A NEW bubble tea café and takeaway is set to open in Winchester before Christmas.

CUPP Bubble Tea is taking over the former Flight Centre Unit at number 98 on Winchester High Street.

The drink franchise hopes to open on Friday, December 9 at 2pm and will be offering free bubble tea to the first 100 customers and 50 per cent off for the rest of the day.

The business prides itself on its healthy bubble tea range using fresh ingredients and traditional methods. The menu will include milk, fruit, brown sugar and matcha teas with a range of toppings to create a dessert-like drink.

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The UK brand launched in Brighton in 2012 and began franchising in 2020. The takeaway and café now has 22 stores, with a new one opening in each week of October.

Founder, Lee Peacock, said: “We’ve seen an incredible response to the opening of our new stores across the country, with customers queuing around the block for a taste of our Bubble Teas.

“We’ve had many requests to come to Winchester so it’s great to be able to say we’re here. We can’t wait to share our bubble teas to the community.”

CUPP is not the only bubble tea café in the city, with Mooboo in The Brooks Shopping Centre and Bento Factory in St Thomas street also specialising in the beverage.

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The company’s marketing executive Jess Mok added: “Winchester has been one for the books for a while now so we are really happy to open there. We’re hoping it will be a popular spot, especially with the university as students love a bit of bubble tea.

“The launch is always a good chance for people to try it out. We want newbies and locals to come over. There’s a lot of competitors on the market today and a lot of sugary drinks but we prioritise using fresh ingredients like fresh puree and brown sugar for a healthier bubble tea.”

The origins of Bubble Tea were derived in Taiwan in the 1980s and have become increasingly popular across the world. The 'drink that you chew' has become a phenomenon in the UK but the market has only just begun compared to other regions like South East Asia and North America.

The Winchester branch is expected to have around 10 members of staff. Full and part-time vacancies are available. To apply send a CV and cover letter to winchester@cuppbubbletea.co.uk.

For more go to cuppbubbletea.co.uk/.