International tea brand to open new city centre venue

International tea-house Chatime is set to open a brand new venue at the Merrion Centre in Leeds city centre.

Located on Woodhouse Lane, the shop will be the company’s first in Leeds and create six jobs.

The new venue, opening next month, is set to have seating space for 15-18 customers and join more than 2,500 stores across 38 countries.

Run by business developer Vincent Deng, Chatime will offer a variety of specialist drinks and feature a take out menu including fruit tea, oriental pop tea, milk tea, fresh tea, ‘QQ jelly’, mousse, smoothies and coolers.

Deng said: “As Chatime continues to expand, we’re extremely excited to be bringing our concept the Merrion Centre and Leeds. Being located in the heart of the city and so close to the extensive international student population gives us access to a diverse mix of customer including those from overseas that have already grown to love the fantastic Chatime brand.

“Chatime is the most loved and respected Tea House in the world and we are committed to serving a consistently high quality and extensive variety of teas whilst also providing outstanding customer service. We look forward to opening in February and becoming part of this ever-evolving area within Leeds city centre”.

Helen Green, associate director for Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, added: “We’re very excited to welcome Chatime to Leeds successful Arena Quarter, contributing further to the Merrion Centre’s existing eclectic mix of local, specialist, niche and international offerings.

“There are currently many new developments within the immediate vicinity of the Merrion Centre, and we have no doubt that this new addition will enjoy every success on the back of this as we welcome even more customers in 2019”.