CHA DODO
Jean-Pierre Mellor
Cha Dodo is a premium loose-leaf tea business committed to showing how tea transcends borders and cultures by bringing people together through its warmth and ritual.
Founded in December 2024 and based in Northern Ireland, Cha Dodo was born from Jean-Pierre Mellor’s lifelong love of tea and his travels across the globe - from the souk of Marrakech to the teahouses of China and Japan. After having completed the UK Tea Academy's Tea Sommelier course, along with several Master courses, he decided to turn his passion into a fulfilling venture.
In September 2025, Jean-Pierre completed the Global Japanese Tea Association Master course and spent an extended trip in Japan on his own and with family visiting beloved tea producers all over the country.
Focusing on carefully and ethically sourcing exquisite teas from incredible producers that align with their goals and values of community, employee and environmental care, Cha Dodo features numerous award-winning teas, notably ones listed at The Leafies International Tea Awards. To them, the farmers they source from are not just businesses where they purchase goods, but their dear friends and family who have stories, hopes and dreams that they want to share with the world. Every batch of tea is tasted and hand-packed by their founder to ensure quality is optimal so that only the best of the leaves makes their way to a tea enjoyer, be they someone in hospitality or enjoying a good cup at home or on the go.
Featuring premium teas currently from China, India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Cha Dodo is committed to serving only loose-leaf tea in a bid to say adieu to micro-plastics and do their part for the environment, with the goal of becoming a fully plastic-free business in all our operations and packaging.
In addition to the tea itself, Cha Dodo offers tea ware, tea education and tasting experiences. Most recently, we had a tea education session for teenage children from disadvantaged backgrounds at the Chinese Welfare Association in Belfast.
While a new business, Cha Dodo hopes to add to the hospitality and passion of global tea culture in Northern Ireland and beyond.