A store selling a variety of bubble tea drinks has finally opened to the public.

Kent’s first CUPP Bubble Tea launched in London Road, Sevenoaks, this afternoon.

Husband and wife duo Jenny and Younnis Abbad-Andaloussi are the franchise owners of the new shop.

The pair decided to move from London to the town during Covid.

KentOnline spoke to the couple last month, who said they were both looking forward to opening day.

Younnis, 30, said: “We both come from an IT background, and never have done anything involving bricks and mortar.

“It’s great to be doing something that you can physically see, instead of sitting behind a computer.

“We are excited, nervous, stressed...there’s a lot to do! We are learning a lot and expanding our skills.”

They gave away the first 100 drinks and offered 50% off for the rest of the day to celebrate opening.

Bubble tea originated from Taiwan in the 1980s and is a term given to drinks that consist of tea, milk and chewy tapioca pearls.

The shop will be selling classic milk teas, fruit and brown sugar teas, as well as matcha-flavoured beverages starting from £4.40.

Many local residents would recognise the building itself, which used to be home to The Hardware Centre.

It was a family-run business which served the town for more than 50 years.

However, co-owners Julie Cornford and her brother Stephen Martin decided to the sell the store and retire last year.

Being the franchise owners for the whole of the county, Jenny and Younnis say they aim to launch more stores in the area soon.

CUPP Bubble Tea first started in Bristol in 2012 and now has 31 branches – including Brighton, London, Leeds and Cardiff.

However, this is the first store to open in Kent.

The new business has also taken on nine members of staff.

CUPP Bubble Tea will be open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 10pm and Sunday, 11am to 8pm.