Single Origin is Opening in the CBD

Coffee stalwart Single Origin is transplanting Surry Hills cafe culture into the CBD.

Dion Cohen, co-owner of Single Origin Roasters, has had his eye out for a CBD location for the past couple of years. He’s finally found one and will open the cafe’s third branch later this month. 

The space is on York Street, next to a string of small bars that come alive at night. Single Origin hopes to provide some daytime action. “It’s building a vibe and a buzz on the street, which I think is needed in the city,” Cohen says. 

Cohen wants to re-create the involvement and street-culture of Sideshow, his original takeaway bar on Reservoir Street. 

A five-metre standing bar will be built for those who want to sip their espresso standing, from a handmade porcelain cup. Other than that, there are no eat-in options. “It caters to the people who just want to get in, get out and go do their work,” Cohen says. “It’s a nice way of presenting takeaway in a format suited to that fast-paced environment.”

The interiors, designed with Luchetti Krelle, are inspired by coffee; paper and filtration are reoccurring themes. There will be a hanging installation by artist Renuka Fernando, made of paper painted with cascara (coffee fruit tea). 

Select single origins will be offered for milk, espresso and “filter of the week” coffees. Launch-week blends include beans from Colombia, Tanzania and Ethiopia. 

As well as coffee, Cohen has plans for “fun stuff,” such as kombucha on tap, and creative menu items such as cappuccino rice pudding and coffee-braised beef brioche rolls. The cafe’s eco-focus will continue, with everything packaged in recyclable and/or compostable containers.

Originally published on Broadsheet