A SPECIALIST tea cafe had its opening launch on Sunday.

A branch of Bubble CiTea has opened on the lower ground floor in Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton.

The Taiwanese bubble tea retailer makes flavoured drinks using a tea base, sugar and popping juice ball “bubbles” made from tapioca.

Chief executive of Bubble CiTea, Sunny Sachdeva, said: “We import everything from Taiwan and make the tea fresh every day using jasmine and black teas.

“All our teas are high in antioxidants and are gluten free.

“We use milk in some of our drinks but customers can choose soya milk or any of our vegan options.”

Mr Sachdeva said bubble teas especially appeal to young people.

He said: “We chose to open our fifth store in Brighton as it is one of the most multicultural and inclusive cities.”

Mark Buchanan-Smith, centre director at Churchill Square said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bubble CiTea to the shopping centre.

“The unique drinks it serves will bring something different and I certainly feel the new arrival will be welcomed by our shoppers and visitors.

“Bubble CiTea has been successful in a number of shopping centres across the UK since starting out in 2012.

“I am in no doubt that its bubble teas will be just as successful here in Brighton.”