A NEW underground cafe ‘Tales of Tea’ has been unveiled in St Mary’s Guildhall following a major makeover.
No Ordinary Hospitality Management (NOHM) operates the Coombe Abbey Hotel, where afternoon teas have won national acclaim.
However, for the first time, the tea afternoons are moving into the city where they will be Tales of Teas main attraction.
The cafe caters for up to 70 people and has been created in the St Mary’s Guildhall vaulted undercroft, which was constructed in 1392 and is believed to be the oldest part of the building.
A new menu has been launched for the afternoon teas, with high-quality ingredients being delivered by some of the UK’s biggest suppliers.
There are freshly baked breakfasts available at the cafe including Danish pastries and croissants, toasted teacakes and a bacon roll.
Traditional British afternoon teas inspired by Coventry’s rich textile history are available from £21.50 per person.
Other highlights include the Weaver’s Savoury Afternoon Tea, which features smoked haddock, spring onion and chive croquet with chunky tartare sauce and a Warwickshire Whizzer sausage roll.
Tales of Tea can also be hired for private parties including birthdays, anniversaries and baby showers.
St Mary’s Guildhall has opened seven days a week following a £6million restoration project.
Ron Terry, NOHM’s Group Operations Director, said: “By redesigning the beautiful, historic undercroft cafe space specifically for this purpose, we’re opening an exciting new chapter in St Mary’s Guildhall’s history.
“We’ve combined the best of Coombe Abbey Hotel’s afternoon teas with the history and grandeur of this fascinating building to create a truly special afternoon tea experience.”
Coun Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “St Mary’s Guildhall is a prized asset for Coventry, and its transformation and restoration over recent years has been stunning.
“Tales of Tea at the Undercroft is further evidence of the detailed work that has been undertaken and it is going to provide a great experience for visitors.”
