Matcha and Beyond, King’s Road Chelsea

Matcha has built up something of a cult following since dissolving into the tea scene in 2013 (or 2015 in more mainstream markets). Originating from Japan, the drink – which is powdered green tea – is praised for the ‘calm alertness’ it lends its drinkers, while sparing them the jittery side effects of coffee. Keeping up with the trend is Olivia Nottin, a nutritional therapist and a French certified Natural Chef, who is opening Matcha and Beyond – a café dedicated to premium matcha drinks – in Chelsea this October.

At Matcha and Beyond, matcharistas (matcha baristas, in case you’re puzzled) prepare each drink with shots of matcha sourced from the Uji region in the southern outskirts of Kyoto. Traditional Japanese bite-size sweets are offered on the menu, alongside nutritionally balanced snacks (matcha energy balls and Olivia’s own home-baked cookies), hero cakes and breakfast pots (think porridge, coconut yoghurt, or stewed apple and granola). Meanwhile those who arrive at lunchtime can tuck into nourishing salads including the ‘Earth Bowl’ (green lentils, courgettes, parsley and shaved pink radishes).

Matcha and Beyond is committed to sustainability, serving its produce in biodegradable packaging and sourcing produce, where possible, from London-based suppliers. The café itself has a calming vibe, decked out with light, soothing interiors; the walls have earthy neutral tones with a splash of colour here and there, while soft furnishings and plants add personality. Sat snug between The Ivy Chelsea Garden and the Chelsea Town Hall, Olivia expects the café to prove a hit with mothers, workers and shoppers alike. Chelsea, it’s time to meet your matcha.

Matcha and Beyond opens in October 2018. Hours: 8AM – 5PM weekdays; 9AM– 5PM weekends