Possible Clues:

• From mountaintop, expert gathers speed - it's steep!
• Steep service charge after the first of May
• Steep in liquid like cream tea
• Steep
• Soak temperate shrub friend's imported
• Cause disintegration
• Soften by soaking
• Steep charge placed on official staff
• Charge for spice is steep
• Steep service charge after the first of March