This summer, & EARL GREY, said to be Japan's first specialty Earl Grey shop*, brings its tea soft serve — known for drawing long lines at events nationwide — to Hakata Hankyu's HAKATA Tea Festival, running from July 15 (Wednesday) to July 20 (Monday), 2026. The festival introduces a new 2026 flavor, Caramel Milk Tea Soft Serve, available for a limited time.
*Based on the shop's own research (April 2018) into Earl Grey specialty shops in Japan.
New for 2026: A Slightly Bittersweet Caramel Milk Tea Soft Serve
Made generously with Assam tea leaves, prized for their bold richness and fragrant aroma, this soft serve delivers a full-bodied milk tea flavor with black tea taking center stage.
Paired with it is a bittersweet, fragrant caramel. The deep richness of the caramel and the aroma of Assam tea come together, leaving a refined aftertaste with every bite.
Not just sweet, this Caramel Milk Tea Soft Serve is made with more grown-up tastes in mind.
As its 2026 new flavor, & EARL GREY offers this bittersweet taste alongside a tangy apricot meringue.
Product name: Caramel Milk Tea
Price: ¥660 (tax included)
*Available only during this event; not sold at regular shop locations.
Most Popular: Rich Tea Soft Serve With Fragrant Natural Bergamot
Capturing the delicate aroma of black tea in a soft serve takes a surprising amount of tea leaves.
At & EARL GREY, several dozen times the usual quantity of tea leaves is slowly steeped, resulting in a rich, deeply flavored tea soft serve with the bright scent of natural bergamot.
Known as "milk tea you can eat," it's a bestseller that draws long lines at events across the country.
Finished with a tangy framboise meringue, this is & EARL GREY's most popular soft serve, balancing the rich aroma of black tea with refreshing acidity.
Product name: Earl Grey Rich Milk
Price: ¥660 (tax included)
*Available only during this event; not sold at regular shop locations.
Earl Grey That Travels: 20 Varieties in One Place
Twenty varieties of Earl Grey, made with tea leaves from around the world, will be on display.
Alongside the world's three great teas — Darjeeling, Uva, and Keemun — the lineup includes Earl Grey made with leaves from a range of countries and growing regions.
Beyond black tea, the selection spans green tea, hojicha, jasmine tea, rooibos, and even a new Awa bancha Earl Grey, for a wide variety to enjoy.
Also featured are fragrant Earl Grey blends infused with rose petals, lavender, and chamomile, presented in charming bottles.
Each tea leaf's individual character comes together with the rich aroma of natural bergamot — a chance to compare flavors and find a favorite.
Tea-Scented Tea Raw Doughnuts
Light and airy, yet moist and smooth, the new Tea Raw Doughnuts offer a texture reminiscent of raw cake.
Four flavors are available: Earl Grey with fragrant natural bergamot, fragrant hojicha, rich matcha, and a gently sweet plain.
Enjoy the refreshing aroma of tea and gentle sweetness in every bite.
Event Overview
- Name: HAKATA Tea Festival
- Venue: Hakata Hankyu, 8th floor event space
- Dates: July 15 (Wednesday) to July 20 (Monday), 2026
- Address: 1-1 Hakata Ekichuo-gai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture (〒812-0012)
- Phone: 092-461-1381 (main line)
Shop Overview
Umeda Daimaru Store
Store name: Earl Grey specialty shop "& EARL GREY," Umeda Daimaru store
Address: Daimaru Umeda B1F West, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture (〒530-8202)
Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Kobe Main Store
Store name: Earl Grey specialty shop "& EARL GREY," Kobe main store
Address: 8-1-10 Isogami-dori, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture (〒651-0086)
Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays); TEL: 078-891-3361
