A drive-thru chai cafe is to open in Bolton building on the popularity of the South Asian tea.

It is thought to be the first drive-thru chai cafe and will open in Farnworth.

Following big chains, including Costa and Starbucks, The Chai Cabin on Albert Road, is now introducing a drive-thru for desi tea drinkers.

Customers can park up next to the converted shipping container and wait to be served by an attendant -  but can also get out the car.

Ali Chaudry and his brother-in-law Mohamed Parwez Sharis converted the shipping container into The Chai Cabin and are looking to open soon.

Ali said: “It’s a popular concept in other towns so we wanted to bring it to Bolton because there is nothing like this here.

"People don’t always want to get out their cars and just want to be served, so that’s how we’ll do it.

My brother-in-law and I got together, converted the shipping container and made it into what it is now.”

Although Ali himself doesn’t drink much tea, he takes the inspiration from his mum and wife, who make tea all the time.

He said: “My wife makes tea with cardamom in and my mum makes desi tea every single day.

“This is actually my mum’s recipe, passed down from generations, where they use spices like cumin and cardamom.

“I don’t really drink tea unless we go out for it like this, but I have perfected making it and will make sure my staff do too.”

Ali used to work for the NHS’s 111 service in Horwich and though he liked his job, is excited for the new venture in his life.

He said: “I like the concept of having a cabin where people can just park up and we’ll take their order.

“I did like my job but it’s time to move on to something better and work for myself.

“I want to build the brand, not just stop here as I want to be so successful we can open more.”

The Chai Cabin will offer various desi chai including pink tea, as well as desserts such as homemade hot doughnuts, waffles and even mocktails.

Keep up with them on their Instagram @TheChaiCabin

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