Brand new tea store opens in heart of historic Kent city with unique flavours

No drink is quite as synonymous with us Brits as the cup of tea, a true staple of our culture if ever there was. Whether you're a bag in or bag out kind of person, or one of those brave few that argue the milk must go in first, a new opening in the centre of Canterbury is hoping to attract every kind of tea lover.

Bird and Blend Tea Co. has now opened its doors on the city’s high street and can be found nestled between Claire’s and Mountain Warehouse on The Parade. Revolutionising the classic cuppa, the store stocks over 100 different flavours for customers to peruse.

From firm favourites like Builders Breakfast and Early Grey, to off-the-wall choices including Birthday Cake, Chocolate Digestive and Cherry Cola Bottles, there’s plenty to pick from. To celebrate the opening of the new store, Bird and Blend has created a limited edition flavour that is exclusive for Canterbury - ‘Cup and Chaucer’.

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The independent tea company was founded by Krisi Smith and Mike Turner, who met at university, with the first Bird and Blend store opening on a UK High Street 11 years ago in 2013. This latest branch in Canterbury brings their total number of stores across the county to 18 following a recent opening in York.

While the store is now already open and serving customers, the Bird and Blend team will be throwing an opening party on May 16 that tea enthusiasts will not want to miss. On this day, the first 50 customers will receive an exclusive Canterbury tote bag and plenty of free tea. For the very eager beavers, the first 20 customers will also receive a sample of Cup and Chaucer to try.

Characterised by its distinct tea wall, showing off the impressive array of flavours and the ‘largest Matcha tea range that can be found in the UK’, customers will also find tea tools and a takeaway tea bar in the store. Beyond the products, the store will run a number of mixology workshops, teaching guests all about the tea making process and how to make blends of their own to take home.

Mike Turner, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Bird & Blend Tea Co. said: “Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. Alongside the fast growth of the digital side of our business, we’re proudly continuing to invest in local high streets too.

“We see our stores as not just retail spaces, but as community hubs where customers can come to make connections with one another and our team, and enjoy interacting with our teas. For us, there will always be a place for magical in-person experiences and we’re delighted to be arriving in Canterbury.”

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