A NEW shop offering a range of popular drinks which opened up in Andover’s shopping centre earlier this month is launching its full menu from Monday, July 18.

The much-anticipated Boba World opened its doors in the Chantry Centre on July 6, and has proved popular with residents since. 

The business, which sells a range of bubble tea, is the first store of its kind in the town, and hopes to attract a younger audience into the centre.

Owner Mohsin Zia has lived in Andover since 2014, when he opened the nearby iTech, a phone accessories store.

Following the success of that first chain, which has stores across the region, father-of-one Mohsin said he was keen to find a gap in the market and fill another unit in the town.

Andover Advertiser: Owner Mohsin Zia and colleagues at Boba World, AndoverOwner Mohsin Zia and colleagues at Boba World, Andover

The 33-year-old said: “It’s a nice town, but quiet. We don’t have anything like this, especially for teenagers. We wanted to bring something different, to bring people into town. People are going to Basingstoke, Winchester, Newbury and not coming here, because there is nothing here.

“I have a kid, so I want to see things happening.”

Mohsin says the shop has been very busy since opening, but has only initially been able to offer fruit teas due to difficulties with getting stock during the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, it will be offer its full and extensive drinks menu from Monday, July 18.

The business has also created five jobs in the community so far, with the first hired being a Ukrainian refugee and mother who was seeking work. 

“We really feel for them, for what’s happening," said Mohsin. "So being able to give her a job, that’s great. And she can bring her child here on the weekend, if she doesn’t have anyone to look after them.” 

Bubble tea is originally a Taiwanese recipe made by blending tea with milk, fruit and fruit juices, then adding tapioca pearls and shaking, often served over ice. It has expanded into the UK market and adapted to a wide range of different versions. 

Andover Advertiser:

Mohsin said: “Some people don’t know what it is, but they come in and we tell them. They try it and they all come back!” 

He hopes in the future, they will be able to branch out to a range of snacks, such as bao buns and churros. 

“We are trying to bring things people can’t already get here, so there is no need for them to go out of town for it! People live here, so they need to be able to get the things they want here!”

Boba World is open from 11am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am - 4pm on Sundays.

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