Belfast welcomes the world’s fastest-growing bubble tea sensation

 Belfast, 15^th January 2025: Gong cha, one of the world’s fastest-growing global tea brands, is pleased to announce its first store opening in Northern Ireland. Located at 66-68 Botanic Avenue in the heart of the Belfast, the store will open its doors on Friday 24^th January to customers looking for premium whole leaf tea products. To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 customers through the door will receive a free bubble tea. Following that, all drinks will be half price across the standard drink menu for the day.

Founded in Taiwan in 2006, Gong cha is known for its consistently high-quality, freshly brewed drinks from whole leaf tea, made with premium ingredients. It first expanded overseas in 2009 and has grown significantly to operate nearly 2,100 stores in 26 markets.

The new opening in Belfast, which is in a well-sought-after location with strong footfall and connectivity with close proximity to Queens University Belfast, has created 10 jobs locally. It also brings the Gong cha brand and menu to the island for the first time.

Customers in Belfast will now be able to create fully-customisable drinks from Gong cha’s menu of premium ingredients – from brown sugar tapioca pearls to coconut jelly – on a variety of bases. More than 600 product combinations are available, in addition to dozens of the Gong cha’s most popular drinks including its brown sugar milk tea.

Gong cha Belfast franchisee, Adam Heyes said: “We’re really excited to bring Gong cha to Ireland for the first time and start serving cups of happiness to the people of Belfast, a unique city with a fantastic blend of students, locals and tourists. Bubble tea is a fast-growing phenomenon which continues to spread globally thanks to its international appeal to a diverse demographic.

“The new store is the first on the Isle of Ireland and we are confident it will be a huge success offering a variety of bubble tea premium products and recipes to a new audience.”

Today, Gong cha has more than 2,100 locations globally but is currently executing an ambitious strategy to scale up to 10,000 stores by 2032.

For more information and menus visit: www.gong-cha.com and follow the store on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok @GongchaBelfast.

The Hawkstone Arms: A New Destination

Located amidst the picturesque scenery of the Cotswolds, The Hawkstone Arms offers more than just a pint. It’s designed to be a quintessential British pub, blending traditional charm with Clarkson’s personal touch. The establishment is named after Hawkstone Lager, a beer brewed from ingredients grown on Clarkson’s own farm. This choice highlights his dedication to farm-to-table principles, ensuring that the pub’s offerings are rooted in local production.

A New Chapter for Clarkson

Clarkson’s move into the pub business is the latest in a series of ventures that have seen him expand beyond his well-known media career. From his successful television projects to his previous forays into farming, Clarkson has continually demonstrated a knack for turning his passions into profitable enterprises. The Hawkstone Arms fits neatly into this narrative, combining his love for the countryside with his entrepreneurial spirit.

A Taste of Local Flavor

The Hawkstone Arms is more than just a place to grab a drink; it’s an experience that aims to connect patrons with the land. The pub will serve Hawkstone Lager alongside a range of other locally-sourced foods, offering visitors a taste of the Cotswolds. This approach not only supports local farmers and producers but also provides a genuine slice of rural life for guests.

Community and Future Plans

Clarkson has expressed enthusiasm for how The Hawkstone Arms will integrate into the local community. He envisions it as a hub where people can enjoy good food, great beer, and engaging conversation. The pub is also expected to host events and activities, further strengthening its role as a community gathering spot.

As Clarkson continues to develop his farm and its surrounding ventures, The Hawkstone Arms represents a significant and exciting new chapter. For locals and visitors alike, it promises to be a welcoming destination that celebrates the best of British pub culture and local produce.

Conclusion

The Hawkstone Arms stands as a testament to Jeremy Clarkson’s adventurous spirit and his dedication to celebrating and supporting local agriculture. As it opens its doors, it invites everyone to experience a taste of the Cotswolds and to share in Clarkson’s passion for fine beer and good company.