Boba Bliss in Bristol: A Review of Chatime

Last weekend, we decided to make a day of our outing, indulging in a meal at Sai Kung Cafe in Little Chinatown, Nelson Street, before heading over to Chatime Bristol for our much-needed boba fix. As a globally recognized brand, Chatime has seen its ups and downs, exiting certain Asian markets due to intense competition among boba tea purveyors. However, in the UK, its presence continues to grow, as evident from its extensive list of locations across the country (Chatime UK Locations). The Bristol outlet, situated in Broadmead near the Bristol Shopping Quarter, is a popular destination for bubble tea enthusiasts.

What is Boba Tea?

For the uninitiated, “boba” refers to the large, chewy tapioca pearls that are a signature ingredient in bubble tea. This Taiwanese-origin drink is typically made with a blend of tea, milk, sugar, and boba pearls, served in a generously sized plastic cup with an oversized straw designed to allow the pearls to pass through. Over the years, bubble tea has evolved, offering a wide variety of tea bases, milk alternatives, flavor infusions, and additional toppings such as grass jelly, pudding, or popping boba.

The Location & Atmosphere

Chatime Bristol’s location is not the most prominent; it is tucked away in a quieter section of Broadmead, requiring a bit of a walk from the bustling Cabot Circus shopping complex. Despite its somewhat hidden location, the shop is positioned near several well-established cafes, including Coffee #1, Costa Coffee, and independent spots like Cafe Mocha Still and Patisserie La Reine.

Inside, the space is warm and inviting, with fresh decor that enhances the ambiance. The owners have thoughtfully designed the interior to be aesthetically pleasing, making it an appealing spot for Instagrammers looking to capture their perfect bubble tea moment. Bright, airy, and clean, the shop provides ample seating for those who wish to enjoy their drinks in-house, along with designated waiting areas for takeout customers.

Ordering Experience

The ordering process at Chatime Bristol is streamlined, thanks to their self-service kiosks. This allows customers to take their time customising their drinks without feeling rushed. If you’re new to bubble tea, the extensive menu can be overwhelming, featuring an array of flavours, toppings, ice and sweetness levels. However, for seasoned boba lovers like us, the customisation options are part of the fun.

For our visit, I opted for a Green Tea Matcha Latte with Black Grass Jelly, requesting regular sweetness and less ice. My daughter, on the other hand, chose an Iced Jasmine Tea with added Pearls (Black Tapioca) and Black Jelly, also with regular sweetness and less ice. Note that the drinks become more expensive as you add more toppings. There are options with boba, grass jelly or other toppings included as standard if you prefer those. The drinks were prepared quickly, and we were soon savouring our selections.

Taste & Quality

As expected, the quality of our beverages did not disappoint. The matcha latte was smooth and well-balanced, with the black grass jelly adding a delightful contrast in texture. My daughter’s jasmine tea was refreshingly aromatic, perfectly complemented by the chewiness of the pearls and jelly. The portion sizes were generous, and the drinks were well-mixed, ensuring that every sip was as satisfying as the last. However, we did note that while we ordered them with less ice, it wasn’t quite what we expected ‘less ice’ to be. There is still a fair bit of ice in our drink.

The staff at Chatime Bristol were exceptionally friendly and efficient. During our visit, which was just after lunchtime, the shop wasn’t particularly crowded, though there was a steady stream of customers. Based on Google Business reviews, it seems that the store tends to get busier in the evenings, particularly around 6 PM till late.

Beyond Bubble Tea: Ice Cream & Bubble Waffles

One of the highlights of Chatime Bristol is that it doesn’t just stop at bubble tea. The shop also offers coffee, a variety of ice creams, and bubble waffles, allowing visitors to indulge in a complete dessert experience.

Their ice cream selection includes:

Strawberry
Matcha
Coconut
Chocolate
Vanilla
Honeycomb
Coffee
Salted Caramel
Hazelnut
Mint Chocolate

For those craving bubble waffles, Chatime offers an array of toppings (with up to three choices per waffle), including:

Sweet treats: Kit Kat, chocolate balls, wafer rolls, Oreo cookies, chocolate beans, marshmallows, and chocolate sprinkles
Fruity options: Banana, strawberry, and red bean
Nutty additions: Various chopped nuts

To top it off, you can drizzle your waffle with Nutella, caramel, strawberry, or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Here are some of the photos we found online. They look so good, we will make it a point drop by again.

Final Thoughts

Chatime Bristol offers an enjoyable boba experience with an extensive menu and high-quality beverages. The shop’s modern and inviting atmosphere makes it a great place to relax, and the self-service ordering system is convenient and user-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned boba lover or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone at Chatime.

If you find yourself in Broadmead and are craving a refreshing and delicious drink, Chatime is worth the visit. While the location might not be the most convenient, the quality of the drinks and the friendly service more than make up for it. Plus, with their additional offerings like bubble waffles and ice cream, there’s even more reason to stop by. We know we will definitely be back.