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| Boba Pix 'n' Mix |
It's been a while since I have put my foodie thoughts to paper, but I figured my recent entertaining visit to Bubbleology would be a good place to start again.
Having visited the Soho branch, I did initially wonder how the brand would fit in at Harvey Nichols. Bubble tea has always been so casual and down to earth; certainly not something I would have associated with such an exclusive department store if I may dare say so. But to my surprise, the Bubbleology counter couldn’t have fitted in any better. From shiny steel worktops and blinding spotlights, to colour-coordinated floor tiles, every aspect created the most perfect laboratory setup.
I was greeted by two very welcoming Bubbleologists, who were so in sync they practically finished each other’s sentences. They explained enthusiastically how normally only one of them man the counter. Unlike the Soho branch, where each team member is in charge of one specific part of the making process, these guys are trained up to multitask here. It's not often you see such great chemistry between staff, watching them bounce around with so much energy was almost like being in the presence of real-life wacky scientists.
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| Bubble Teas: Passionfruit (left) and White Peach |
Alex wasted no time in introducing me to the colourful variety of fruity bubbles they had to offer. These popping ‘bobas’ are crazy quirky and give the strangest sensation ever; bursting one of these in your mouth is like bursting an individual fish roe - juiciness exploding from a slimy shell. Whilst adding a dash of fun to the drink, these pearls don't require as much chewing as the original starchy ones.
In the meantime, Derrick was in the background, fixing up a bubble tea almost as effortlessly as an experienced bartender. He explained that this branch was different from the one in Soho in that they don’t need shaker machines to create the best cup of bubble tea; everything is done by hand to add a more personal touch. Just to deviate from my usual, I opted for the passionfruit bubble tea, and as I pierced the lid with my straw, I was mesmerised by the delicious fruitiness that wafted out. The drink actually reminded me of Nestlé peach iced tea - just as (if not even more so) flavoursome and fantastic. For those of you who like your passionfruit, I recommend you to match your drink with some passionfruit popping boba for a bigger fruity kick.
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| @ Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge |
With Valentines Day around the corner, Bubbleology is offering a complimentary large passionfruit bubble tea with the purchase of another, in the hope of inserting some (more) 'passion' into everyone's lives. So whether it is your other half or someone new, this is a fresh splash of sweetness to share together. As for the rest of you, I'm sure the passionate Bubbleologists would be happy to hand over your complimentary drink if you bring a friend and ask nicely!
The deal will be available at the Soho and Knightsbridge (fifth floor at Harvey Nichols) branches all day on Valentines Day.
If you recently missed the temporary taster Bubbleology counters at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, Leeds, Dublin or Edinburgh, you will be pleased to know that the brand is due to expand nationwide.
For more information on bubble tea, please see my other article at http://www.lemonicedtea-tfiichibun.com/2011/06/art-and-science-of-perfect-bubble-tea.html.
