New business: tea and treats in quiet space
From left, Stefan Waldner, Ute and Rolf Kleine. Photo: Ina Holst.
Takaka Infusion opens its doors today for tea enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine bread and baking.
Rolf and Ute Kleine, who moved from Germany to New Zealand 15 months ago, have created a quiet haven behind Lollokiki Gallery without the noise of an espresso machine whining in the background.
The couple has over 20 years of retail experience, and wanted to do something that they “really enjoy” said Ute.
“We wish to create a place with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere which is not too colourful, because we would like the tea to impress with its rich colour.” They will consider selling coffee too if there is consistent demand. “We will see how it goes.”
They are planning a tea-total immersion, with 25 different teas for savouring on the premises and 40 varieties of tea and tea paraphernalia for sale, including tea sets by potter Tim Jessop, and woodwork by Klaus Wagmann.
“The teas we sell are strongly controlled for quality, and tested for 200 different pesticides and chemical residues. It’s important to us that we know where the tea comes from,” added Rolf. “What we find is really wonderful here for the tea is the quality of the water. It makes drinking tea a real taste sensation as the water makes all the difference to the taste, and the tea acquires a deep golden colour.”
Part of the team is Swiss baker Stefan Waldner. The couple approached him with their business idea and Takaka Infusion will be an outlet for his continental-style bread, foccacia and cakes.
Takaka Infusion’s winter business hours are 9am-4.30pm.
Ina Holst
