When I catch a whiff of those sweet and bitter beans brewing in an unlikely location – off the beaten track, down a side alley, in the back end of town – I get a warm and fuzzy feeling. Call it the thrill of the chase, expecting the unexpected, the convenience of parking with a screaming baby in the backseat, but my all-time favourite coffee joints around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie aren’t in the centre of town. Over the last six years of (sleep-deprived) motherhood, I’ve made it my mission to discover coffee that activates my tastebuds along with my brain.
These are my top seven places to sip a latte in the suburbs of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Door 34
The recent lockdowns have been really hard on many businesses and communities. I will always associate that first Covid-19 lockdown with the genuine sadness I felt when I saw the iconic Door 34 swing shut. For me, it symbolised the isolation and foreboding sense of an unknown time. But Door 34 survived and thrives today as a well-established Cardiff institution, bringing a sense of culture, community and welcome to all who enter.
It’s hard to put into words all that Door 34 represents, but expect to be swept inside on your first visit like a long-lost cousin and be served a plate of something home-baked to compliment your coffee. You’ll be impressed by the barista’s prowess in casually pumping out local Silverskin coffee, while maintaining a number of lively conversations with customers. Want to know more about their smooth yet punchy blends? Ask to see Hayden’s friendly face.
Door 34
34A Kelton Street, Cardiff
Bootleg Bakery
Who doesn’t want a melt-in-the-mouth croissant with their coffee? This little gem was once Newcastle’s best kept secret – original fans will fondly recall when it started as a simple hole-in-the-wall and called itself Garage Project.
You’ll find this coffee caravan in the backstreets of Merewether opposite Henderson Park on Friday and Saturday mornings. They sell out quickly though, so I recommend you rise early and sample everything – chocolate croissant, cinnamon scroll, bootstraps, bagels, vanilla pear danish, etcetera, etcetera – and wash it all down with several cups of quality brew of course. Don’t worry, it’s all in moderation (Fridays and Saturdays only remember).
Bootleg Bakery
10 James St, Merewether
Wildflower Espresso
Everyone’s favourite gateway suburb into Newcastle got a bit more bustling when Wildflower bloomed onto the streets of Wallsend. Audible sighs can be heard from people passing by – finally, somewhere to guzzle speciality coffee in this neck of the woods!
It’s clear that Rianna loves what she does too, which is working in the “people industry” just as much as the coffee industry. I love their choice of ethically sourced green bean from Glee Coffee Roasters, ensuring a complex and delicious cup of joe every time.
Wildflower Espresso
71 Cowper Street, Wallsend
Mr Sister Coffee
The coffee duo behind Mr Sister, Garth and Bec, know a thing or two about good coffee. They’ve been drawing coffee lovers to Kotara Westfield for years and now they’ve given up their busy shopping centre location and branched out into Hunter Street, but most excitedly, they’ve opened a café off the lakefront at Speers Point.
Lake Mac lucked out with this one – hear the celebrations all the way from Warners Bay as coffee fans dance to the sounds of Supreme beans grinding.
Mr Sister Coffee
177 Main Road, Speers Point
The Coffee Benders
I recently found myself wandering through the industrial area of Waratah following a recommendation from the Swell Editor herself and can I just say, wow! Thank you, Kristy, for introducing me to this amazing coffee.
The Coffee Benders have opened up inside The Movement Collective, serving their very own speciality coffee (roasted in nearby Carrington) to fit and fabulous gym members and anyone else blessed to find this tucked away location. Be sure to try a pretzel or bagel from Brooklyn Boy Bagels while you’re there.
The Coffee Benders
31b Crescent Road, Waratah
The Barn Adamstown
The Barn gets my vote for the quality of food, combined with the great coffee. Sounds simple, but I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been disappointed with my coffee when I’m lucky enough to go out for a leisurely brunch.
The Barn brings a buzzing vibe to Brunker Road, an otherwise neglected hub for foodies and coffee snobs alike. I love their community book exchange and their use of local produce, including local coffee roaster Crème Coffee Garage.
The Barn Adamstown
Corner of Brunker and Mandalong Roads, Adamstown
Common Circus
A creative collaboration of eclectic homewares and Glee Coffee, this one little shop is a real show-stopper. Is it worth the drive to Belmont? You bet! I know, I know, they’ve recently opened Common Circus 2.0 in Hamilton, but the Belmont location is simply beautiful. You won’t be able to leave with just your coffee in hand when you see the interesting, unique and timeless range of items on offer. Go on and treat yourself to a cup of The Goods (brown sugar, berry, cocoa blend) and go home with gifts you never knew you needed, surprise! Added bonus: you can buy the latest Swell mag while you’re there.
Common Circus
36 Brooks Parade, Belmont
