New tea and coffee house set for Derby

Pete and Stephanie Marris

A new tea and coffee house is due to open in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter next month (June).

Self-confessed ‘foodies’ Pete and Stephanie Marris from Allestree are opening Elements tea and coffee house in the Royal Buildings in Victoria Street which are currently being renovated by landlords Clowes.

Recruitment is underway for three full time positions for a barista, trainee barista and kitchen cook with several part time catering assistant posts also available.

The couple hope to have the staff in place by the end of May so that full training and supplier visits can be completed ahead of the opening.

Pete) is a former pharmaceutical IT specialist and Stephanie has been a primary school teacher until she finished work to start a family.

The couple have lived across the UK and have returned to Derby to settle down and fulfill their dream of owning their own tea and coffee house.

Pete said: “We both love food – especially something different – and have a particular passion for good quality tea and coffees which are prepared in the right way.

“Elements will therefore focus on serving a wide range of tea and coffees and a deliciously different day-time menu. This will include varied vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free dishes and all the menu will feature the best produce from artisan suppliers.

“We are looking for staff who share our passion for top notch customer service in relaxed and friendly surroundings and – above all – are keen to learn all there is to know about tea and coffees from around the world.

“Working with us will be a great opportunity for the team to develop their skills and be part of something new and exciting for Derby from day one.

“Having both worked in education settings, we are particularly keen to offer opportunities to young people and are working with Derby College to advertise the roles with their students and plan to take on a University of Derby student as a paid intern.”

Stephanie was born and educated in Derby and said she relished the opportunity to launch the business venture in her home city.

She said: “It has been a whirlwind couple of years not least with the recent arrival of our first child Albert but we can’t wait to open Elements and bring something new and fresh to the city.

“We looked at various premises but fell in love with the Royal Buildings in Victoria Street and I am so pleased that we will be based in the Cathedral Quarter which has seen such a resurgence in recent years.

“Having found the suppliers that we want to work with and with the renovations progressing well – our focus is finding the right staff who will have the knowledge, personalities and customer service skills to make Elements a success.”

Stephanie is a history buff and volunteered at Derby Musuems when she was younger.
She continued: “The name Elements is inspired by Derby’s history as the centre of the Enlightenment movement which included Joseph Wright and the continued science and engineering pedigree of the city.

“In those days, notable people met and discussed their views and theories in the coffee houses and that is just the kind of atmosphere that we want to create – sitting back and enjoying great food, tea and coffees in relaxed surroundings.”

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