Opening a permanent cafe wasn’t part of the original plan for Marshall’s Matcha. The cart was intended to roam between markets, events and festivals across Adelaide, but when the team began serving from their Holden Hill space, demand quickly changed the trajectory.
The response was so strong that the cart remained stationed inside the venue for months, ultimately prompting the decision to complete a full shop fit-out and establish a local that feels like it’s really put its roots down.
“Our initial idea was to have the cart move around to other locations,” owner Marshall tells us. “But due to the popularity of the location we weren’t able to remove the cart. This led to us planning a proper shopfit.”
Marshall launched the cafe with his wife Lauren and Lauren’s sister Alivia, who also run neighbouring salon Blush Girl. The idea began as a way to offer drinks to salon clients, but after trialling matcha from a repurposed cart in 2025 and attracting viral attention, the concept quickly outgrew its original brief.
The team says the space has been designed to feel welcoming and functional, with an emphasis on comfort and community. “We wanted a space where people feel comfortable ordering and enjoying a matcha — whether it’s their first time or their thousandth,” they said.
With the shop fit complete, the cart is now being freed up for markets, collaborations and private activations, including an upcoming appearance at Fashion Thrift Society over the Valentine’s weekend and future brand partnerships where custom drinks and labels can be developed.
The new fit-out has also enabled the cafe to expand its capabilities, including the introduction of commercial kitchen equipment and a forthcoming curated food offering.
The expansion has also been supported by a Small Business Growth Grant from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, which the team says helped them complete the fit-out to a higher standard and bring their vision for the space to life.
“Definitely feels more like a proper cafe now,” Marshall said, noting the upgrades have helped them maintain the quality and consistency customers expect.
A standout feature remains the cafe’s canning machine, allowing made-to-order matcha drinks to be sealed fresh, ideal for delivery, takeaway and corporate orders. The offering has become both a practical solution and a signature visual moment for customers.
At its core, the drinks menu centres on ceremonial-grade matcha, with every drink made to order using carefully measured components to maintain consistency. Popular favourites include the Brown Sugar Iced Matcha, Double Strawberry Iced Matcha and Gingerbread Iced Matcha, while experimentation remains a key part of the brand’s approach.
A new Earl Grey Iced Matcha launches this week, coinciding with a Valentine’s-themed in-store event where every Earl Grey Matcha sold comes with a mini print of Alivia’s artwork, custom-designed labels and a love heart chocolate. The team is also running a giveaway featuring a framed A2 print of Alivia’s art, a Mermade Hair hot tool and free matcha vouchers. Beyond matcha, the team has also begun exploring the worlds of hojicha and cold brew for new offerings.
Atmosphere remains central, with the team encouraging you to get up close and film the canning machine and share your experience over socials. “We want a warm, inviting, safe and comfortable space. We love to chat to our clients and love talking matcha,” they said.
As the cafe continues to refine its menu and expand into events and orders, the all-new Marshall’s Matcha is stepping into its next phase with a clear sense of identity and momentum.
Marshall’s Matcha
Where: 4/90 Lyons Rd Holden Hill
When: 9am – 2pm Wednesday – Saturday
For more info, click here.
