Valet’s Coffee Is Just One More Reason To Hit the South End of King Street

A small corner space on the southern end of King Street was, before now, forgotten. It’s a sight that’s more common on the quieter end of the Newtown thoroughfare. Now, after a nine-month reno by St Peters roastery Catapult, it’s Valet – a sleek coffee shop with Tenacious pastries and plenty of personality.

“It’s kind of like a coming-out party for Catapult: ‘Hey, we’re locals, we roast down the road, and this is what we want you to enjoy’,” owner Nic Theodore says. “It’s been great, it’s been overwhelming – people are coming in and thanking us.”

The thanks are for both the calibre of the coffee (high) and the very event of Valet’s arrival. This patch of King Street could be characterised by “For Lease” signs in windows, and an ever-changing dining scene as teams move in and out. But, 2025 delivered exceptional Euro diner South End, diagonally opposite Valet, along with Betto Deli and Rude Boy Doughnuts just up the street. Onigiri favourite Domo 39 is a one-minute walk away, as is the beloved Comeco. Round all that up with the area’s mainstays (Pastizzi Cafe, End of King, She Loves You) and maybe it’s not so quiet after all.

“We wanted to give something to this side of King Street, which has felt like it’s been doing it tough,” Theodore says. “It has remained almost authentic, in regard to Newtown, King Street. There was talk of McDonald’s going in, big companies and stuff, and this has stayed a little more real – even though it’s a little rough. Low-key. And we love that.”

The polished cafe is wrapped in concrete, with textured walls and slick light fittings. Metal gallery shelves hold beans, merch and mugs to take home, while a curvy blue shelf is laden with bread, pastries (yes, the Tenacious miso-caramel custard tart) and cookies. Sydney-based Some Studio designed the space; Reddie furniture pieces made of reclaimed wood join a bright, shiny Easty piece on the wall. Hana Supply crafted the filter mugs, Richard Beauchamp the cups and saucers. You catch the bright-coloured art piece by Andy Ellis, of Trad Tiles, as you cross the threshold.

“I’ve been in the industry for 20 years, supplying cafes. I’ve seen some of the best people do it,” Theodore says. “Along the way I’ve met some of the most amazing artists and I’ve always said, ‘If I ever do something I want to share it with you guys.’”

After a not-so-soft launch in late 2025 – “I had to run back to the roastery, it’s great that we’re close. I was back there on Friday night roasting for the weekend because we ran out” – Valet is already a treasured local. When the courtyard out the back is ready, with bench seating and places to perch with your coffee, it’ll be even more so.

Valet
599 King Street, Newtown

Hours:
Daily 6am–2pm

@valetnewtown
valetnewtown.com.au