As all at We Heart Towers began to shake off the excesses of the festive period, we published a series of posts that outlined a set of ingredients we hoped would shape what we saw in 2013. Trying to avoid the dreaded word – trends – we looked back to themes that had enthused us over the last twelve months; the DIY pioneer’s spirit and ramshackle refits being two of those ‘themes’ (must, avoid, trends). And so forth to Sydney, where a small chain of rough and ready coffee shops are making us very happy indeed.
Beginning life in 2011, as a hole-in-the-wall café in Redfern, Sydney, Coffee Tea & Me opened up a second outlet in the city’s hip Potts Point neighbourhood a few months back. Gleefully sticking two fingers up to the man, there’s a delightful grass-roots ethos at play here, fixtures and fittings are largely handmade, upcycled and decidedly retro – although, at the Redfern branch at least, you’ll most likely find yourself out on the street with the rest of the faithful locals.
Mediterranean bagels dominate the food menu and premium caffeine comes courtesy of Campos Coffee, whilst – as the name suggests – teas are there for those who need to keep their pulse in check. For design-conscious folk who demand more personality from the venues they frequent, Coffee Tea & Me’s duo of charming establishments are certainly worthy of note.
