Designing The Perfect Tea Point

At Liquidline, we know that a workplace tea point is more than just a corner for hot drinks, it’s a central hub where colleagues connect, collaborate and recharge. As the UK and Ireland’s fastest-growing provider of refreshment solutions for commercial fit-out projects, we specialise in helping Design and Build partners create tea points that blend style, functionality and reliability.

From innovative coffee machines to sleek hydration systems, our range of refreshment solutions is designed to integrate seamlessly into modern office interiors. With dedicated Project Managers and a single-supplier approach, we simplify the process from start to finish, ensuring premium refreshments are ready from moving day.

Key Design Considerations

Getting the tea point design right first time is essential. Misplaced services, overlooked space requirements, or unsuitable machines can lead to costly refits, delays and frustration for clients. With careful planning, however, you can deliver a polished space that performs flawlessly from day one.

Power

Power sockets should always be positioned within base cabinets and located above any water sources or pipes. This ensures they remain protected in the event of a leak and avoids damage to electrics. Surface-mounted power outlets are best avoided, as they can compromise safety and aesthetics.

Water

Coffee and water machines need well-placed water supplies. Positioning the connection points too far from the machine leads to awkward pipework and potential water pressure issues, while correctly planned locations ensure smooth installation and ongoing servicing.

Waste

Waste management is a key detail often overlooked. Coffee machines and taps require dedicated waste outlets, which must not be shared with appliances such as dishwashers. Running waste discreetly behind cupboards keeps the tea point clean and functional, while also supporting multiple appliances without strain on a single outlet.

Space

Space is often the biggest challenge in tea point design. While overhanging cupboards provide extra storage, you need to ensure there’s room to refill hoppers and access the top of machines. While the compact Schaerer Coffee Club can fit under standard overhanging cupboards comfortably, its smaller capacity makes it best suited for smaller teams. For larger offices, options like the Schaerer Coffee Soul 10 or Soul 12 provide higher output and are better matched to busy environments.

You’ll also need to allow under-counter space for additional components like syrup stations, water filters, or refrigeration units, all of which help elevate the refreshment offering while maintaining a sleek, clutter-free worktop.

Don’t forget space on the counter for ancillaries such as sugar, stirrers and tea bags. Positioning these alongside the main machines ensures the tea point is practical and well-used.

Finally, for surfaces like granite, marble or quartz, drilling must be completed before installation. This makes pre-planning with your refreshment partner critical; getting power, water and waste in the right place allows the machines to be the final piece of the puzzle.

Working with Liquidline

From planning and design to installation and aftercare, Liquidline provides seamless support to Design and Build partners. Our involvement starts at the design phase and extends long after completion, ensuring clients enjoy premium refreshments from day one.

Our support includes:

• Initial consultations to understand project requirements.
• Guidance on plumbing and electrics to avoid costly errors.
• Collaboration with contractors for smooth delivery.
• Ongoing maintenance and support to maximise machine lifespan.

The Liquidline Way

Our approach is what sets us apart.

• Machine Choice: Clients can visit one of our showrooms to choose their preferred coffee machine, tap system or hydration unit early in the design stage. This ensures the tea point layout incorporates their chosen solution from the outset.
• Services: Our team collaborates directly with designers and contractors to align power, water and waste services correctly. With nationwide showrooms and local in-house teams, expert advice is always available.
• Communication: We provide direct communication with contractors throughout, ensuring installations are completed on time and without disruption. All installations are carried out by our in-house engineers, guaranteeing consistent service and quality.

• Client Experience: This joined-up approach means that from moving day, clients enjoy premium refreshments without delay.

Our Equipment Offering

We provide a complete range of refreshment solutions for office fit-out projects, covering coffee machines, water systems, smart hydration, juice dispensers, vending machines and supporting equipment. Whether the requirement is for a high-capacity coffee station, an integrated tap system, or a combination of solutions, our portfolio ensures every tea point is both functional and beautifully designed.

Why Choose Liquidline?

At Liquidline, we’ve supported over one million sq. ft. of projects in the last year alone, working with D&B specialists to deliver refreshment solutions that are stylish, functional and reliable.

With dedicated project managers, nationwide showrooms and expert technical support, we provide a complete service from concept to completion and beyond. This ensures your projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard.

By partnering with Liquidline, you’ll keep control of your project, avoid costly refits and deliver a tea point that elevates the office experience from day one.