interest in home baking as ingredients became available again. Changes in Ownership The 1970s brought significant change when Tala's ownership transferred to a French company. This foreign ownership period marked a departure from the brand's British heritage, though production continued. The 21st century brought Tala back to British hands. George East Housewares Ltd, a British company based in Suffolk with additional marketing offices in Bath, acquired the brand with determination to restore Tala's heritage and quality reputation. The company is now known as Dayes Ltd. The new owners redirected product development and sourcing strategy to emphasise British manufacturing. This commitment to domestic production distinguishes Tala from competitors who have moved manufacturing overseas. Made in Britain Today Contemporary Tala maintains manufacturing across numerous UK sites including Liverpool, Accrington, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Burnley. This distributed British production supports local employment whilst ensuring quality control. The commitment to heritage manufacturing is exemplified by Tala's Cook's Measure. Each measure is hand made in Liverpool on the same machinery used since the 1920s. The design and production methods remain largely unchanged, involving over 20 hand processes to create each piece. Similarly, Tala Icing Syringes involve 48 hand processes per unit. The company proudly guarantees that a vintage Tala icing nozzle manufactured in the 1920s will still fit a modern Tala icing syringe – extraordinary compatibility spanning a century of production. This dedication to consistency means purchasing Tala today connects you with manufacturing traditions extending back over 125 years. These aren't museum pieces or nostalgic reproductions but working tools still made to specifications that proved their worth across generations. The Heritage Collection Tala's Heritage Collection celebrates this manufacturing history with products proudly Made in England. These items represent the brand's commitment to British craftsmanship and traditional quality. The iconic Cook's Measure remains central to this collection. This metal measuring vessel has helped bakers achieve consistent results since the early 20th century. Each one still emerges from Liverpool workshops using century-old techniques. Icing syringes from the Heritage range maintain original designs that professional and amateur decorators have trusted for generations. The precision engineering ensures clean icing application whilst the stainless steel nozzles create patterns from fine detail to broad strokes. These heritage pieces suit collectors appreciating manufacturing history alongside practical bakers seeking quality tools. They make meaningful gifts connecting recipients with British craft traditions. The Complete Baking Range Beyond heritage pieces, Tala offers comprehensive modern bakeware serving contemporary kitchen needs. Bakeware Collections Tala Performance Non-Stick Bakeware represents the brand's premium offering. Using superior non-stick coating, this range delivers flawless results and remarkably withstands metal utensil use. Performance pieces suit serious bakers demanding professional-level equipment. Tala Everyday Non-Stick Bakeware provides quality at accessible prices. Whitford Xylan non-stick coating ensures easy food release whilst carbon steel construction distributes heat evenly. Importantly, these products are BPA and PTFE free, addressing contemporary health concerns. The bakeware range includes baking sheets and trays, bun and muffin tins, cake tins in various sizes, loaf tins, and roasters. Every item is PFAS free, reflecting modern manufacturing standards. Cake Decorating Tala's reputation as 'Masters of Icing' reflects their decorating equipment heritage. The famous icing syringe sets include easy-action syringes with built-in adaptors for quick nozzle changes. Six included nozzles cover wide pattern ranges from fine detail work to broad decorative strokes. Icing bags serve professional and home decorators alike. Recyclable and disposable options address different preferences whilst non-slip designs ensure control during intricate work. Piping sets combine bags with multiple nozzles for comprehensive decorating capabilities. These sets suit beginners learning techniques and experienced decorators maintaining well-stocked supplies. Cookie Cutters and Seasonal Baking Tala cookie cutters create family baking memories. Stainless steel construction ensures precise cutting and years of use. Festive shapes including Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men make holiday baking special. Beyond Christmas, various shapes serve year-round baking from hearts for Valentine's Day to general geometric forms for everyday biscuits. Quality construction means clean cuts without dough sticking. Measuring and Preparation Accurate measuring underpins successful baking, and Tala offers various tools supporting this fundamental requirement. Beyond the iconic Cook's Measure, measuring containers and spoons provide precise portioning. Kitchen scales enable weight-based measuring preferred by many serious bakers. Tala's offerings balance functionality with aesthetic appeal. Additional preparation tools include pastry blenders for consistent butter incorporation, baking beans for blind baking, and jelly moulds for traditional British desserts. Tala in UK Retailers Tala products are available through various UK retailers, making quality baking equipment accessible nationwide. Morrisons stocks the Tala Icing Syringe Set under their Cook's range, bringing this heritage product to supermarket shoppers. This accessibility helps new bakers discover quality equipment without specialist store visits. John Lewis and Waitrose carry Tala products including icing bags and decorating supplies. This premium retailer positioning reflects Tala's quality reputation. Lakeland, Britain's favourite kitchen shop, stocks extensive Tala bakeware. Their offering includes both heritage and contemporary ranges, available online and in-store with free returns. Robert Dyas carries Tala bakeware and decorating equipment, providing another accessible high street option. Specialist cookshops including Divertimenti stock Tala alongside premium international brands, validating the quality British manufacturer's position among high-end kitchenware. Quality Standards Tala maintains quality standards befitting their heritage and reputation. Non-stick coatings meet contemporary safety requirements. PFAS-free, BPA-free, and PTFE-free formulations address health concerns that have emerged since Tala's founding. The company has adapted to modern standards whilst maintaining performance expectations. Carbon steel construction in bakeware ensures even heat distribution crucial for consistent baking results. This material choice reflects understanding of baking science alongside practical durability requirements. British manufacturing enables quality control proximity. Products emerge from UK facilities where oversight ensures standards meeting the Tala name's requirements. Caring for Tala Products Proper care extends the life of Tala equipment, maximising value from purchases. Non-stick bakeware performs best when treated gently despite durability claims. Hand washing generally preserves coatings better than dishwashers. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might scratch surfaces. Heritage metal items benefit from thorough drying after washing to prevent water spots. Store in dry conditions to maintain appearance across years of use. Icing equipment requires cleaning promptly after use before icing sets. Warm water loosens most residues. Ensure complete drying before storage to prevent mustiness. Cookie cutters clean easily but check crevices in detailed designs. Complete drying prevents any rusting on metal parts. The Tala Gift Appeal Tala products make thoughtful gifts for baking enthusiasts. The brand recognition signals quality to recipients familiar with the name, whilst beautifully designed products appeal to those discovering Tala for the first time. Heritage pieces particularly suit gift-giving. A Cook's Measure or traditional icing syringe carries meaning beyond mere function – you're giving connection to British manufacturing tradition and craftsmanship. Starter sets help beginners establish well-equipped kitchens. Quality Tala tools support learning whilst lasting long enough to become familiar favourites. Seasonal gifts align naturally with baking occasions. Christmas cookie cutters arrive ready for festive baking traditions. Why Choose Tala Several factors distinguish Tala from alternatives in the crowded kitchenware market. Heritage spanning over 125 years demonstrates sustained value delivery. Brands don't survive across centuries without consistently satisfying customers. British manufacturing maintains quality and supports domestic employment. Products from UK facilities arrive with genuine provenance claims. Design continuity means replacements and additions match existing equipment. Nozzles fitting century-old syringes exemplify this commitment to consistency. Quality materials and construction ensure products perform as expected across years of use. Tala equipment represents genuine investment rather than disposable purchasing. Comprehensive range coverage means most baking needs can be met within the Tala brand. Building equipment sets from a single manufacturer ensures compatibility and consistent quality. Conclusion From Frederick Taylor and Thomas Law's 1899 factory to contemporary Welsh manufacturing facilities, Tala has served British bakers for over 125 years. That extraordinary continuity reflects consistent delivery of quality equipment supporting countless cakes, biscuits, and decorated treats. Whether you're seeking heritage pieces connecting to British craft traditions or modern bakeware meeting contemporary standards, Tala offers quality equipment designed for real baking needs. Compare Tala prices across UK retailers through Grocefully and discover how this historic British brand can equip your kitchen with products designed for generations of use.