Michael Box and Kristina Tutt open Blend Coffee and Wine Bar, in Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds

Two friends have realised their dream of opening a coffee and wine bar.

Michael Box and Kristina Tutt welcomed customers to Blend, in Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, for the first time on Tuesday.

The new venue, which was formerly Ecigwizard, has been extensively renovated by the pair, and serves a range of hot and cold foods as well as coffees, teas, milkshakes, smoothies and others to eat in or takeaway.

As well as this, as a licensed venue, it stocks a range of wines, beers and spirits alongside home-crafted cocktails.

Michael and Kristina have worked together since 2020 at several different venues and combined they have more than 30 years of industry experience.

Michael said: “It was our dream come true – it’s been a lot of hard work to get here.

“It’s just nice to have the doors open and to talk to guests, that’s what we do best.”

The new bar has space for 24 covers inside alongside two pavement tables.

It has a deli counter which sells homemade toasties, sandwiches and savoury items and a selection of baked goods are also on offer, the majority of which are produced by Blend’s chef, Molly Smith.

During the week, Blend will be open from 8am until 4pm, while on Fridays and Saturdays this will be extended until 11pm.

In the evenings, the venue will serve up charcuterie boards for guests to enjoy. On Sundays, Blend will be open from 9am to 4pm.

Kristina said: “It’s very exciting and a relief to be open after working on the building for two months.

“It’s something we’ve always wanted to do so it’s nice to see it come to fruition.”

The new coffee and wine bar uses Monmouth as its coffee supplier, which Michael knew from his time working in London.

The duo are no strangers to the Bury hospitality scene, having worked at The Northgate, The Angel and the arc’s new Everyman Cinema between them.

Leaning into the deli side of the venue, guests can purchase wholesale amounts products Blend uses, including its coffee, tea and hot chocolate, to take home with them.

Michael recognised Bury is not in short supply of coffee shops, but expressed his hope the duo’s new business will add to the town’s thriving hospitality scene.

“Bury is lucky to have so many great places, but we felt it was the best place to do what we wanted to do,” he said.

“Somewhere you can have a glass of wine and a coffee, as well as some good food. We have a few strings to our bow.”

Blend is also available for private hire for those who wish to have parties or events at the venue.