THE MAGICAL INDUSTRIAL COFFEE SHOP

A good Industrial estate is a magical place. I’m not exaggerating when I compare it to Wonderland on the other end of the rabbit hole, or even more fittingly, Hogwarts. 

From the outside, (the muggle) perspective, the industrial estate seems a bland, grey, indistinct, characterless conglomerate where the only colour and movement comes from hi-vis clad drivers doing forklift doughies in the carpark. But for those on the inside, industrial estates are enchanting establishments where sparks literally fly on the daily. That is, Monday to Friday and a half day Saturday. It’s where craftspeople like Matt work on intricate joints in bespoke furniture, or where Fave Dave orchestrates grand sound and light installations to follow Beyonce around the world. It’s full of people like Lance with the lustrous mop of silver hair who’s average word per sentence count is around two, but who’s sophisticated work with copper gives him cult status with Sydney’s top restauranteurs. It has a Steve who designs websites and gives great dating advice on his lunch break.

These places are melting pots of distinct excellence. And where there are people of such high calibre, there must be a coffee shop of equal distinction and excellency. Cast away the stereotype of scruffy tiles, aluminium wobbly tables and chairs, extra large extra shot extra sugar extra sauce meat pie and sausage roll cafe (which of course has its place when only a chicken schnitty sambo will do).

Instead imagine a space created with as much attention to detail as the artisans around them. Embracing the warehouse chic aesthetic of exposed beams and brickwork, high ceilings and spacious spaces. They might lean towards modern minimalism, with polished concrete and copper balustrades. Or it might be a pocket oasis amidst the grey, a jungle of indoor plants, wooden furniture and iridescent butterflies (the baristas obvs) fluttering around. Or a cosy nook carved out between a mechanic and crossfit gym, packed with superfluous bric a brac, rugs, sofas, vintage lamp shades and the air of your quirky great aunty’s tea room. 

And the coffee. Oh the coffee that makes these industrial cafes a light in the drab. It’s a haven for specialty coffee. All the room for all the gadgets, the v60’s, aeropresses, EK’s and Anfim’s, shiney La Marzoccos and Synessos, Giesens, Lorings and Probats. All the room to showcase all the coffee on offer – the product of collaborative craftsmanship from farm to cup and what makes these coffee shops truly special.

It’s fitting for the specialty coffee scene to thrive here, in amongst the industrial, a place that’s full of specialties, people who have honed their craft for years, who appreciate detail, who love working in the tactile, with the material, who know that expertise takes care, humility and time. And more time. It’s from here that truly beautiful things can be created.

There’s no better coterie to appreciate and adore specialty coffee.