Top 5 Bubble tea franchises in UK

Bubble tea, with its exotic mix of textures and flavors, has captivated the UK market, becoming a staple in urban streets and cultural hubs. Born from Taiwan’s teahouses, the beverage has evolved into a global phenomenon, and the UK is no exception. Young consumers in particular are drawn to its versatility, offering a canvas for both traditional tea lovers and those seeking new flavor adventures. This growing demand presents a prime opportunity for aspiring franchisees. Here, we explore the top five bubble tea franchises in the UK, uncovering their unique business dynamics, market edge, and value propositions that make them a worthy investment.

Best bubble tea franchises in UK

Bubbleology

Established in: 2011
Franchising Began: 2016
Number of Franchise Units: Over 70 internationally
Initial Investment: from £36,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of monthly revenue

Bubbleology introduced bubble tea to the UK with an experiential twist that fuses science with refreshment. The brand made waves with its first store in Soho, bringing a "bubble lab" concept that highlights the art and science of crafting each drink. This approach has been incredibly effective in capturing the curiosity and loyalty of a diverse customer base. Beyond classic milk teas and fruit teas, Bubbleology specializes in signature concoctions with proprietary syrups, elevating the flavor experience while creating a sense of exclusivity.

The ambiance in Bubbleology stores is lively and theatrical. Staff, known as “bubbleologists,” treat each order like a fun experiment, using glass beakers and colorful ingredients to turn drink-making into a performance. This interactive environment sets Bubbleology apart, making it a popular destination for families, tourists, and Instagram influencers alike. Franchisees are offered a tried-and-tested business model with continuous R&D support from Bubbleology’s in-house flavor specialists. This ensures a steady flow of new flavors and promotional campaigns that keep customers engaged year-round.

With strong brand recognition and a reputation for quality, Bubbleology offers a compelling franchise opportunity for those who want to capitalize on a fun, dynamic brand that knows how to stand out in the busy high streets of the UK.

Biju bubble tea

Established in: 2014
Franchising Began: 2018
Number of Franchise Units: around 10 in the UK
Initial Investment: around £100,000–£150,000
Royalty Fee: up to 6% of monthly revenue

Biju Bubble Tea is an artisanal bubble tea brand that emphasizes freshness and sustainability. Founder Nick Phan took a unique approach by focusing on high-quality ingredients, brewing teas fresh in each location and using pure fruit purées rather than syrups or powders. This dedication to authentic flavors has made Biju a favorite among health-conscious customers who value natural, unprocessed ingredients.

Biju’s stores are sleek and eco-friendly, designed with sustainability in mind. Recyclable cups and lids, as well as environmentally conscious packaging, are staples, appealing to an increasingly eco-aware demographic. The menu boasts a wide selection of teas, including dairy-free options and sugar-free alternatives, allowing customers to customize their drinks to their exact preferences.

Franchisees at Biju benefit from hands-on training in tea preparation and customer service, ensuring that every cup served meets the brand’s high standards. Biju also provides support in sustainable business practices, marketing, and community engagement, making it an ideal franchise for entrepreneurs passionate about creating a positive impact through their business.

Happy lemon

Established in: 2006
Franchising Began: 2006
Number of Franchise Units: 1,500+ globally
Initial Investment: £233,000–£385,000
Royalty Fee: 7% of monthly revenue

Happy Lemon stands out as an international bubble tea giant with a unique product line that includes the game-changing “cheese tea,” a creation that balances the creaminess of cheese foam with the sweetness of tea. Founded in China, Happy Lemon has captured audiences around the world, and its innovative offerings have found a receptive audience in the UK. The cheese tea range, featuring popular flavors such as Matcha Cheese and Strawberry Cheese, sets Happy Lemon apart from competitors, appealing to adventurous palates eager for something beyond the standard bubble tea.

The design of Happy Lemon stores reflects the brand’s playful and vibrant personality. Decorated in its signature yellow color scheme, each location creates a warm and cheerful atmosphere that resonates with young and trendy customers. Happy Lemon’s brand image, rooted in joy and creativity, attracts a loyal following that values both the unique product offerings and the vibrant customer experience.

For franchisees, Happy Lemon offers robust training, helping new owners understand not only the art of crafting signature drinks but also how to maintain the brand’s unique store experience. With its strong, established reputation and ongoing product innovation, Happy Lemon provides franchisees the chance to offer something truly distinct in the UK bubble tea scene.

Chatime

Established in: 2005
Franchising Began: 2009
Number of Franchise Units: Over 1,300 globally
Initial Investment: from £37,000
Royalty Fee: 5% of monthly revenue

Chatime is one of the most recognized bubble tea franchises worldwide, offering an extensive menu that has been perfected over years of customer feedback and international expansion. Originally from Taiwan, Chatime is deeply rooted in tea tradition while maintaining a forward-thinking approach to flavor. With over 1,300 locations in the world, Chatime has established a solid footprint and has a loyal fan base among students, young professionals, and families.

The diversity of Chatime’s menu is its standout feature. Customers can choose from milk teas, fruit teas, mousse-topped teas, and smoothie teas, with the flexibility to adjust sweetness and ice levels, providing a fully customized experience. UK Chatime locations have a minimalist, modern design that appeals to a wide customer base and complements the brand’s versatile drink options.

Chatime’s franchise model offers newcomers an appealing mix of structure and creativity. Franchisees benefit from Chatime’s extensive support in sourcing ingredients, brand marketing, and product consistency, ensuring that each franchise meets the high standards that have earned Chatime its reputation as a top-tier bubble tea provider.

Mooboo Bubble Tea

Established in: 2012
Franchising Began: 2014
Number of Franchise Units: 100+
Initial Investment: up to £80,000
Royalty Fee: 1-6% of monthly revenue

Mooboo Bubble Tea brings a lively and colorful vibe to the bubble tea market, with a heavy emphasis on Instagram-worthy drinks that appeal to the social media generation. Known for its extensive flavor range and vibrant colors, Mooboo captures attention through both flavor and aesthetics. Its customizable drinks allow customers to mix and match ingredients, with popular options including honeydew milk tea and mango fruit tea, each designed to be as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Mooboo stores are designed to be bright and inviting, with playful décor that matches the brand’s energetic vibe. This setup appeals to younger customers looking for a memorable and shareable experience, making Mooboo stores popular gathering spots. Franchisees benefit from Mooboo’s strong social media presence and marketing support, helping them attract a customer base that is both loyal and enthusiastic.

The brand offers a streamlined franchising process, with training focused on customer engagement and product quality. For entrepreneurs interested in appealing to a youthful market and capturing the social media buzz, Mooboo Bubble Tea presents a lucrative opportunity in the UK.

Reasons to start bubble tea franchise in the UK

1. Growing Demand: Bubble tea’s enchanting allure is swiftly gaining traction in the UK, captivating a diverse audience that spans from eager students to adventurous families. As consumers increasingly yearn for fresh and exciting beverage options, bubble tea emerges as a playful and flavorful alternative, solidifying its place in the competitive market.

2. Customizable Product: With a plethora of choices for sweetness, toppings, and milk alternatives, bubble tea transforms into a customizable experience that caters to a wide array of preferences and dietary considerations. This flexibility not only elevates customer satisfaction but also inspires patrons to experiment with their unique concoctions, igniting a culture of creativity that is often shared and celebrated among friends, enhancing community engagement.

3. Cost-Efficient Setup: Launching a bubble tea franchise typically requires less expensive real estate and fewer specialized kitchen gadgets than conventional restaurants, presenting an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. This streamlined setup means lower bubble tea franchise costs, empowering new business owners to focus their financial resources on sourcing high-quality ingredients and creating an inviting atmosphere, thus fostering customer loyalty and repeat business.

4. Engagement with Social Media Trends: The visually captivating nature of bubble tea makes it a standout player in the world of social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where aesthetics are paramount. This natural alignment with digital culture not only boosts brand exposure but also cultivates a vibrant online community of enthusiasts who share their bubble tea experiences, effectively transforming customers into organic brand advocates who amplify the franchise’s reach.

5. Profitability Potential: One of the most striking advantages is a bubble tea franchise profit. With a relatively low cost of ingredients compared to traditional food and beverage outlets, franchisees can leverage the high markup associated with these delightful drinks. This means that each cup not only serves as a tantalizing treat for customers but also represents a significant opportunity for generating profit. The universal allure of bubble tea transcends demographics, drawing in everyone from curious newcomers to devoted fans, ensuring a consistent stream of customers eager to explore bold new flavors and customize their drinks.

Conclusion

In the UK’s swiftly expanding bubble tea market, franchises present a compelling avenue for entrepreneurial success. With the innovative, lab-inspired aesthetics of Bubbleology and Biju's unwavering commitment to premium ingredients, these brands embody distinctive qualities that make them appealing investment choices. For franchisees, each brand brings the benefits of a well-established business framework, continuous innovation in product offerings, and a dedicated customer following, making the venture into the bubble tea space not only thrilling but also filled with potential.

Additionally, the passionate culture surrounding bubble tea franchises in the UK fosters an engaging community atmosphere, encouraging franchisees to participate in local events and collaborate with nearby businesses, effectively enhancing their brand's presence. As consumers increasingly seek out experiential beverages that excite the senses, the possibilities for growth in this lively market remain abundant, transforming these best bubble tea franchises into a dynamic investment prospect for aspiring entrepreneurs eager to tap into this flavorful trend.

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