Leiston health workers launch Suffolk Loose Leaf Tea Company

Nick Phillips and Jaclyn Baggott have launched the Suffolk Loose-Leaf Tea Company as they tap into growing interest in specialist teas.

Their shop - at Stonham Barns Park retail village - offers a range of flavoured loose-leaf teas designed to enhance health and wellbeing.

They were working in the health care industry but decided to start their business after hatching a plan over a cup of herbal tea two years ago.

The couple - from Leiston - are both tea lovers and are particularly fond of fruit from all over the world.

Many of their loose-leaf teas are partnered with fruit flavourings. Among their offerings are Raspberry Leaf Tea, Chilli Flake Tea and Coffee Truffle Tea with products available to buy in a pack or tin.

Customers can also design their own tea flavours – using two or three different dried fruit infusers with guidance from the couple.

Jaclyn was raised in Suffolk and said food and drink was taken seriously in her household.

"My mother was a brilliant homemaker. She cooked beautiful meals and always enjoyed cups of tea to get her through the day," she said.

"Breakfast tea was a particular tradition in our family and I think my interest in food and beverages started from an early age."

Jaclyn ran a catering business supplying food for weddings and occasions before moving into the care sector and travelling the world.

She has spent time in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Africa and India.

Nick - who is originally from London but moved to Suffolk 10 years ago - said they were "absolutely delighted" with their new shop.

"It is everything we had hoped for and more. People who visit the venue are more than happy to take some time to relax over a cup of tea and do have time to find out more about the wellbeing benefits of tea.

"The blending is what makes it so special. To individualise your tea is quite a luxury but yet very affordable and there seems to be a real demand for special teas as coffee and tea sales continue to do well in the high streets."

Blending teas was all about matching a person with the right tea for them, he said.

"Some of the teas promote calmness, some give you a wake-up boost and others help with restful sleep.

"We are learning about the positive effects of the different ingredients and happy to give as much advice as needed to customers.’

The teas are sourced from Asian tea suppliers and are available in the shop and online.

The  pair have big plans for the future and hope to develop a food side to the business.

"This is our first move into business, and we are hugely excited for the future. You have got to love what you do and this seems to be something we are passionate about," said Nick.

"If we can make this concept work in Suffolk we will be hoping to roll out some food ideas to complement the tea offering."

The new business is located within the Carters of Suffolk Teapot Pottery Tearooms at Stonham Barns Park.