‘Matcha Cherry Pop’ – When Art and Coffee Align

My painting with Squeeze's new drink!

I believe in the quiet magic of everyday moments and one of those moments unfolded this week at Squeeze, the lovely café tucked into Leigh Broadway in Leigh-on-Sea.

I’d brought in a new painting for the café’s display wall, and as I stood chatting with the baristas, they handed me their brand new seasonal drink: the Matcha Cherry Pop; a deliciously layered creation of cherry, coconut milk, and matcha.

I looked at the drink. Then looked at the painting. And couldn’t believe how perfectly the colours echoed one another, from the deep cherry base to the creamy white and vivid green top. A match made in creative heaven.

So of course, the painting now shares the name: Matcha Cherry Pop. It’s one of two small abstract works I’ve made available exclusively at Squeeze, not online, so if you're local and curious, this is your chance to see them up close.

For those unfamiliar with matcha: it’s a powdered green tea made from specially grown leaves. Unlike regular tea, you consume the whole leaf, whisked into hot water or milk. It’s naturally rich in antioxidants and offers a smooth, sustained energy lift; plus, that incredible green hue!

It’s always a joy when art and life cross paths in such unexpected ways. If you stop by for a drink, I hope it brings a little brightness to your day, too.

Squeeze Cafe