Leisurely Coffee

Leisurely Coffee is in the former Paddys Lantern site on Gilbert Street.

Paddys was a bare-bones coffee shop, always filled with warmth and character (and damn good coffee). Leisurely Coffee has a more contemporary feel; with a brand new kitchen and clean lines. The front has been remodelled to accommodate more patrons, and the sweeping counter is illuminated by light from the sawtooth windows. Finished with greenery, a retail section and a communal outdoor table, the space retains the vibe of a neighbourhood local.

In the tradition of “if it ain’t broke…”, the trusty Synesso espresso machine that served Paddy’s so well for over a decade remains the centrepiece. It’s had a chic respray, and is now paired with three Anfim grinders serving two different blends and rotating single origins. Filter and batch brew are also available, all courtesy of ACT roaster Ona Coffee.

Sample the full spectrum with the “barista’s breakfast” – a single-origin espresso, a flat white and a hit of batch brew, served with sparkling water to wake up the palate.

Despite the tiny, tightly packed kitchen, the team manages to churn out creative brunches that up the cafe-menu game, such as a croissant filled with softshell crab and chilli scramble (with a green apple and papaya salad on the side); buckwheat and zucchini noodle salad with lotus root, pickled carrot, avocado, edamame and a poached egg (you can add teriyaki chicken or go vegan); and a halal take on the classic bacon and egg roll (custom-smoked beef bacon, sweetcorn scramble and Swiss cheese on brioche); and bao buns with poached eggs and beef bacon. Fresh pastries arrive daily courtesy of Market Street, and bread is from Skala Bakery.