Despite the ever growing trend towards chain coffee shops, Debbie Roper and Tracy Reed have opened up Time for Tea at the bottom of Wanstead High Street. At the other end, Starbuck's and Belgique's familiar signs and decor can be seen pulling customers in, but here in Time for Tea there is a more relaxed atmosphere.

 

The cosy, welcoming cafe is decorated with vintage Cath Kidston-esque tablecloths, prints and bunting, with fresh cream and blue walls and authentic wood flooring. The cheery ringing of the bell above the door greets you as you walk in and the smell of tea and freshly baked cakes, accompanied by Tracy and Debbie's welcoming smiles, draw you into the shop.

 

Despite the competition at the other end of Wanstead High Street, Tracy is optimistic for the future of Time For Tea.

 

"We're very different from the Starbucks and Belgiques; we were inspired by the tea shops of Cornwall and Devon, and have a much more traditional British vibe than their more American or European backgrounds. Also we sell a lot more tea than coffee - in this way we're different from all of the other cafes in this area."

 

And it is this unique appeal that will keep drawing customers into the tea shop, despite their lack of advertising so far.

 

“We went for a soft opening, so that we wouldn’t be overrun on the first day before we got into the swing of things. That meant no leaflets or flyers, just word of mouth. And that’s how we plan to continue for the moment, until we really find our footing.”

 

And even with this minimal advertising, the customers are flocking in. So I for one am optimistic about the future of Time for Tea, and for Wanstead High Street in general.