New market venture for Peculiar Tea chef Gemma

Belfast’s A Peculiar Tea has announced they are set to open a new venture by the end of the year.

The themed high end restaurant near Queen’s was created by Chef Gemma Austin in 2021 – serving up unique tasting menus and afternoon tea creations.

Taking to social media, Gemma and the team revealed plans to open a new patisserie at St George’s Market in Belfast city centre.

Mamó, named in honour of Gemma’s grandmother Betty, is set to open in December and will serve up “the best edible art” in the city.

The announcement read: “We are absolutely delighted to let you know that we will be opening our next venture in December 2023! Unit 3, St. George’s Market.

“Mamó… Irish for Grandmother.

“This one’s for my Nanny Betty. A regular bun eater and apple pie lover. For my Granny, who is no longer with us but never had her hand out of the sweet tin. For the grandparents who help build who we are, support us and love us unconditionally.”

In October the team told how their business faces a difficult winter after it saw its monthly energy bill rocket from £180 to £6,000 over the course of less than two years.

Lara Thompson, Office and Accounting Manager at the University Road restaurant said the ‘skyrocketing’ energy bills are making it difficult to look to the future.

Over the past two years our once-manageable energy bills have skyrocketed,” Lara said.

“When we first opened in January 2022 our electric bill was £180, we’re now facing monthly costs of upwards of £6,000 and it’s only going one way.

“As a small business, this surge has put immense strain on our financial resources and as the colder months begin, energy debts and costs will continue to put huge pressure on business owners.

“We’re also facing soaring costs for our produce, but compromising on the quality of our food or service is not an option.”