Nestled on Oxford’s bustling High Street, directly across from University College, Fantastea has quickly become a favorite destination for bubble tea enthusiasts. This charming establishment is perfectly positioned for students from nearby colleges such as New College, Teddy Hall, Queens, Brasenose, Merton, University College, and Oriel. With operating hours from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily, there’s always an opportunity to indulge in a refreshing bubble tea.
Having only sampled a few bubble teas before arriving in Oxford, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of shops dedicated to this popular drink. The variety can be overwhelming for newcomers trying to navigate flavors, textures, temperatures, and add-ons. During my first year at university, I often frequented Bubbleology due to its familiarity and my go-to order of mango tea with passion fruit boba—a combination I found delicious yet predictable.
It wasn’t until my second year at New College that a friend named Shannon introduced me to Fantastea. She raved about it being her favorite bubble tea spot and claimed it was also the most affordable option she had encountered. This combination of quality and price piqued my interest, prompting me to visit the shop.
Upon entering Fantastea, I was immediately impressed by the baby-blue storefront that exuded a cute and inviting vibe. Inside, the space was more expansive than I anticipated, with ample seating for at least thirty patrons. Although I typically prefer to take my drinks to go, the welcoming atmosphere made me want to linger and enjoy my bubble tea on-site.
Initially, I worried about finding a drink that suited my palate since I’m not particularly fond of milk-based beverages. Fortunately, Fantastea offers a wide range of fruit tea options—including flavors like orange, lime, mango, passionfruit, and strawberry—allowing me to avoid milk entirely while still enjoying delicious drinks.
Sticking with my usual habits, I decided on the mango booster. This drink proved to be a delightful choice; its flavor was fresh and vibrant compared to other bubble teas I had previously tasted. One aspect I particularly appreciated was that the ice was blended into the tea rather than added afterward. This method ensured that the drink maintained its robust flavor without becoming diluted over time. Additionally, the mango booster had a smooth texture—almost like a slush—without any annoying fruit bits until the very end.
Recently, Fantastea changed ownership, which often raises concerns about potential changes in quality or service at beloved establishments. However, I was relieved to find that the drinks tasted even better than before. On a recent visit with my friend Megan, we were drawn in by the autumn decorations and warm fairy lights that adorned the shop. The inviting decor created an atmosphere perfect for students looking for a cozy place to unwind or study.
Megan decided to try a taro milk tea during our visit. The vibrant purple color of the drink caught her eye immediately. Taro is a root vegetable known for its nutty flavor; however, we both agreed that it tasted reminiscent of a blend between blueberry and cookies and cream. To my surprise, I took a leap of faith and tried the milk tea myself. While I enjoyed it more than expected due to its unique flavor profile, I still found myself leaning toward my classic fruit teas in future visits.
During our time at Fantastea, Megan noted how tidy and charmingly decorated the interior was. We reminisced about a previous trip we made there as part of a welfare event with about twelve fellow students from New College. That day was filled with laughter and conversation as we enjoyed our drinks together—an experience that highlighted Fantastea as a community hub for students.
In terms of pricing, Fantastea offers an affordable treat for students. They provide a 10% discount for student cardholders (BOD card), making it even more accessible. A large mango booster costs £4.85 before any discounts—a reasonable price considering the generous portion size. Most drinks range from £3 to £5 depending on flavor selections and additional toppings.
Now that I live just two minutes away from Fantastea, it’s tempting to visit more frequently than perhaps I should! However, if you’re further away from this delightful bubble tea haven, you can conveniently order your favorite drinks through delivery services like Uber Eats or Deliveroo.
As I continue to enjoy my visits to Fantastea, I often find myself torn between trying new flavors or sticking with my beloved mango booster. Perhaps one day I’ll venture out of my comfort zone—but for now, I’m content savoring this refreshing classic.
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