A new bubble tea cafe is opening in Bristol 'very soon'. Gong cha has revealed it will be setting up shop here in the city, announcing the news on Instagram.
The Taiwanese brand confirmed in a post this week: "We have some tea to spill. We have a new store opening in Bristol VERY SOON. Keep your eyes peeled on social for more details coming up."
It also shared a video clip of the outside of its Bristol store, with the address listed as 34 Merchant Street, Broadmead. The shopfront has notices to say it is hiring for staff at the new opening, but no definitive opening date has yet been confirmed.
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The unit was formerly a vape shop and was home to Shoe Zone prior to that, but it has been vacant for some time. According to Gong cha, its presence in England was established in late 2018 with the aim of bringing Gong cha’s beloved bubble teas to the UK public.
Its existing locations are in London, Manchester, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Leicester, Liverpool, Norwich, Nottingham and Newcastle, meaning Bristol will be its first branch in the South West. Its website adds: "As the Master Franchiser for the Gong cha brand in England, we opened our first store in 2019 and have not looked back since.
"Gong cha promises to inspire the human spirit and create happiness with a perfect cup of tea. Originally established in Taiwan in 1996 by two good friends, Huang and Wu, Gong cha was unique in offering personalized service with premium teas in a variety of innovative and delicious recipes. Gong cha became loved by its customers ... and has since become one of the best-known providers of quality teas and has blossomed around the world."
Its menu consists of various types of bubble tea - from favourites to seasonal specials, a signature series, brewed teas, mixes, smoothies and a variety of milk and topping options. It also offers bubble waffles, which are egg waffles popular in Hong Kong and Macau, served in a honeycomb shape.
