Local entrepreneur Alexis Rendell is passionate about bringing high-quality, ethically sourced tea to Portsmouth, and reviving the city’s rich tea history with his company, Tea Mountain.
Alexis shares his journey from founding Tea Mountain in 2021, to offering a variety of loose leaf and bagged teas, including the specially blended Portsmouth Tea.
Alexis’ love for tea began during his time working in China, where he was introduced to the vast world of tea varieties and brewing methods. This passion fuelled the creation of Tea Mountain, initially focusing on loose leaf teas. However, Alexis quickly learned the importance of adapting to market needs and introduced teabags to cater to the hospitality trade.
Tea Mountain’s signature offering is Portsmouth Tea, a robust, malty blend specially created to complement Portsmouth’s hard water. This unique tea commemorates Portsmouth’s place in tea history, as the arrival of the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza in 1662, who arrived to marry King Charles II, marked the introduction of tea to England.
Alexis says: “Portsmouth Tea is a robust, strong cup of tea. You’re going to feel…you can put the world to rights once you drink this.”
Tea Mountain offers a variety of ethically sourced and sustainably grown teas from around the world, including green, white, black, and flavoured varieties. Alexis is committed to providing customers with a guilt-free tea experience, ensuring fair treatment of tea farmers and environmentally friendly packaging.
Tea Mountain is on a growth trajectory. Alexis is actively expanding his reach within the hospitality industry across Portsmouth and Hampshire. The company is also exploring new partnerships with suppliers in various countries and developing a line of exclusive, high-end teas.
Alexis’ business journey offers valuable insights for Portsmouth’s business community. Here are his key tips:
Alexis is passionate about educating people about tea. He wants people to discover the perfect cup for them and to appreciate the quality and care that goes into each teabag or loose leaf serving.
Tea Mountain’s participation in the upcoming Southsea Food Festival is a testament to Alexis commitment to sharing his passion for tea and Portsmouth’s rich tea legacy.