Long queues as Tealith Bubble Tea launches in Worcester

Tealith Bubble Tea swung open its doors for the first time today.

Within minutes of opening on Saturday (April 21), queues began building down Broad Street.

Passers-by were treated to tasters while those willing to brave the queue enjoyed a buy one get one free launch deal.

There were also freebies on offer for the first 30 customers in the form of a free reusable straw kit.

There were freebies on offer at the launch of Tealith (Image: Newsquest)

Tealith, at 70 Broad Street, is the chain's seventh branch and becomes the fifth store in Worcester selling bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan in the early 1980s.

The colourful drink typically consists of tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls, grass jelly, aloe vera or red bean.

A popular version of the drink also uses dissolvable pellets filled with various fruit juices.

READ MORE: 'More in Worcester than other places in the UK' - Bubble tea craze takes over city

Long queues built up shortly after opening (Image: Newsquest)

Despite the growing competition, Marcus Mak, owner of Bubble M in the Hop Market, isn’t too concerned.

He said: "I opened up because I noticed there was no bubble tea in this area of Worcester.

"Right now, there is quite a lot in Worcester compared to the rest of the UK, and I think that is because there are a lot of teenagers here - it is a younger city.

"Bubble tea has a lot of tastes, choice and you can decide your favourite, which is why I think it is popular in the UK."

Tealith Bubble Tea, which resides in the unit formerly home to Skans Barbers, opens from 11.30am every day of the week.