Over the years, the early 20th century building at 6-8 O’Connell Street has housed a district ambulance, artificial flower business and bookstore; and now it’s Brewtown Newtown’s turn. It’s the creation of Simon Triggs and Charles Cameron, who met when working at Toby’s Estate and whose combined experience lists work with Surry Hill’s Gnome Espresso and Single Origin Roasters.

“The idea was to create a tiny village within Newtown,” says Cameron. “I’d always loved the space and wanted to bring my coffee expertise here.” Downstairs is the main dining and cafe area, while the upper level plays home to a retail section focused on artisan goods and a little bakery serving a daily selection of cinnamon scrolls, cheesecake, peanut butter and chocolate brownies. “Our guests aren’t just having a coffee on the way to doing something else. The coffee is the event. Along with other beautiful products, it’s about creating an experience,” Cameron says.

With their background in specialty coffee, Cameron and Triggs were keen to showcase the latest trends and the best equipment. “We’ve got a lot of the coffee gadgetry,” says Cameron of their “bee’s knees” espresso machine and dedicated filter coffee station. “If we think a particular origin is best at 95 degrees Celsius, then we can give the customer a really bespoke experience.”

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Purchasing their coffee beans direct from plantations means high quality and fair working conditions for farmers, including goods from Finca Santa Teresa - Toby Smith’s (of Toby’s Estate) own farm in Panama. Similarly, the food menu is designed around quality produce in bistro-style breakfast and lunch dishes, like beetroot-cured ocean trout on rye sourdough with beetroot relish, dill, smashed avocado and Persian feta, and poached chicken and quinoa salad with roasted cauliflower and pistachios.

As a long-time local, Cameron was keen to give back to the community through the business. “Newtown is being put back on the map at the moment, and we’re really excited to be part of that.”

Brewtown Newtown

6-8 O'Connell Street, Newtown

Hours

Mon-Sun 8am-4pm

facebook.com/brewtownnewtown