Everything's starting to look sweet at Peterborough's new dessert lounge

Food lovers with a sweet tooth are in for a treat from Saturday when the great-looking new TAMU dessert lounge in Peterborough opens it doors to the public.
Salim Rehmatullah at the new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, PeterboroughSalim Rehmatullah at the new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough
Salim Rehmatullah at the new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough

The two-month refurbishment of an old estate agency offices in Cowgate, in the city centre, which had lain empty for a decade, has been a labour of love for Salim Rehmatullah, who opened the original TAMU in Broadway two years ago.

Both businesses will run in tandem, but it is the new venue which has been the focus of his attention.

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It can accommodate around 80, comfortably, with smart, soft seated booth seating, individual tables and a raised area for large party groups which can seat 20-plus.

The new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, PeterboroughThe new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough
The new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough

There is a lot of window space, so it is bright and airy, great use of colours with an industrial-chic exposed, open ceiling.

Ultimately it will be judged on the food and there is a much bigger menu than offered in Broadway - 16 different flavours of gelato, compared to six - a dozen or more toppings for waffles, crepes and pancakes as well a big selection of sundaes and hot desserts.

And if you fancy something savoury, there are a number of crepe and waffle options too.

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“It has taken a little longer to get the new Tamu than we first envisaged, but it has been worth it,” said Salim

The new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, PeterboroughThe new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough
The new Tamu dessert lounge in Cowgate, Peterborough

“We wanted everything to be spot on - the colours, the furnishings, the finish, the new TAMU branding that is everywhere... it all had to be just right.”

Salim is particularly pleased with the “gelato lab” in the renovated basement where new equipment from Italy is used to make TAMU’s own gelato flavours.

“With the greater space - 80 seats compared to 20-plus in Broadway - we have been able to set the counter and serving area out much better, so we now have 16 flavours of gelato, and we will be adding new ones regularly as we come up with new ones in the lab.

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“We have a loyal customer base, built up though two years of trading, and them having a good time and enjoying what we have to offer is key.

“The interest has been fantastic, we are fully booked up on Saturday, our opening day, and have bookings in the diary into April.”

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