IT’S teatime, but not as we know it..

Australian loose leaf tea specialist T2 opened its first Scottish store this week on Buchanan Street.

Lovers of a traditional cuppa are in for a treat, however, as this is no ordinary tea shop.

Customers are promised a ‘multi-sensory’ experience.

As well as a tea ‘fountain’ made of cups, saucers and teapots and inspired by Glasgow’s vibrant visual arts scene, there will be a huge ‘smelling table’ complete with more than 200 varieties of tea from around the world and a tastings bar.

Store assistant Lauren Macready explained: “T2 is known for its exciting and thoroughly modern take on Britain’s favourite national drink.

“We pride ourselves on doing tea differently and our expert team will be on hand to help customers discover and explore an exciting new world of tea.

Tasting, smelling and blending is not only okay, it’s fully encouraged.”

She added: “The tea ‘fountain’ is superb - it allows customers to smell the fragrant aromas of the T2 blends as they cascade down the body of beautiful teaware.”

The tastings bar will allow people to sample and learn how to brew any of the tea varieties; from white tea with rose petals to black tea with caramel pieces.

Jane Hoban, T2 Global Marketing Director said she was delighted to join high-end retailers such as L’Occitane, House of Fraser and Nike on Buchanan Street.

She added: “The UK market is very important for us as a brand emerging globally. We are hugely excited to bring our growing tea family to Glasgow and to be opening alongside such a great international brand mix.”

Originally established 20 years ago in Melbourne Australia, T2 is now establishing its place on the UK high street with 17 stores nationwide.

Its more unusual flavours include everything from creme brulee and red choc mint to limited edition mini-watermelon and powdered green Japanese matcha tea.