AN award-winning bubble tea brand opened its UK headquarters in Colchester over the weekend, with hundreds of shoppers turning out for the big day.

Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea business, opened its new Head Street store on Saturday in what proved to be a very special ceremony.

During the special opening ceremony, the bubble tea brand handed out samples of their delicious cakes, bubble teas and fruit drinks, as customers queued to sample the treats.

The first 100 visitors were also given half-price drinks, as well as a Milksha cup holder to commemorate the day.

Gazette: Residents queueing down the street to sample the new store's treats.Residents queueing down the street to sample the new store's treats. (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: The venue was packed with thirsty visitors.The venue was packed with thirsty visitors. (Image: Newsquest)

The drinks flavours on offer range from matcha milk, coffee, chocolate and other fresh dairy delights, with the brand’s popular rainbow cake and burnt Basque cheesecake proving very popular amongst samplers.

Mayor and mayoress of Colchester, Tim Young and Nicola Goodchild, were also in attendance on the day, judging entries for a drawing competition which saw youngsters reimagine Milksha’s mascot.

Gazette: A selection of cakes available for residents to enjoy on the day.A selection of cakes available for residents to enjoy on the day. (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: A colorful selection of the dairy and fruit beverages available to sample on the day.A colorful selection of the dairy and fruit beverages available to sample on the day. (Image: Milksha)

Milksha has launched its new venture in one of the oldest shops in Colchester, with the former bakery site dating back to 1698.

The new venue pays homage to the building's heritage, maintaining its 17th-century features while adding a modern charm.

A traditional Taiwanese dragon dance, to bring the venue prosperity and good luck, also brought Head Street to a standstill as Saturday shoppers watched the ceremony in awe.

Gazette: Mayor, Tim Young, handing a youngster a winning certificate for her drawing.Mayor, Tim Young, handing a youngster a winning certificate for her drawing. (Image: Newsquest)

For the big day, the Milksha UK branch also teamed up with the NNECA, a charity which aims to protect children from abuse, through their Prevent-ED campaign.

£1 from every drink sold on the opening day was donated to the charity, enabling them to continue their vital community work.

Gazette: Mayor, Tim Young, handing a youngster a winning certificate for her drawing.Mayor, Tim Young, handing a youngster a winning certificate for her drawing. (Image: Milksha)

Speaking to the Gazette, branch partner, Sunhail Hanif said: “It feels absolutely amazing to have opened our Colchester branch, we have had a great reception with incredible people coming to visit.

“It was incredibly kind of the mayor and mayoress to come along for the day. What a great turnout it has been.

“Our products are natural and there is a great product range for people to enjoy.”