East meets West Country – bubble waffles arrive in Frome

The bubble waffle – a dessert from Hong Kong that was almost unknown in our country this time last year – has arrived in Frome thanks to two enterprising Keyford residents.

Founded by Hong Kong native Jenny Southwell and her husband Neil Southwell originally from Beckington, The Bubble Wafflery is a mobile food stand that brings the delicious street food to the West Country having already conquered Instagram and the trendy parts of London.

The brainchild of the couple who moved to the UK from the Far East last year, the new outlet combines traditional Asian tastes with local ice creams and retro sweet favourites.

“The idea of bringing bubble waffles to Somerset came from a bout of home sickness,” says Jenny. “I missed my family and the taste of the street food that’s available all over the city. Bubble waffles were my daily after-school treat and they always bring back fond memories of my childhood. I finally found my bubble waffle fix in London where they have become the latest food craze. There came the idea that we could bring bubble waffles to Frome.”

Neil continues, “Traditionally, Hong Kong people eat bubble waffles plain, without sweet toppings. To add a West Country twist, we have decided to serve them with locally-produced Lovington’s ice cream and retro English treats like iced gems, brown jazzies and party rings. It’s nostalgic, fun and different.”

The Bubble Wafflery launched as a pop-up in Frome’s Resident store. They will be at Frome Independent till November.

Follow them on Instagram @bubblewafflery for more details.