Bubble tea business popping up at Gloucester Green market

Last summer El Mexicana and Combibos coffee shop closed and rough sleepers started to bed down in the doorways.

But they have now left after county council possession orders were posted on the boarded up shop units, which are owned by NewRiver.

Keith Atkin, market manager for LSD Promotions, which runs open air markets in conjunction with the city council on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, said he was hopeful the new business would be opening soon where Combibos and El Mexicana were based.

He added: “They have fitted out the convenience store already and are now advertising for staff - I think they will be open within weeks.

“It’s good news for the area and the market is definitely on the up - we are really busy and we are trying to build up the new Friday market.

“NewRiver has also been showing potential tenants around the former Fopp store, which moved all its stock out about six weeks ago.”

A Friday market started in April on a six-month trial basis.

The Friday market focuses on street food while market stalls on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday also sell secondhand books, records, clothes, antiques and art.

The former Fopp record store in Gloucester Green shut in February despite a rescue package from Canadian music mogul Doug Putman for part of the HMV chain, which ran Fopp.

Fopp’s Manchester branch reopened but there has been no sign that Oxford’s branch will also return.

While Fopp’s closure means music lovers have to go elsewhere for new vinyl - Truck on Cowley Road - fans of second-hand vinyl are well served by stalls on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The new Japanese restaurant could prove popular after Yo! Sushi closed its George Street branch in February.

A poster in front of the former El Mexican said the Alsgongcha diner would be opening soon and it is looking to hire full and part-time bubble tea makers.

No one from the new restaurant, thought to originate in Coventry, was available for comment. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi operates at the Westgate Centre while Wagamama is in Market Street, off Cornmarket, which has a Wasabi.

No one from NewRiver was available for comment.

A spokeswoman said earlier: “We can confirm that we are in advanced discussions with a number of new occupiers for the vacant units at Gloucester Green, and will be able to share further information about this imminently.

"We want to create a vibrant and welcoming space at Gloucester Green, and look forward to expanding the offering.”