An exciting new venture came to Kettering’s cultural quarter in September, blending the best of modern refreshments and old-style jazz to create an on-trend destination from day into evening.

The Blitz 1940s Tea Room and Jazz Lounge is the brainchild of local husband and wife team, Allan and Rhonda Fosbrook. Their vision was to create a relaxed and upmarket venue that specialises in supplying the best quality refreshments in an exclusive setting. Allan and Rhonda have created a unique experience in Kettering, one that will appeal to busy daytime shoppers to give them a much needed oasis in a beautiful setting while, in the evening, offering a smart but chilled-out venue to meet friends and socialise.

Allan and Rhonda had been looking at sites across the area, including Uppingham, Oakham and Stamford, but chose to open at The Coach House in Kettering, formerly the JavaJava Coffee Shop; this is such a beautiful Grade II listed building in the cultural quarter of the town, nestled between the church and library and with good transport links. The Tea Room features authentic furniture and ornaments from the 1940s and expert staff, dressed in vintage clothing, serve a range of exciting drinks and foods. Customers are able to sample top-quality fare while listening to period music from 1940s stars, including Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.

Daytime menus include mouth-watering breakfast and lunch options as well as specials such as the Vera Lynn afternoon tea (cakes, sandwiches, scones and mini desserts) or the Churchill for the hungrier appetite (mini pork pie with chutney, mini Yorkshire pudding, corned beef sandwich and scone with jam and cream).

The 1940s theme is enhanced by a soundtrack featuring an actual air raid with sound and light effects and the décor features half of the roof blown away! The Tea Room has proven a Mecca for tea-lovers, offering a choice of 14 loose leaf blend teas expertly infused; coffee drinkers can enjoy the popular Limini blend.

The venue comes into its own on Friday and Saturday evenings when the Blitz transforms into a jazz lounge appealing to couples and friends who want a relaxed intown evening without the stress of noisy bars and clubs. Music features all the greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole. ‘Ticket only’ evenings involve live acts from the period, with Pete Wayre and Luna Nightingale as an example, together with ‘themed’ evening such as a recently held ‘Allo Allo’ party where you come dressed as your favourite character form the hit TV show. A ‘Dad’s Army’ evening is planned for early January.

In the evenings customers can choose from a range of meat and cheese platters, artisan breads, dips and while enjoying the easy and relaxed ambience.

Blitz 1940s Tea Room and Jazz Lounge is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, and Friday and Saturday 8.30am to 11pm.

The Coach House
Sheep Street
Kettering, NN16 0AN
Tel 01536 510070
www.the-blitz.com

The Blitz 1940s Tea Room & Jazz Lounge

The Blitz 1940s Tea Room & Jazz Lounge

The Blitz 1940s Tea Room & Jazz Lounge

The Blitz 1940s Tea Room & Jazz Lounge