UPDATE: The marketing team at Cupp has been in touch to say there has been an unexpected closure of its Worcester branch and it will therefore not be taking part in the National Boba Campaign today.

THOSE who love a freebie may want to head down to a city cafe next week after it was revealed it will be handing out 100 free drinks.

Cupp Bubble Tea in Worcester High Street will celebrate National Boba Tea Day 2024 by handing out 100 free drinks to its customers on a first-come-first-served basis. 

The business will be handing out the free drinks on April 30. 

Managing director, Paul Tanner, said: "I'm thrilled to announce our National Boba Tea Day extravaganza - it's going to be bigger, bolder, and bursting with flavour.

"This year, we're stirring up even more excitement with fantastic collaborations that will have you bubbling with joy.

"Join us for a day filled with happiness and giving back to our communities.

"We can't wait to see you all."

Boba tea has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few years, with boba shops popping up across the UK.

The beverage first appeared in the 1980s and is made by blending tea with milk, fruit and fruit juices, then adding tapioca pearls and shaking vigorously.

CUPP began franchising the brand in 2020 and has had rapid growth across the UK.

The Worcester business opened in the former Greggs store in December 2022, and scores of people queued to get their hands on one of its 100 free bubble teas, which it was giving away as part of the launch.

Along with the free giveaways the store will be hosting various activities.  

Brand director Angharad Jackson said: “We are so happy to be back with another huge celebration for National Boba Tea Day 2024.

"We’re so passionate about boba and our loyal customers who support us every day - so what better way to give back than with free boba tea?

"We’ve also got a few other exciting freebies in the works—keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media to learn more.”

What is the History of Bubble Tea?

Originally, bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea, boba tea, boba milk tea and bubble milk tea and in Chinese, it is 珍珠奶茶) was a term given to drinks that consisted of tea, milk and chewy tapioca pearls, which are shaken, together to form a bubbly foam on top of the drink.

Bubble tea is given to a wide variety of fruity and milk-infused teas that are produced in this way.

The origins of Bubble Tea come from Taiwan in the 1980s and have become increasingly popular across the world.