A new coffee and tea shop in St Albans will blend cuisines from a range of different nations and cultures.

Hi-Tea, in the city's 'The Maltings' shopping area, opened on Monday, December 19.

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The Herts Advertiser visited the new food and beverage shop, to see what the location will bring to St Albans.

Herts Advertiser: A large emphasis is placed on healthy food and drink at Hi-Tea.A large emphasis is placed on healthy food and drink at Hi-Tea. (Image: Pearce Bates)

During the visit, a spokesperson for Hi-Tea explained: "Our business is quite different to the other cafés, coffee shops or even bubble tea shops (in St Albans).

"What we want to do is create a unique cuisine - by mixing different cultures' foods together - and create the best taste and best quality, that is healthy for the diet."

Herts Advertiser: Food and drink from a range of cuisines are combined in Hi-Tea's menu.Food and drink from a range of cuisines are combined in Hi-Tea's menu. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Hi-Tea already has cafés in a number of areas, including Reading and London, and are looking to expand into a number of historic cities in the UK.

The spokesperson continued: "St Albans is a very unique city around London.

Herts Advertiser: A wide ranging menu is available at Hi-Tea.A wide ranging menu is available at Hi-Tea. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"St Albans is very popular and has a long history, and everyone will gather together in the city, especially at the weekend.

"So we were thinking that it would be a very good opportunity to set up the branch here.

"We also have (branches) in Cheltenham, and are looking to open in Oxford and Cambridge, all around the famous towns and cities in the UK."

Herts Advertiser: The location is brightly decorated, with a variety of art used.The location is brightly decorated, with a variety of art used. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Along with serving food, and a large variety of teas and coffees, the shop is also planning to serve cocktails.

As such, a separate cocktail area will be created within the café.

There will be an emphasis on creating healthy food and drinks.

The spokesperson continued: "What we are looking to do is create a healthy tea bar, with different food and deserts coming together.

Herts Advertiser: Reusable cups are used for cold drinks at Hi-Tea, which can be returned for a small discount.Reusable cups are used for cold drinks at Hi-Tea, which can be returned for a small discount. (Image: Pearce Bates)

"Before we set up the brand, globally there were not many healthy tea bars.

"Most of them use artificial ingredients and mix powders to make their drinks.

"What we are looking for is to allow the customer to enjoy a bubble tea but still enjoy a healthy drink."