Mad for matcha: South Kensington’s Tombo releases tea range
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

In Japan, drinking tea is a ritual. The 'Way of Tea' – the elaborate preparation of powdered green matcha tea – is a quiet ceremony deeply rooted within Japanese culture, which carefully demonstrates harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity through the presentation of the drink.
Londoners can experience the art of tea preparation – as well as tip-top Japanese food – at Tombo in South Kensington. This Japanese cafe and matcha bar – the first authentic example of its kind in the city – was launched five years ago by Colin and Manami Endo-Sloley, and their son Louis, who named it after the Japanese word for dragonfly, symbolising renewal and positive force.
To complement the cafe, Tombo has launched a range of green teas and matcha sourced from the foothills of Mount Fuji and developed in partnership with the highly regarded tea estate Maruyama Seicha in Shizuoka. The nourishing sakura (Japanese cherry) tea infused with cherry-blossom kukicha, made of stems and twigs, offers a lighter alternative to regular green tea, while the ultimate matcha powder, for health and mind, is said to restore energy. Other blends include grassy-flavoured sencha and toasty hojicha with ginger – and even matcha baking powder for cooking with.
The packaging was designed by Natsko Seki, the acclaimed London-based illustrator, who has produced works for Louis Vuitton and Hermès. She created contemporary yet playful designs, capturing the spirit and heart of her native Japan.
Drink these teas with ichi-go ichi-e in mind – the philosophy that suggests that each gathering should be treasured, for it can never be reproduced.
The packaging, designed by Natsko Seki, captures the essence of Japanese culture
Sourced from the foothills of Mount Fuji, Tombo's matcha is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a good source of energy
The nourishing sakura, a Japanese cherry tea, is infused with cherry-blossom kukicha – it's a lighter and sweeter alternative to regular green tea
ADDRESS
Tombo
29 Thurloe Place
South Kensington
London, SW7 2HQ
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
-
Masa Gallery launches inaugural Mexico City space with new solo show
Brian Thoreen and Mario García Torres are unveiling solo shows at Masa Gallery’s permanent new home in the heart of Mexico City
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Boucheron rethinks a royal brooch for high jewellery rich in regal references
The new high jewellery collection from Boucheron, ‘Histoire de Style, Like a Queen’, is inspired by Princess Elizabeth’s 18th birthday gift
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Ma Yansong on global architecture and MAD’s year ahead
We talk to MAD’s Ma Yansong about his thriving studio, global architecture and the year ahead
By Magali Robathan • Published
-
Nostalgic American cereals have been reimagined – and they're healthy now
Scoop up your daily dose of childhood nostalgia
By Phoebe Gardner • Last updated
-
London remembers the hazy days of 1960s alcohol advertising with Campari
By Elly Parsons • Last updated
-
Sex, fashion and disco: forgotten footage of 1970s New York uncovered
By Elly Parsons • Last updated
-
From Jony Ive’s perfectly minimalist cover to a peek inside Apple Park and beyond
By Sarah Douglas • Last updated
-
Visual feast: tracing Fortnum & Mason’s rich culinary and illustrative history
By Jessica Klingelfuss • Last updated