MORE TEA? HOTEL’S BRAND NEW DRINK
Two graduates have brewed up a drink which combines Britain’s love of alcohol and tea.
Offering a new take on the traditional tipple, the alcoholic tea, called Noveltea, comes in two flavours and is 11% proof.
Bosses at Lumley Castle were so impressed by the idea that they’ve created a new afternoon tea option, which incorporates the unique drink.
Noveltea, a tea and craft spirit blend, is already sold individually at retail outlets, including Fenwick, Newcastle, but this is one of the first times it’s been launched as an afternoon tea option.
Claire Mitchell, sales director at Lumley Castle, in Chester-le-Street, said: “Afternoon teas are very popular here, we serve around 70 a day. We already offer tipsy afternoon teas with a cocktail, as well as the traditional afternoon tea, but this is something different. Customers love a tipple with their afternoon tea and Noveltea provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy a brand new experience.”
Noveltea founders Lukas Passia and Vincent Efferoth came up with the idea after moving from Germany to the North East to study.
Lukas said: “We knew about the British obsession with tea and how afternoon tea is a rich and deep-rooted part of the culture here. Although we know some afternoon teas are served with alcohol, we were surprised no one had thought of making an alcoholic tea.”
The Tale of Earl Grey blend, which features gin, is inspired by former Prime Minister and tea enthusiast Sir Charles Grey, while the rum-based Tale of Tangier is inspired by a lighter Moroccan tea.
Both can be served either hot or cold.
Lukas said: “We are big fans of craft ales and spirits, but there are so many craft ales and new gins on the market, that we decided to do something completely different, alcoholic tea.
“Tea is actually the second most consumed drink on the planet after water, but not as many people experiment with it as they do other drinks. The beauty of tea is that there are so many flavour notes to play with which makes it very versatile.”
The No Ordinary Tea at No Ordinary Hotel afternoon tea at Lumley Castle is priced at £23.95 per person, based on two people sharing and will be served with a small bottle of either the Tale of Earl Grey or Tale of Tangier.
“Teaisthesecond mostconsumed drink on the planet” LUKAS PASSIA