Will Hannah and Jason Abbott, who are behind the Blue Rainbow Aparthotels company, a collection of boutique serviced apartments, has launched a new tea shop and café concept called Tea 42.
The first site under the format will launch this autumn as the group’s hotel near Manchester’s Arndale centre after a £325k investment.
Further sites are expected to be launched at the group’s other two properties in Manchester’s Knott Mill area and Edinburgh, before it looks at standalone opportunities for the brand.
The venues will serve a large selection of “specialty, hand-blended teas, locally-sourced cakes and high-quality, light refreshments”.
It will also feature an extensive gluten-free food menu, supported by eight locally brewed gluten-free beers. There would also be an extensive wine list and beer selection.
Managing director Hannah said: “The new venue will be positioned as an alternative to other market-leading coffee houses and daytime refreshment bars. Tea 42 reflects what we have always been good at – creating a new niché by cherry-picking the best ideas in the market and combining them into something truly unique.
“Initially, we plan to launch Tea 42 sites close to our Blue Rainbow Aparthotels locations, which will allow guests to access refreshments with ease. However, in the future, there is also potential to roll Tea 42 out as a standalone venue in cities without our properties, as we feel the Tea 42 concept is so strong.”
