A new café has opened in Hereford, and the owners are keen to bring their passion for a Taiwanese-inspired drink to the city.

CoCo 99 opened in Union Walk last month, offering its customers a wide range of bubble teas and desserts.

Started by two long-term friends, Ice Mokya and Andy Watts, the pair have brought their fine creations to the former Peter Prosser building.

After taking an interest in the creation of the drink, Ms Mokya decided to expand her knowledge, by refining her craft in Asia for two years with courses and research.

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Mr Watts, until recently, worked locally as a GP, but after retiring he was looking for a project that would challenge him and would contrast with his NHS career. When Ms Mokya made her bubble tea for him, there was no turning back, and CoCo 99 was born.

Ms Mokya spent time in Asia refining her craft.Ms Mokya spent time in Asia refining her craft. (Image: ROB DAVIES)

Mr Watts swapped his medical training for barista courses this summer and now helps to serve delicious teas and fresh coffee.

"We have been lucky to find a great site that is close to the railway and bus station as well as the hospital and students walking to college or Uni.

"We have created a fresh, cheerful interior to help brighten everybody's day. The feedback we are getting has been really encouraging. Bubble tea is more than a novelty drink.

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"There is bubble tea to suit any mood or taste and we hope our customers will want to return again and again."

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan back in the 1980s and has evolved now to have a presence in many major cities across the world and includes refreshing fruit tea drinks or satisfying milk tea drinks. CoCo 99  carefully selects its teas for aroma and quality to enable the duo to brew the perfect blend that is not too strong and complements the fruit and other ingredients.

Mr Watts added that it was their "heartfelt intention" to bring happiness through the choices on the menu, and that they love the "playfulness" of mixing different flavour and texture combinations within their popular drinks.