Cafe reviews — Coffee Forum https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:05:54 +0000 en Cafe reviews — Coffee Forum Lost Freight Cafe, Pinnacle Rd, Hobart, Tasmania https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6425/lost-freight-cafe-pinnacle-rd-hobart-tasmania Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:51:34 +0000 Cafe reviews System 6425@/discussions My wife is in Hobart for a few days and sampled a coffee :coffee2: and curry pie here today. 

Very nice, in her opinion, and it has a high rating on TripAdvisor. 

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255097-d12182366-Reviews-Lost_Freight_Cafe-Hobart_Greater_Hobart_Tasmania.html

You have to drag the photo across to see it all.  ???

EDIT......... :doh: didn’t see that Tasmania had a section of it’s own until after I’d posted.
Could someone fix my mistake please?    :doh:

[img][/img]]]> Blessed be thy Starbucks https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6398/blessed-be-thy-starbucks Wed, 16 May 2018 11:29:11 +0000 Cafe reviews Lwowiak 6398@/discussions
Having spent two weeks in and around Shanghai (business), I was extremely grateful for the presence of this coffee chain. Hotel coffee at breakfast was from a superauto machine, so was confined to a sweetened espresso, to keep the caffeine headaches at bay. Starbucks were in abundance, with "Costa" usually a few doors away. While the coffee was nothing special, it was consistent. The shops were in prominent locations, easy to access, clean, and had the menu in English. The staff spoke English, and provided very good service. Patronage was high, and their flavoured tea drinks very popular.

Unfortunately, I did not get to visit the following, as I had little free time:
https://dailycoffeenews.com/2017/12/05/inside-the-30000-square-foot-starbucks-reserve-roastery-in-shanghai/

My colleague (who had also spent over a month in the USA late last year), insisted upon visiting the store on a daily basis. He found them most consistent in the States, and able to cater to his kids as well. I did not challenge this, as after the numerous lunches and dinners, coffee became a necessity. The continual toasts during a meal, can lead to an excess consumption of the favoured beverage. Luckily (for me) it tended to be Australian red wine. The rice wine some favour is an acquired taste, and requires copious amounts of coffee the next day. Needless to say, we were grateful for their presence in China. The best part of the experience was the lack of your typical egotistical (read: scruffy, arrogant, unshaven etc..) barista.

In QLD, the local Starbucks are in good locations and are well patronized by the tourists. The power of the brand is formidable, but they never understood our market, and how quickly it evolves. They still have a lot of potential to grow in other countries, so the Aussie derision towards the brand should be assessed accordingly.

On my return, I was at the Sydney domestic Terminal (T2) at breakfast. I went looking for a coffee and was spoiled for choice. Every shop seemed to have a LM machine. I found a Toby Estate shop with an interesting blend on display. I ordered it and was told they only have their usual blend, which I agreed to. I then stepped back and watched the prep. Needless to say the flat white was a disappointment, lacking flavour, and way too milky. Not sure if they are a franchise, but this goes to show, good coffee "can" be elusive in Australia. In all honesty, the coffee served in Starbucks, Shanghai was better.

]]> Brisbane's Best Coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/808/brisbanes-best-coffee Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:52:27 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 808@/discussions
My family and I usually pass through BrisVegas a couple of times a year, though, as the outlaws are based on the Sunshine Coast, and we drive down to Byron to stay with friends.

So just in case I'm looking for a pick-me-up en route, who can tell me where to go, figuratively speaking, that is,,, ]]> best coffee in Mallacoota https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6285/best-coffee-in-mallacoota Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:54:59 +0000 Cafe reviews mallacoota 6285@/discussions   So if you are ever lucky enough to visit this stunning part of Victoria with its lakes and beaches just below the NSW border you can now get quality coffee]]> Customs Blends? Where!? https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6284/customs-blends-where Tue, 18 Jul 2017 20:06:32 +0000 Cafe reviews DanDan 6284@/discussions ]]> Sydney's Best Coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/809/sydneys-best-coffee Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:39:55 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 809@/discussions
For the record, my money goes to Single Origin Roasters, 60-64 Reservoir St Surry Hills

These guys are fanatically crazy about coffee, and yet approachable enough to share their enthusiasm with anyone who's interested.

In a word, superb!

Too bad I live in Melbourne and can't go there whenever I want :'(

I've actually thought about flying up there, just to experience their coffee again - bit hard to explain that one to the Mrs, but.

What's your favourite?

P]]> Simply Beans Cafe, Rostery and Machinery Retailer https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6230/simply-beans-cafe-rostery-and-machinery-retailer Wed, 15 Feb 2017 10:57:18 +0000 Cafe reviews Brett H 6230@/discussions
The owner/roaster is the real deal and his roasts suit my Lever perfectly.  The cafe is a joy to visit because of the stock of quality items, ambiance and the excellent variety of coffee on offer from the bank of grinders.  Add to this a roastery and machine stockist in the warehouse behind and I'm in heaven!  If you're ever passing through Underwood in the south of Brisbane CBD this place is a must!!  This is now my new favourite coffee place in Brisbane and despite being 20minutes drive I'll visit regularly!!]]> Melbourne's Best Coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/1146/melbournes-best-coffee Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:26:28 +0000 Cafe reviews admin 1146@/discussions 2008 'best cafes of Melbourne' issue, we had the following:
    [li]Brother Baba Budan[/li] [li]Liar Liar[/li] [li]The Maling Room[/li] [li]7 Grams[/li] [li]First Pour[/li]
However, since then there's been a lot of changes... Nolan's sold Liar Liar and opened Proud Mary, and Mark Dundan has opened Seven Seeds. And our own askthecoffeeguy [Pat] has opened Foxy Brown!

So which would be the best cafes in Melbourne now, and does anyone want to take a stab at the ranking? Here's your opportunity!

A

PS Interestingly, the Australian has just done a review which includes Brother Baba Budan and Auction Rooms [which we rate very highly] but doesn't include Proud Mary and Seven Seeds, which we think are fantastic additions to the Melbourne scene [they include Sensory Lab in Collins St, and Market Lane Coffee in Prahran] ... would be very interested to know peoples' thoughts on any, or all of the above!]]> Bunn coffee maker https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6210/bunn-coffee-maker Tue, 31 Jan 2017 18:46:38 +0000 Cafe reviews Nancy Johnston 6210@/discussions In search for the most expensive coffee in the world https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6062/in-search-for-the-most-expensive-coffee-in-the-world Tue, 05 Jan 2016 08:17:30 +0000 Cafe reviews alexsmith 6062@/discussions
I'm super excited and I can't wait, a friend of mine (coffee addict like me) recommend me to look for "Kopi Luwak" in Australia.
He said there are many local coffee shops in Sydney that sells the famous "cat poop" coffee.

Do you have any recommendations?]]> So where to get great coffee in Brisbane cbd? https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/6026/so-where-to-get-great-coffee-in-brisbane-cbd Wed, 18 Nov 2015 09:25:56 +0000 Cafe reviews GeekKopi 6026@/discussions Cafe suggestions -Port Fairy, Bacchas Marsh (VIC) https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5833/cafe-suggestions-port-fairy-bacchas-marsh-vic Sat, 11 Apr 2015 21:11:43 +0000 Cafe reviews adelaidecoffee 5833@/discussions
We maybe hanging around Port Fairy /  Bacchas Marsh for a few days - anywhere around these areas for a good cuppa.

Thanks.

]]> Adelaide's Best Coffee Houses https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/1170/adelaides-best-coffee-houses Fri, 07 May 2010 00:48:19 +0000 Cafe reviews psaigh 1170@/discussions
Bar 9
Coffee Barun
Taylors Blend
Espresso Royale
Simply Coffee
Cikolatte
Rigoni's
The Big Table
Queen St Cafe
Grain and Bean
Nano's
Argo
Viva Espresso
Cafeteka]]> Perth's Best Coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/804/perths-best-coffee Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:22:41 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 804@/discussions
I have tried the AM blend from Five Senses, though, and I enjoyed it a lot.

I know that Five Senses have a presence in Melbourne, also, and I would be interested to hear from anyone who has tried their coffee locally, to see waht they think of it

Cheers,

Pat]]> Seattle coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5355/seattle-coffee Fri, 20 Jun 2014 09:04:11 +0000 Cafe reviews borat123 5355@/discussions
3x South Americans (Guatemalans), and one Yirg.  Have to say I wasn't really impressed much with any of the South Americans, and even the Yirg wasn't jumping out as I was expecting with florals and/or much fruit.

So I ordered a Chemex of the Yirg and tried the same bean I'd just cupped earlier.

A little smoother, and a little more flavour but still not really a standout.  Maybe old crop or roasted a little too dark to bring out its best(?)

I'm off home tomorrow then back to the US again next week for some cupping and roast profiling training...

I

]]> Brisbane has become a wonderful town in my absence.... except for the coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5522/brisbane-has-become-a-wonderful-town-in-my-absence-except-for-the-coffee Fri, 10 Oct 2014 14:14:12 +0000 Cafe reviews Kelsey 5522@/discussions
The last couple of weeks I've had clients and business partners in town and I've been staying in and around the Fortitude Valley area and explored Brisbane. I've been pleasantly surprised by so much - the Valley has some absolutely incredible experiences going on for foodies. It's a funky, happening place and the city is vastly more interesting than once it was. The trains run on time, the people are nice and I couldn't want for anything more....

Except a decent coffee!

LTD on Brunswick St is my personal pick - an absolute savant of a barista who knows how to work the paddles. The coffee isn't to my taste, too light in an almost filter style, but he does an excellent job of it and you get plenty of nuance and flavour from the cup.

My partner prefers double-shot small flat whites - she felt the brew didn't cut through milk and was too sweet. Disliked it.

Reverends Fine Coffee just a few doors down has a stunning Kees machine in another well-renovated space - but my espresso was again super-light roast and at least 120ml of subtleness to the point of lacking flavour. Again, my milky partner hated it.

We tried Queen Bean on Anne St during rush hour. I don't know if they weren't flushing enough between shots, but it was super busy so perhaps not representative of their best work - all I got was a very hot, bitter brew. The milk wasn't burnt, but it tasted like the coffee was.

Finally in desperation we tried a small local place running Lavazza. They're using the premium beans and the guy behind the counter is quite knowledgeable - not terrible, but nothing to return for, except the enthusiasm of the owner.

I'd welcome any recommendation for espresso in the Valley or Valley end of the CBD where we can get a great espresso that's not part of the hipster filter espresso brigade!]]> San Francisco coffee tour https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5389/san-francisco-coffee-tour Wed, 09 Jul 2014 13:58:02 +0000 Cafe reviews borat123 5389@/discussions Algiers coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5349/algiers-coffee Wed, 11 Jun 2014 22:19:59 +0000 Cafe reviews borat123 5349@/discussions
Drinkable, but only just...    Extremely dark roast, bitter. Tastes a bit like a cheap robusta.

The large silver bowl in front of the four group Conti lever was full of pre-ground or maybe even instant coffee...  Mmmm

Every cafe I've been into has a three group lever.  Most seem to be from the 80's, a locally made machine called 'Arabica'.

Algeria is a huge consumer of coffee, almost all served as espresso.  As far as I know, not much if any is grown locally.]]> Bendigo's Best Coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5347/bendigos-best-coffee Wed, 11 Jun 2014 02:25:26 +0000 Cafe reviews Journeyman 5347@/discussions
Jesse used to manage t'Hooft, one of the better coffee places in town - the other was The Old green Bean - and he's got a Slayer 3 group machine & has a Costa Rica bean for black/macch's and Velvet Assassin for milks. I walked in and mentioned I'd been past a few times and just wanted to see if it lived up to the name - peered around the machine and saw 3 x naked PF's - he laughed and mentioned it was good not to get comments about clothing.

He uses VST baskets - from what I saw 22g's but used a weighed 18g of grind for a double. That leaves almost 1cm from the top in the VST's.

So, long strong macchiato - he watches his nakeds on the pre-infusion setting until he judges it right time and then flicks to pour - thick honey ensues. Because I asked for long and strong he did it twice. Uses the same double wall glasses I got for Xmas - a great innovation for delicate fingers although mine got inured to hot glass a long time back.

Not a trace of bitterness nor sourness and a crema per double shot of over 1cm. I asked for sugar but tasted it first - didn't need the sugar. I can't recall the last time a caf]]> Gold Coast Best Coffee? https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/811/gold-coast-best-coffee Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:35:17 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 811@/discussions
Cheers,  Pat]]> Sunshine Coast Best Coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/810/sunshine-coast-best-coffee Sat, 03 Nov 2007 19:09:10 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 810@/discussions
These guys have 'pioneered' freshness and flavour in an environment where quality control has been lacking, and where a flat white is still largely the order of the day

It takes guts to make your mark in a challenging location - now the onus is on others to follow suit.

Any suggestions, anyone?]]> Vienna coffee crawl https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/5197/vienna-coffee-crawl Tue, 04 Feb 2014 20:55:08 +0000 Cafe reviews borat123 5197@/discussions
Vienna has more caf]]> Lamkin Lane, Caloundra Queensland https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/4900/lamkin-lane-caloundra-queensland Sun, 04 Aug 2013 20:35:57 +0000 Cafe reviews Kelsey 4900@/discussions
The premises was once a haberdashery, a black shed facing a multi-storey carpark shoehorned into a lane behind the main street. If someone had told me they'd open a cafe there before Lamkin launched, I would've laughed at how ludicrous it was.

Instead, they've turned the shed into a modern, spartan warehouse affair more akin to Melbourne than the usual expectation of coffee on the coast.

But onto the important stuff.

There's five grinders next to the white La Marzocco, two more on the bench behind and a deli grinder over near the large bean storage, which I assume is there in case someone needs ground coffee to take home.

The five on the bench are typically stocked with the Lamkin Lane blend, Tim's seasonal blend (currently called 'Season 9') and either three single origins or two and a blend. Occasionally the blend is from a third party roaster, but typically they're all Tim's roasts.

The single origins change regularly - they rarely stay in the hopper for more than a week, if that.

Tim's roasting style is smooth and even, without even a glance at the current trend of roasting for filter.

This is an espresso joint, through and through.

To say that Lamkin has fundamentally altered my appreciation and understanding of coffee would be an understatement. Not even self-roasting widened my horizons this much.

I finally understood why this was so after a recent post on the Londinium blog:
For me the critical element that must be present for a coffee to be called espresso is mouth coating.

For a coffee to be called espresso it must be sufficiently dense and syrupy to ensure a coating of the inside of your mouth.

Irrespective of flavour, body or acidity this is what defines coffee and Lamkin Lane.

I've gained an appreciation for the variance of acid in espresso, for fruity flavours, for mouth bombs (like a Rwandan a few weeks back which absolutely blew my mind) as well as the traditional choc/caramel flavours I've been chasing.

Yesterday, for the first time, I tasted an actual definable flavour - Strawberry - in a El Salvador Finca San Jose. Last week I took home a kilo of Indo Suluwessi that was just sensational.

The only downside of the place is that I've gotten really slack with my own roasting!

Tim and James are fantastic hosts, the shop is always busy, but they always take the time to have a chat with me and know my brew preferences. For me they eschew the cup and spoon, just handing the D'Ancap espresso cup straight over the machine so I can get it while it's still the perfect temp.

In short, this would have my vote as one of the best - if not THE best - shrine to espresso in the country.

Well worth a visit.]]> Newcastle's best coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/2199/newcastles-best-coffee Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:37:48 +0000 Cafe reviews AliG 2199@/discussions
my pick is:
Coffee on Crown
3 Crown Street
Newcastle

too sad its closed on sunday]]> Best (looking) Cafes in the World https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/3729/best-looking-cafes-in-the-world Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:38:38 +0000 Cafe reviews galumay 3729@/discussions
http://www.flavorwire.com/324760/the-most-beautiful-coffee-shops-in-the-world?all=1

here is one of the Christchurch ones,

http://popupcity.co.nz/sydenhams-coffee-zone]]> Addis Ababa macchiato https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/3390/addis-ababa-macchiato Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:34:50 +0000 Cafe reviews borat123 3390@/discussions Tasmania's best coffee... https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/813/tasmanias-best-coffee Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:54:52 +0000 Cafe reviews askthecoffeeguy 813@/discussions
Last time I was in Tassy I was representing Victoria in the National Cocktail Competitions, and that was more years ago than I care to remember!

Didn't win, but met a nice young lady there by the name of Dianne Appleyard - wonder where she is now...

Soon the little one will be too old to qualify for free flights anymore, which means that Tassy is looking a hell of a lot better as a holiday destination, seeing as how you can pop your car on the boat and have a relatively non-expensive driving holiday there.

Add to this the great produce and sensational wines coming from this region, and why wouldn't you wanna go there? 8-)


]]> Copper Coast - SA https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/1203/copper-coast-sa Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:13:23 +0000 Cafe reviews Dry_bean. 1203@/discussions Small food and coffee establishment, food is uncomplicated and fresh, service is friendly and efficient, prices fair and last but not least, on the day my wife and I visited the coffee was well above average. ;)]]> Wellington's best coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/1180/wellingtons-best-coffee Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:39:54 +0000 Cafe reviews admin 1180@/discussions
A]]> Pacific Coast coffee https://www.coffeeforum.org.au/discussion/807/pacific-coast-coffee Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:06:22 +0000 Cafe reviews admin 807@/discussions
Ended up having some pretty good coffee - will put some comments up over the next few days...

A]]>