The Alchemist Espresso

Jon Menck and Emma Fryar celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary by re-mortgaging their home and bringing The Alchemist Espresso to life. They hoped to create an inviting local hangout for families, young couples and coffee-lovers. And that’s exactly what they achieved.

The cafe is identifiable by the old Victoria Bitter sign that hangs over the minimalist exterior. It harks back to the site’s earlier days as a neighbourhood bottle shop.

Now caffeine-molecule artworks decorate the exposed-brickwork interior. The theme is a nod to Menck’s previous career as a scientist. Smaller tabletops are made from the couple’s daughter’s old bedside cabinet and the industrial-style communal table is a repurposed boardroom table from Hornsby Hospital. Both are adorned with terrariums handmade by barista Craig Bryan.

At any time of day you’ll find locals sipping Gabriel Coffee and enjoying everyone’s favourite double-cheese BLT with house-made smoky bourbon-and-honey relish, or treating themselves to salted-caramel French toast.