Bunker Coffee

Marcus Allison must like the challenge of working in confined spaces. His first business was selling hot chocolates at Kelvin Grove markets. In 2010 he opened Bunker Coffee in a 1940s war bunker next to the train tracks.

Covered in creeping fig vines, it’s a slice of cool green relief in the largely industrial area. But the cafe doesn’t just rely on its looks. In addition to the house blend from Five Senses, Bunker sources coffee from 10 Australian roasters, with a different brew available every week. It also offers filter coffee, pour-overs and the occasional international blend, whenever Allison gets word of something really special.

Many customers travel to Bunker specifically for coffee, but it caters to non-coffee drinkers better than most. As well as a house tea, it offers Byron Bay ginger nectar and the usual assortment of juices. Then there are those hot chocolates. With a dozen flavours, including peanut butter, lemongrass, lavender, and tahini – all made with real melted chocolate – you can see how Allison made his name.

Help yourself to a sweet treat or a pretzel from the cabinet on your way to the counter – especially if it’s Friday, when you’ll find small cakes from Alphabet Cafe.