2 June 2025

CUPP opens the UK’s first Moomin-themed bubble tea shop

The bubble tea brand CUPP is launching the UK’s first Moomin-themed bubble tea shop, perfect for boba and Moomin lovers alike.

One is immediately transported into Moominvalley when stepping into the CUPP store on Park Row in Bristol. The store is full of scenes from Moominvalley and the menu is stacked with Moomin delicacies.

The store-front window is taped with a scene of happy Moomins on the iconic bridge in Moominvalley. By the front door, one can spot Little My blowing bubbles towards the ceiling, and inside the store the front desk is turned into a Moominhouse from where one can pick up refreshing drinks and signature Moominmamma or Stinky pancakes.

An Immersive Moomin Experience

The digital screens where customers can order drinks, pancakes and Moomin products are also Moomin-themed, and once the drinks are ready, they’re topped with a red Moominhouse roof.

“We’re trying to make every touch-point immersive, a fun take on Moominvalley. This is a concept store providing something different for the bubble tea community, explains Mitch Church, Brand Development Manager at CUPP tea.

“The CUPP x Moomin store will be an immersive Moominous place for fans to eat and drink together, a scene very familiar in Moominvalley,” says Roleff Kråkström, CEO, Moomin Characters. “This type of Moomin café experience is something that we have never done outside of Finland and Europe, and we are very excited for the launch in the U.K.”

Moomin-themed Menu

CUPP have developed a bespoke Moomin-themed menu, filled with flavours inspired by Moominvalley. All items on the Moomin-themed menu are attributed to individual Moomin characters. A few examples include:

Snufkin Foraged Berry Lemonade with blackberry, fresh lemon, green tea and sparkles – wild, fresh and free-spirited
Snorkmaiden Cherry Blossom Milk Tea with sakura and green tea blended with milk – sweet floral and dreamy
Little My Wild Blueberry Lemonade with blueberry, fresh lemon, green tea and sparkles – bold, mischievous, and full of sparkle

Moomin Bubble Tea in 38 CUPP Stores

Mitch first stumbled upon the Moomins in the home of CUPP tea founder Lee Peacock, whose wife had various Moomin products.

“CUPP as a brand has always been inspired by Nordic influences. We have a minimalistic approach in our interior design and the way we present our brand. We want to feel our customers can grow with CUPP and feel that Moomin is exactly the same, you can enjoy it no matter what your age, so the brand synergy felt like a perfect fit,” he explains.

Bubble tea is a drink which is particularly popular among young people.

“We’re passionate about quality ingredients and traditional methods, something we will always push for our brand and bubble tea in general – creating this Moomin-themed menu was no different, we wanted it to feel thought out and special – it’s been a lot of fun!” said Brand Director, Angharad Jackson.

The Moomin menu will be available exclusively in the CUPP x Moomin Boba House for the summer, then will be rolling out in all 40 CUPP stores, and will grow with new character additions. CUPP is also planning a winter-themed Moomin menu launching around Christmas also featuring hot drinks and exclusive merchandise for the cold season and Christmas gifting.

What is Boba Tea?

Renowned for their innovative drinks and cult social media following, CUPP is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable bubble tea brands. But what is boba tea?

Boba tea stems from Taiwan in the 1980s, and has become increasingly popular worldwide. Called ‘the drink that you chew’, it is wildly popular in South East Asia and North America.

CUPP uses premium milk, fresh fruit puree, house made brown sugar syrups and high-quality loose-leaf tea, creating innovative menu offerings, now with a Moomin twist.

Established in Bristol

CUPP was born in Bristol in 2012 after founder Lee Peacock returned from living in Taiwan for three years. He wanted to bring the national drink back to the UK, and initially launched CUPP from a small converted Citroen H van in Bristol. Since then, CUPP has expanded across the UK and Northern Ireland with 38 stores and is still growing.

The Moomin-themed concept store is located at CUPP, 68a Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5LE