Picture this: a cute kid throwing a tantrum – stomping their feet to gain your attention. It’s kinda like how we feel about The Grounds. You need to stop and pay attention to this café and coffee house that’s just sprouted in Alexandria.
The Grounds is the most exciting thing to hit the 2015 postcode since Clover’s bike lanes – and with more surprises than a Swiss Army Knife – it’s hard to believe one place can yield so much awesomeness.
Make your way through the enormous converted warehouse to the café and espresso bar, pass the in-house roastery and research facility. Have a sticky beak in the open kitchen and on-display baking area before perusing the 1200 square metres of immaculately groomed veggie gardens, courtesy of the full time horticulturist. Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to the resident chooks.
Choose a seat inside the slick architecturally designed space (thanks to co-owner Ramzey Choker’s design savvy sister Caroline), or head outside to the leafy garden terrace for an epic dose of herb garden envy.
With a World Barista Champion at the helm (Jack Hanna), the coffee is as you’d expect – mind blowingly good. And the food is equally as impressive. Kick start the salivary glands with breaky stalwarts like poached eggs with house cured ocean trout and shaved fennel. If it’s a lunch affair, dabble in knockout salads or choose from a solid sambo selection and substantial dishes like housemade parpadelle with slow braised lamb and peas.
All that’s needed now are coffee education classes and gardening workshops to the mix … they’re included too.
We’re standing our ground. This place warrants a visit soon.
The Grounds
2 Huntley Street, Alexandria 2015
T: 02 9699 2225
Open 7 days: Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm; Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 3.30pm
