Australian speciality coffee roasters, Toby’s Estate, has opened a brand-new flagship café in Melbourne in Rose Street Fitzroy.
Melbourning was invited to visit the cafe and take part in its premium and immersive coffee experience.
Stepping inside the cafe, I instantly noticed the central bar featuring elegant wood panelling and rich plum-red tones.
Around the bar are stools so patrons can pull up a seat and watch the coffee making first-hand – whether its the baristas on the espresso machine, or the alchemists at work on the row of filtered coffee pots.
There are also regular tables around the perimeter of the cafe, allowing for groups and one-on-one conversations with friends.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the different coffee offerings. Their passion for coffee was evident, adding to the welcoming ambiance of the café.
I was fortunate enough to meet Nich Rae on the day, the brand’s Head of Coffee, who is responsible for roasting the beans. He offered me insights into the beans, brewing techniques and flavour profile of the blends that are used in-house and also for sale – Toby’s boasts an array of high-end coffees, single origins, flavour focused blends (flavour savours) and an extensive frozen coffee menu.
I ordered a flat white made from Toby’s signature Wooloomaloo blend, which was a smooth and delicious drop (I don’t add sugar to my coffee).
Nich also talked me through the filter coffee experience, which I would normally be reluctant to try after having some bad experiences with filter coffee when travelling in the United States. This was like night and day.
Nich selected a small packet of frozen beans, which he ground in front of me, explaining that they are best ground frozen to avoid coffee dust.
These filter coffees are single-origin, each type roasted in a way that highlights the unique characteristics of the beans.
The menu often features a selection of these single-origin coffees, prepared using methods like batch brew or pour-over, allowing patrons to experience diverse flavour profiles.
The filtered coffee is meant to be consumed black, and can be sipped slowly over time with the flavour profile changing from when it is first poured, and changing in intensity as it cools.
Toby’s new Fitzroy cafe also features a breakfast and lunch menu along with a retail wing for takeaways. I was given a selection of delicious bagels to sample along with my coffee.
The combination of thoughtfully designed space, excellent coffee, and attentive service brings something fresh and unique to Melbourne’s coffee scene and is a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Toby’s Estate Fitzroy flagship café is open now and located at 35 Rose St, Fitzroy, Melbourne. –www.tobysestate.com.au
