Bird and Blend opens 'weird and wonderful' new shop in Oxford

Birds & Blend Tea Co, which has a mission of ‘spreading happiness one cup at a time’ has opened its 11th store at 23 High Street, after waiting for non-essential shops to reopen.

The wacky tea shop hopes to be a ‘hybrid space’ where people can come in to buy tea and teapots to take home, or to sit down and enjoy a cuppa to drink in – when allowed – or to take away.

Krisi Smith, 33, who runs the business with her partner Mike Turner, said: “We are an independent business and are tea blend specialists, so we create all these magical, flavourful blends of tea.

“We have a huge tea wall, a bit like a pick & mix stand in a sweet shop, where you can come in and choose what tea you would like, and we weigh them all out for you.

“We have all sorts of flavours like rhubarb and custard, birthday cake and mojito – all different types of tea.”

Birds & Blends began eight years ago from the couple’s spare bedroom, where they would pack up tea blends and sell them online.

Bird and Blend's manager Annabel measures out a blend of tea leaves at the new High Street shop. Picture by Ed Nix

The business became a shining success, allowing the pair to open their first shop in their hometown of Brighton, before moving on to open in several towns with large student populations, including Bristol, Nottingham and Cardiff.

Miss Smith said: “We wanted to start opening more stores, and one of the downsides of Covid is that a lot of retail places have suddenly become available, so we were able to get some really good deals on new properties – and Oxford was at the top of the list.

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“This was mainly because we look for towns that are quite fun to be in, that people visit lots, and have nice, supportive local people who like to try new things and like their food and drink.

“Oxford has the student population as well.”

The tea shop has a few core values, mostly associated with being a sustainable company.

It aims to be eco-conscious, combat the use of takeaway cups, and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Bird and Blend's manager Annabel measures out a blend of tea leaves at the new High Street shop. Picture by Ed Nix

Miss Smith added: “When we get back to normal times, we want people to be able to come in to sit down and have a drink or get a takeaway.

“We serve loads of different ice teas, chai lattes and matcha – but we do not sell a single cup of coffee.”

The store is also hosting a number of Covid-safe workshops, including a two-hour tea blending evening, which allows six people to each create three bespoke blends, while serving unlimited beverages, both alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

For more information, please visit birdandblendtea.com