Rap Interiors go Tea Tasting at Blends for Friends

Following the interior fit out works Rap carried out for Blends for Friends, a bespoke tea making company based in Kent, we were lucky enough to be invited to one of their renowned tasting events. The event was hosted by Blends for Friends Managing Director Alex Probyn, who we met at an Institute of Directors event in 2016. It is here where Alex told us the inspiring story behind the business, which started with a dare his from university friends to get a job drinking tea – something he hated. After accepting the challenge, he would go on to become a master tea blender at Tetley, before branching out and starting his own company. Now based in a large barn in Kemsing, Kent, Blends for Friends produces tea for a range of clients, as well as regularly hosting the group tastings in their on-site ‘Blendatorium’. Alex kicked off our event by giving us a fascinating history lesson. Did you know that 5000 years ago monkeys were trained to pick tea leaves from the top of 40 foot trees? Or that tea was once mixed with sheep’s dung by smugglers to spread it further? We were then taught how to taste tea properly (the key is to give it a good slurp!), before attempting to create our own recipes with the help of Alex. While some went for more traditional flavours like peppermint, others were more adventurous. Among our creations: Strawberries & Cream, Liquorish and an ‘Old Boozer’ tea made to taste like a smoky pub. Choosing our ingredients also gave us the chance to further explore the ‘Blendatorium’. With its bespoke wall of tea, presenting table and industrial pendant lights, the interior fit out works looked stunning.

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