Successful business owner who revolutionised afternoon tea in Northampton hopes to open coffee shop
A successful business owner, who revolutionised the way afternoon tea is offered in Northampton over the past decade, is hopeful about opening a coffee shop in the right location in 2026.
Amy Whiting, from Duston, founded Amy’s Vintage Teas in 2013 when she started collecting vintage china.
Working as a waitress at the time and being a mother to two young children, Amy knew it was time to start something of her own.
Though her initial idea was to hire out the crockery for weddings and events, she saw a massive gap in the market for the afternoon tea experience to be brought to people’s homes.
She was the first business to introduce having afternoon tea delivered in the town and has developed and built on the concept ever since.
What started out as providing small tea parties for eight to 10 guests in their home has led to bookings for larger parties, weddings and corporate events for up to 250 people.
Despite joining forces with owner of catering company The Copper Kitchen, Gemma Colby, in 2020, Amy’s Vintage Teas is now a solo venture once again.
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Amy said: “The partnership came to an end and I’m running the business on my own again. I’m still looking for a premises and would really like to own a coffee shop as well as still do afternoon tea events.
“It’s on the agenda but the location has got to be perfect. I’m not rushing into it but it’s on the wishlist for this year.
“It’ll definitely be here as I’m Northampton born and bred, but I’d love a village or rural location. It could be risky but it’s how I envisage my business fitting in, rather than in a town centre.”
Amy’s Vintage Teas will celebrate 13 years in 2026 and Amy admits there has been a shift towards bigger events, with more weddings booked in than ever before.
“Last year I branched out with different food ideas, like grazing tables and buffets, but I’ve come back to why I started the business in the first place,” said Amy.
“I want to be the go-to afternoon tea caterer and the one that stands out above everyone else. Afternoon tea is what we’re coming back to.”
Classic buffets, brunches, grazing tables and antipasti options remain on the menu, but the vintage afternoon teas are the focus of this year for the business.
When asked if she felt optimistic coming into 2026, Amy said: “I wasn’t overly confident to be completely honest. Towards the end of last year I was debating whether to call it quits and go into another line of work after a good 12 years.
“January has been quiet and it’s given me time to plan. Looking at my diary, how could I turn away and let so many people down? I’ve got events and weddings booked up to September.
“I needed a month to take a breather and now I’m 100 percent back. I’m really going to give it everything this year.”
Amy’s Vintage Teas is proud to be a mobile events company that brings afternoon teas to you, either at your home or a venue you have hired. All the food is homemade and the vintage china set up is available to hire.
It proves most popular for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, baby showers and hen parties, with a minimum of 10 people at each gathering and the team can cater for up to 250.
There are many options available, including having the Amy’s Vintage Teas team on hand as waiting staff on the day or event organisers can handle the set up themselves. Different options are available to suit different needs.
“I’m still looking for the perfect premises and I believe what is meant to be will be,” said Amy. “My two daughters were three and eight when I started the business.
“My eldest is 20 and works in marketing. She is really helpful with social media. My 15-year-old loves cooking and baking, and is keen to get involved. I’m hoping my daughters Millie and Sienna might even take more of a role in the business.”