Winchester’s newest bubble tea spot CUPP opens in the High Street

CUPP Bubble Tea opened its doors in Winchester on Friday, December 9, offering a free drink to the first 100 customers and 50 per cent off all day.

Franchisees Roberta Herridge and Keith Mabuto said that there’s nothing like CUPP on the High Street with the UK bubble tea brand offering a healthier alternative made from natural ingredients.

The pair both previously worked for the NHS in the mental health sector before opening their first CUPP store in Salisbury in October 2021 after Covid struck and sparked an ambition for a career change.

Roberta, 36, said: “We knew we wanted to launch a bubble tea business and we fell in love with CUPP at first site. Our personal values align with the business as it uses the natural ingredients of real fruit, organic milk, home syrups and loose-leaf tea.

“It was really rewarding working for the NHS but it was time to do something different and manage our own business.”

READ MORE: UK Bubble Tea brand CUPP to open store in Winchester High Street

Speaking ahead of the 2pm launch, Keith, 43, said: “Salisbury’s opening was really really busy and we want to replicate that here so I’m feeling nervous but very excited. The High Street is already packed today.”

The couple were supported by one of CUPP’s founders and managing director Angharad Jackson. She said: “We’ve had a really good response on social media. People are always excited to see CUPP opening in a new location.

“It should be a premium brand on the High Street and fit in with all the lovely brands here.”

Peter Symonds students were quick to join the queue while on their free periods.

Student Josh Maidment said “We’ve heard about if before, we kept seeing the free signs and we like bubble tea so decided to come along.

When asked how they’d describe the drink nicknamed ‘the drink you can chew’ Josh’s friends Kerry, Holly and Megan said it’s “fruity with balls” and that it grows on you.

To see more of the reaction and the queue, watch the Chronicle’s Facebook live video below.

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The franchisees are hoping to employ one or two more full time staff members, with a current staff force of 12. As the pair’s second location they’re optimistic they can make it work despite the cost-of-living situation.

CUPP is open for drink-in and takeaway every day from 10am until 10pm at 98 High Street in Winchester. Delivery is also available via Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

CUPP, founded in 2012, currently has more than 22 stores across the UK after franchising in 2020. For more go to cuppbubbletea.co.uk/.