Undeterred by its rival PG Tips’ inglorious history with chimps, tea brand Tetley has waded into talking animal territory with its new ad.

It stars a cat and a dog, who, once the humans leave, settle in for a cuppa. A series of paw-on-a-stick shots awkwardly negotiate the physical process of tea-making, with the pets contorted into human-like positions on the sofa (via CGI, of course). There they share some inane chat, the highlight of which is a weak joke about it “raining chaps and gals” outside.

Further digital activity will highlight tea’s role in conversation, which seems a good idea – though Tetley’s ‘conversation starters’ like ‘milk first or last?’ and ‘strong or milky?’ reflect this ad’s lack of imagination.

Cute animals, though.

Topics