Jo’s Tea, Clifton Arcade: Boba Brewed Fresh in Bristol

We’ve long been fans of Jo’s Tea—a beloved local bubble tea institution that started in Bristol and has since won hearts across the city. From our first visit to their buzzing Park Row store to our most recent craving-satisfying stop at the Clifton Arcade branch, Jo’s continues to serve some of the best, most thoughtfully made boba tea in the UK.

A Local Favourite That’s Anything But Ordinary

Jo’s Tea opened their original store on Park Row in 2018 and quickly built a loyal following with their premium tea, bold flavours, and meticulous attention to quality. Since then, they’ve added two more locations—one at Clifton Arcade, and their flagship store on Queen’s Road. Each offers the same commitment to flavour, friendliness, and fresh brewing, with slightly different vibes and offerings.

While the Park Row store is usually packed with a queue out the door (and for good reason), we popped into the Clifton Arcade store recently for a more relaxed experience and a serious boba fix. The quiet didn’t last long, though! Within minutes, the cosy café filled with students, shoppers, and families all eager for their tea break.

Small but Sweet in the Heart of Clifton

Located near the entrance to the charming Victorian-era Clifton Arcade, this Jo’s location has a more intimate, tucked-away feel. It’s perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a moment of quiet with a sweet drink in hand. The soft hum of the teapresso machine, gentle background music, and warm lighting makes it a calming pitstop away from the bustle of the high street.

Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Always Up for a Chat

The staff at Jo’s Tea are friendly and helpful, even when the pace picks up. The team knows the menu inside out and are more than happy to help if you’re stuck between the Taro Slush and the Blue Butterfly, or unsure which milk alternative to choose. (Yes—they offer several dairy-free options at no extra cost, which is a rare and appreciated gesture.)

What We Ordered: Jo’s Signature Milk Boba

On this visit, we went classic with a Jo’s Signature Milk Boba from the Milk Tea section; freshly brewed Assam tea with rich fresh cream and milk, sweetened with aromatic dark brown sugar and served with chewy, bouncy, perfectly cooked tapioca pearls and ice.

What makes Jo’s stand out is the fact that everything is brewed fresh to order using their teapresso machine—an espresso-style brewer specifically for tea. This means you get the depth, aroma, and nuance of freshly brewed leaves in every drink. No pre-made tea in canisters here! The difference is immediately noticeable.

The tapioca pearls were spot on—chewy and bouncy but not hard, and not clumped together. Every detail felt carefully considered, from the quality of their ingredients to the elegant branded cup. (It’s so solid and well-designed that we genuinely wish it came with a proper lid—we’d reuse it daily!)

Reusable plastic cups and carry cases are also available to buy under their merchandise section. There are a variety of these on offer. They have proper lids and would be our preferred option if we ever decide to have Boba on a regular basis.

More to Explore: Something for Everyone

If you’re feeling adventurous, Jo’s massive menu includes:

• Fruit teas, slushes, lattes, and coffee drinks
• Creative options like the Pink Planet, Taro Slush, and Oreo Latte
• A huge variety of toppings including black sugar tapioca, agar pearls, coconut jelly, popping boba, sea salt milk foam, glass jelly and even Oreo crumbles

Prefer to keep it classic? They’ve got you covered with Jasmine, Black, Oolong, Houjicha, and Rooibos teas, as well as espresso-based drinks like flat white, mocha, or cappuccino.

For the Uninitiated: What Is Bubble Tea?

Bubble Tea, also known as boba tea, originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, blending brewed tea, milk (or fruit juice), and chewy tapioca pearls or other fun toppings. Over the years, it’s evolved into a global sensation, with new flavours and creative combinations popping up constantly. At its heart, bubble tea is about fun, flavour, and personalisation, and Jo’s Tea embodies that ethos to perfection. They are constantly experimenting with different flavours, syrups and toppings, allowing their clientele to explore thousands of different combinations to find their favourite beverage. We are old school, so just went to the standard milk tea boba.

Value and Sustainability

Jo’s prices are very reasonable for the quality and size, especially when you factor in their fresh brewing method, premium ingredients, and generous portions. They also encourage sustainability, offering reusable cups, bamboo straws, and a small discount for bringing your own cup.

The Best Boba in Bristol?

There’s a reason Jo’s Tea is a standout favourite in the local boba scene. From the precision brewing to the customisable menu and welcoming vibe, it’s a place that feels thoughtful and cared-for in every way. If you’re a bubble tea aficionado or completely new to the craze, Jo’s Tea is the perfect place to begin—or continue—your boba journey. We’ll definitely be back to try the Butterfly Pea Latte, Hong Kong-style Milk Tea, and maybe finally decide on our go-to order… though with a menu this good, that might take a while.

Three Locations, One Mission

Jo’s Tea currently operates three locations in Bristol:

• Park Row (Original) – 62 Park Row, BS1 5LE
• Queen’s Road (Flagship) – 53 Queen’s Road, BS8 1QQ
• Clifton Arcade (Local Favourite) – Unit 1A Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Ave, BS8 4AA

Whether you’re in the mood for a milk tea, a fruity refresher, or something totally out-of-the-box, each store offers the same high standard of drink quality and customer care.

Website: Visit Jo’s Tea

Address: Unit 1A Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Ave, BS8 4AA

Google Maps: Find it on Google Maps