A dessert bar in the Trafford market town of Altrincham has just launched a new boozy bubble tea range in a first for the North West.
Smooch shakes, an independent café in central Altrincham specialising in sweet treats, has just launched a new boozy bubble tea menu – taking inspiration from classic cocktails like the strawberry daiquiri and mojito.
Whilst London and New York both have plenty of places to pick up a boozy bubble tea, Manchester has been sorely lacking – until now, that is.
Seeing a gap in the market, Smooch decided to pounce – making its popular bubble teas even more appealing for over-18s by giving them a new grown-up twist.
Bubble tea, also known as boba, is a Taiwanese import that has taken over British high streets. The drink typically consists of a tea base, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls, served in a plastic cup.
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Altrincham has jumped on board the bubble tea boom, with the fruit and milk tea versions fast becoming Smooch’s most popular offerings.
Smooch in Altrincham / Credit: The Manc Group
Since bubble tea was introduced to the UK, its popularity has soared with an estimated 250 dedicated bubble tea stands springing up in response to demand across the country.
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Just a fraction of these locations offer alcoholic bubble tea and, as far as we’re aware, not one of them is located outside London – until now, that is.
A short tram ride from the city centre, Smooch can be found in the heart of Altrincham town centre.
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Newly opened in the Trafford market tow just six months ago, it’s now decided to expand its menu to include cocktail-inspired boozy bubble teas alongside non-alcoholic mocktail versions for younger customers.
Smooch in Altrincham / Credit: The Manc Group
Smooch owner, Peter Donoghue, is Altrincham born and bred and loves the community spirit from locals and businesses in the market town.
He says: “I’ve seen Altrincham go through many highs and lows over the years, but I love what the town has become.
“There are some excellent bars and restaurants here and we want to complement that with something fun that can be enjoyed by kids and adults. The bubble teas have been our most popular item so far, and we’re hoping the alcoholic versions will be just as popular.”
Peter has grand plans for Smooch, with a second Smooch shop in Greater Manchester this year.
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Smooch’s boozy bubble teas ware available exclusively on Deliveroo, priced from £4.70.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Eats
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week
Daisy Jackson
Students will be able to take part in a build-your-own ramen workshop this week, led by everyone’s favourite pan-Asian restaurant group, Wagamama.
The workshops will cost just £5 (all of which will go to a brilliant cause), and will include the time spent creating your perfect meal, the actual food, plus drinks and sides.
Wagamama has teamed up with mental health charity SHOUT to host this cosy ramen-making workshop.
Students will be invited to join Wagamama chefs in the kitchen, selecting their own broth, protein and veggies, with perfectly-cooked noodles, before sitting down at the restaurant’s benches to slurp up their creations with fellow students.
There’ll also be toppings and garnishes including kimchi, tea-stained eggs, chilli oil, spring onions and more.
With merch to take home too, and steaming bowls of the best-ever autumn dish, this is a one-off event you won’t want to miss.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop for just £5 this week. Credit: Supplied
Each £5 ticket includes your food and two drinks, plus a variety of the new Wagamama winter sides and sharers.
All money raised will be donated to SHOUT to support the vital services they provide.
A representative from SHOUT will also be in attendance to talk about student wellbeing and the services available from the charity.
Wagamama says: “At Wagamama, we believe having a conversation is one of the most powerful ways you can support someone struggling with their mental health. Whether it’s a quick check-in via text or an open conversation over a bowl of steaming ramen. no chat is too big or too small to make an impact.
Students can join a Wagamama ramen-building workshop with SHOUT this week. Credit: Supplied
“This ethos is one we share with SHOUT, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs someone to talk to. After huge demand during Covid, SHOUT’s service has become increasingly essential + today SHOUT is more highly in demand than ever before.”
The Japanese and pan-Asian restaurant is donating £40,000 to SHOUT this year, plus providing perks and rewards for their team of volunteers, and hosting events in their spaces.
The Wagamama ramen-building workshop will take place at the St Peter’s Square restaurant on Thursday 7 November between 2pm and 4pm. You can get your tickets HERE.
Manchester restaurants to add an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
A handful of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 13 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched last Friday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Climat, 20 Stories, and Tariff and Dale are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre branches chains such as Tampopo, Banyan, BOX, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, and Akt – a charity supporting LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 into safe homes, employment, education, or training.
In 2023, Manchester restaurants alone raised a whopping £25,000 for these life-changing services in the local community.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“Many of us want to help the vulnerable people in our community during the festive period, and StreetSmart provides an easy way to do this,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“We’re grateful to see so many local restaurants stepping forward to help our city’s homeless.
“It’s amazing to witness the kindness that our community has to offer, and see the tangible impact of our efforts and funding in the community.
“This year, we’re proud to be taking another step towards the eradication of homelessness, and look forward to seeing even more restaurants getting involved over the Christmas period.”
Georgina Pellant -
24th June 2022 
