Recently, stepping out of the Big Apple and into the land of the Queen, I discovered that Aussie coffee culture is influencing the British as well. Throughout London, you can discover some of the finest coffee roasters, coffee shops and tastiest Flat Whites just like home! Of the numerous coffee shops I visited in London, the standout was Workshop Coffee Co., which had an Aussie connection with Melbourne, St Ali before parting ways. It still holds its Aussie values with Australian Coffee Director, Tim Williams leading the way. The space was very inspiring with an island coffee bar in the centre of the cafe where you and a mate could sit around. You could look to your left to admire your coffee being crafted and look to your right to watch the fine details of your coffee being roasted! The space is unique with a roastery positioned in back, high ceilings with natural light, industrial lighting and venting and a vertical garden wall exploding with lush green plants. It was definitely a space that made me feel as if I was sitting somewhere in Melbourne CBD sipping on a coffee. I had a Flat White that had a chocolaty, nutty flavour profile and the milk textured perfectly just like a Flat White should be with a velvety texture.
After visiting several other Aussie inspired cafes, SOHO Grind, Taylor St Barista, Nude Espresso, Kaffeine, Monmouth and Flat White (all must go to places), it made me wonder what is so special about the Aussie way of drinking coffee that is changing how major cities around the world now consume coffee. History lesson time – it was said that Russian refugees who came to Australia in the 1920’s started the obsession with the country’s love of coffee. However, it wasn’t until the late 1950’s when Italians migrated in large numbers to Australia that espresso coffee was revolutionised through the opening of roasting businesses, the distribution of coffee and Italian style cafes. To this very day you will find in Melbourne, Australia traditional Italian espresso bars such as the famous Pellegrini on Bourke Street using the traditional coffee blend from Vittoria Coffee house.
Today, what is known as ‘third wave’ coffee is largely how we know and drink coffee. This is the transition from the Italian percolated and espresso coffee into micro and niche coffee rosters and professional baristas obsessing over and perfecting the way we drink coffee.
Although Australia is a far and long journey to both London and NYC, it hasn’t stopped us from sharing our passion for coffee with the rest of the world.They seem to really like it too!