Black Market Roasters Marrickville

This spacious warehouse operation is a big step up considering Black Market’s origins. Co-owner Jess Hol taught herself how to roast coffee beans in her garage, before she and her partner Angus gradually added a cafe on Emore Road and another in Thirroul to their ever-expanding empire.

But this place, located down a backstreet in Marrickville’s industrial heartland, brings everything – a cafe, roastery, tasting bar and training space – together under one roof. It’s also part of an ecosystem of cafes and roasteries in the area, including Ona, Roastville, Double Roasters and Coffee Alchemy.

There are multiple blends for milk-based coffees, as well as single origins for filter and cold brew. A range of smoothies are packed with plant-based protein, hemp oil, collagen, fruits and natural nut butters.

To eat, there’s a range of croissants and other pastries, as well as classic cafe dishes. Think tomato and mozzarella-topped sourdough, green bowls with miso pumpkin, gruyere melts, and salami sandwiches.

The front counter is where you can participate in tasting experiences, which include coffee and food pairings. And while a “sensory coffee journey” might sound intimidating, Black Market is all about creating the exact opposite effect. The training space is both for those who simply want to make better coffee at home, and for aspiring baristas who want to get into the industry but can’t because they don’t have the experience.

Behind the counter is a dedicated tasting room, and further along is the roastery. Dine-in customers can sit at the communal table in the centre of the space, as well as counter seating running along the walls.