19 February 2026
Tea Break Tour with Hattie Brett
Tea Break Tour is all about the people behind our brands. Every show, every story and every connection with our audiences starts with a person and this series is a chance to pause, put the kettle on and recognise the talent and creativity that brings Bauer to life. From audio and publishing to teams across the wider business, Tea Break Tour celebrates the personalities you hear, read and see every day, sharing the stories and moments you don’t always get when the mic is live or the day gets busy.
Hattie Brett takes on the Tea Break Tour! We joined the Grazia Editor-in-Chief for a tea break to talk cover stories, career highlights and the moments that bring each issue to life. From once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the White House to rethinking how Grazia shows up for its readers during the pandemic, Hattie shares what it really takes to shape one of the UK’s most iconic titles.
First off, how do you take your tea?
For me, it’s got to be Earl Grey, milky… preferably with a chocolate biscuit to dunk. Delicious.
You’re Editor-in-Chief at Grazia – how would you describe the Grazia reader in three words?
Smart, stylish, savvy. She’s the best.
What’s the most exciting part of putting an issue together?
Probably the cover. The shoot – whether it’s fashion or talent – can be months, sometimes years, in the making. The issue we’re sending to press tomorrow has been two years in the making. When we finally pin the options to the wall and decide what will resonate most with the reader, that’s a really special moment.
Grazia is known for its fashion access – what’s been your most ‘Devil Wears Prada’ moment?
I was invited to shadow then-Prime Minister David Cameron on his first state visit to the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama. We were told the only event off-limits was the gala dinner – white tie. But I’d packed a ball gown just in case… and this Cinderella did go to the White House Ball.
What was it like?
Amazing. The grounds are huge – you get taken up in a golf buggy to this marquee at the end. It’s like the most luxurious wedding you’ve ever been to.
What do you love most about the job?
The variety. One day I might be at a Chanel show, the next brainstorming a campaign with our parenting platform, The Juggle, about affordable childcare. That mix is what makes it so fun.
What’s a fashion trend you secretly loved?
There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure – wear what you love and what makes you feel good.
And one you’d be happy to never see again?
Skinny jeans. When I saw them back on the catwalk, I thought… absolutely not. Been there, done that.
What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Probably during the pandemic. We suddenly had to rethink everything – no celebrity shoots, no paparazzi images and realised our readers didn’t need that. So we featured NHS workers on the cover, photographed in hospital car parks.
I remember standing in my kitchen, cooking fish fingers for my kids, when the covers came through… and they just felt so powerful. They said From the Front Line and really captured that moment.
What’s one thing readers might not know about Grazia?
We have a VIP Beauty Club, with access to events, products and brands like Chanel and Charlotte Tilbury. If you love beauty, you should definitely join.
Grazia celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 – do you had a standout moment from those 20 years?
Probably our 20th issue, which coincided with our big fashion issue in February 2025. It was amazing – we had brilliant features, with incredibly smart writers like Caitlin Moran reflecting on how the world has changed for women since 2005, alongside amazing shoots and shopping from our fashion team.
We also had a subscriber cover illustrated exclusively by Bella Freud, which made it feel like a real collector’s edition.
What’s coming up next?
A brand new website, which we’re really excited about, and more of our social series. Things like Come Shop With Me, where our shopping editor goes into stores and picks out the best pieces. It’s brilliant… but quite dangerous for your bank account!
Finally, what’s the ultimate tea break snack?
It’s got to be a Colin the Caterpillar cake. No one beats M&S, although there’s always a battle over who gets the face… not me!
