Melbourne Coffee Sucks

This was a good find. Well, not really a find, because it’s an establishment right on the brunch-drag of George St. If you’re hungry or want a coffee, definitely drop in at Bryher.

Don’t drink this coffee. We had brunch, that was amazing. Delicious food. However, the coffee, Five Senses “Dark Horse” blend, really didn’t do it for me. I found it a bit.. hollow? Not full-bodied enough, and on the sour side. Yeah, just have an amazing brunch then head next door for coffee!

Our first coffee on the first morning we were in Launceston was at a little joint called Amelia Espresso. We weren’t sure what to expect, because in usual style, preparation had been minimal, to say the least. So, we strolled around a bit and found this place.

As you might be aware (and if you’re any kind of hipster you would be (and if you’re reading this blog you must be a hipster)), this coming weekend the MONA FOMA will be held in Launceston, Tasmania. I’ve never been to Launceston, but since Melbourne Coffee Sucks, perhaps it’s worth giving the espresso scene on the South Island a go!

Well, this post has a bit of history behind it. I may or may not work somewhere in an office near Dukes on Flinders Lane, in the CBD. So, for quite some time now, I’ve been going to Dukes off and on, because my colleagues really seem to like it.

In the first week of January, as is usual for Melbourne, there was a strong Antarctic wind blowing, probably it was about 5°C and 30km/h. We were straining forward along High St in Thornbury, walking at an angle almost diagonal to the ground. While it was cold, the sun was still scorching, and we could see our skins turning redder as the minutes went by. Above the howling wind and screams from the sunburning people around us, I couldn’t quite hear what my companion was trying to say, but through a series of complicated hand-signals we agreed that we should seek refuge. We were in front of what looked like a cosy café, called Brother Alec.

The other day I was moaning about coffee at a pub, and two guys who work for Coffee Mio overheard me. They said that recently Degraves Espresso had switched to them, and that they thought I’d like it, based on my ranting. So, today I headed over to give them a go.

Wow, that’s quite a strong claim, I hear you say! After all, Melbourne is renowned as a destination for coffee snobs from all around, and locals will proudly talk about how it’s the world’s fourth-wave coffee capital. So what’s that about Melbourne’s coffee being shit then?