Written by Christi Sparrow
The Town of Victoria Park has spoiled me with great coffee. My family and I arrived at our rental home near Victoria Park, an eastern suburb of Perth, on March 31st, hours before regional boarders within Western Australia closed in response to COVID-19. For the next three weeks, I explored our new and mostly shuttered neighborhood through my morning runs. Although I loved to run along the Swan River, I also found myself drawn to running down Albany Highway, clocking my miles by the beautiful shop windows, the endless ethnic restaurants, and the unique, inviting cafes still offering coffee and takeaway treats amidst global uncertainty.
After three weeks of drooling my way up and down our lovely stretch of Albany Highway, I caved and purchased my first latte in nearly a month. It was served with a smile from a kind barista at Social Manna, and it made my day. It’s the little things.
Here I’ve highlighted a few stand-out cafes on the north end of Albany Highway in Victoria Park that I’ve been enjoying with my kids or patronizing after my runs. To call these places “coffee shops” would be to grossly underestimate their offerings, because alongside their great coffee, these cafes offer creative menus, indulgent treats, welcoming spaces, and friendly service. These establishments have impressed me, and I hope by sharing their stories, you are inspired to give them a try the next time you’re in Victoria Park.
Sixteen Ounces
Opened in 2014 with a mission of serving really outstanding coffee and eats, Sixteen Ounces offers an airy, welcoming space with a gorgeous bakery case reliably stocked with homemade goodies. They brew locally roasted Grand Central Coffee as their house blend. To complement your coffee, owner Andrew Atkinson recommends their eggs Benedict and mushroom medley dishes, and he says their Keto options continually prove to be very popular. The scrumptious menu evolves with customer preferences, and offers a wide selection sure to suit every member of your hungry brunch crew.
The staff members take pride in service with a smile and building relationships with customers new and old. That has been especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cafes were limited to takeaway only and had to adjust quickly to changing regulations and new safety and hygiene procedures. “The Victoria Park community have been amazingly supportive throughout the whole thing, and we feel truly blessed to be a part of it,” says Andrew.
Fun Fact: Andrew is originally from Yorkshire and he says, “there’s always a box of Yorkshire tea in the cafe, and if there isn’t, I’m just a little bit stressed… It’s the best drink ever, after beer!”
Another local coffee shop Andrew likes: Dark Horse Espresso. “They are always really cheerful and have time for a chat,” says Andrew.
Address: 257 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Find Sixteen Ounces on Facebook or Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Sixteen Ounces.
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Sonder Coffee
Walking into Sonder Coffee through the massive, open sliding door, you can almost hear the ocean waves and smell the salt air. But instead, it’s the delicious aroma of Five Senses Dark Horse Blend that welcomes you. Decorated with stunning beach prints and natural elements, Sonder Coffee opened in September 2019 after six months of diligent planning by owners Kaylie Fernandez and Brodie Jones.
Sonder’s takeaway-style menu includes a variety of smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, rolls, and sweet treats, like their incredible raw chocolate caramel bar, (just sayin’). And don’t miss their Holy Bagels which are usually served toasted with a variety of cream cheeses but have been known to boast smoked salmon, crispy bacon, or chipotle chicken. Vegetarians, don’t despair, Sonder offers Holy Bagel creations for you, too: think smokey bbq baked beans and pickles or mushroom, thyme, and hash-brown. These yummy eats can be enjoyed in-house, on their balcony, or in neighboring Read Park, the prefect place to pitch a picnic with your family.
According to Brodie, the most rewarding part of owning Sonder Coffee has been, “our customers, 110%! The fact that we have regulars that absolutely love starting their days with us is so special, and we adore them.”
Helpful Tip: Sonder Coffee’s card-less loyalty program works through Facebook Messenger and rewards customers with their 10th coffee free.
Fun Fact: About 20 years ago, the space that Sonder Coffee occupies was a car showroom, hence the huge, unique sliding door entrance!
Another local coffee shop Brodie and Kaylie like: Social Manna. “We love an open kitchen and it’s a real vibe to chill there and watch the world go by!” says Brodie.
Address: 484 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Find Sonder Coffee on Facebook or Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Sonder Coffee.
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Vic Park Larder
Long-time Victoria Park residents and small business owners, Gino and Olga Lamelza opened Vic Park Larder in July 2019 inspired by their passion for good coffee and European food using high-quality ingredients. Take one scan of their bountiful display case, and it’s obvious that they take pride in everything they prepare from their toasted melts to their traditional house-made lasagna to their Italian continental sweets such as bomboloni & cannoli. Simple classics made from the soul. And the aroma from the bar? That’s beans from local roaster Brew Coffee Roasters.
As the shop’s name implies, Vic Park Larder also offers a diverse retail pantry filled with both local and imported European foods. A truly unique European style deli cafe on Albany Highway, it’s not difficult to drop by for a coffee and end up walking out with lunch and a few new ingredients to cook for dinner!
As part of the Victoria Park community for over 60 years, the Lamelza family finds great satisfaction from connecting with customers and regulars. “My heart is here!” exclaims Gino.
Fun Fact: Gino and Olga Lamelza are no strangers to serving the Victoria Park community. They ran Zucchero Espresso Bar and L’Enoteca restaurant, both on the corner of Mackie Street and Albany Highway, which they sold eight weeks apart in 2015.
Another local coffee shop Gino likes: Working seven days per week doesn’t leave much time for a leisurely coffee, but when given the chance, Gino heads to The Imp for coffee.
Address: 401 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Find Vic Park Larder on Facebook or Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Vic Park Larder.
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Bespoke by Barista HQ
Have you ever wondered how to create the perfect latte? Make your way to Bespoke by Barista HQ for a stellar latte, and then stay for a thorough training class that will teach you the art and science of brewing the best cup of coffee.
Owner Maureen Chandwani arrived in New South Wales, Australia, from India with big dreams as a hospitality student at Blue Mountain Hotel School. After years of study and gaining invaluable experience in the hospitality industry, Maureen’s passion for coffee led her into training. One day she thought, “Why not start training people on how to make coffees ‘one on one’ from home?” So she bought a big, bulky, second-hand coffee machine, placed it in her garage, and the rest is history. She and her husband Kunal now run Barista HQ and their cafe, Bespoke, which shares the space.
When planning your visit to Bespoke by Barista HQ, plan to linger for brunch. Maureen says one of their top sellers includes the raspberry cheesecake French toast served with fresh seasonal fruits, maple syrup, and toasted almond crumble. Looking for a killer savory dish? You can’t go wrong with their mac ’n cheese Benedict.
Maureen takes her craft seriously. She says, “Coffee is a very important part of people’s day here in Australia. As Baristas we carry a huge responsibility of making someone’s day by getting them started with the most satisfying cup of coffee. You end up knowing your customers so well that they literally become your family.”
Fun Fact: Bespoke used to be a Bank West, and the current cool room used to be the bank’s vault.
Another local coffee shop Maureen likes: Antz in ya Pantz. “I have a lot of favourites on the strip, and it’s hard to pick just one!” Maureen says.
Address: 401 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Find Bespoke by Barista HQ on Facebook or Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Bespoke by Barista HQ.
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Social Manna
On the corner of Albany Highway and Mackie Street, Social Manna began welcoming customers in 2018. Offering excellent coffee and a creative, well-rounded menu amidst funky, nostalgic decor and a view of the open kitchen, chef-owner Sandro Puca takes great pride not only in his beverages and food, but also in supporting the development of his staff members and the supply chain that provides the food he prepares.
In recent months in response to restrictions due to COVID-19, Social Manna pivoted their business model quickly to offer an easy grab-and-go menu and ready-made family meals for enjoyment at home. They even launched a Social Manna ordering app to streamline the customer experience.
Sandro reports that one of their most popular items is the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was carefully researched and replicated by Social Manna’s head chef, Tristan Fair. And for your sweet tooth, their collection of fresh cakes, pastries, and confectionary is outstanding. On one of my visits, the cashier happily shared their ANZAC biscuit recipe with me when I told her I’d be attempting them with my kids at home for ANZAC Day. Sandro’s passion for Social Manna is felt through the energy of his team members.
Sandro says he finds tremendous satisfaction from “watching the personality of the space come to life. We created and designed the space, and in return the space nurtures and shapes us as humans in our knowledge, in our growth, and in our expansion of our own drive and passion within this industry.”
Fun Fact: In 1929 Mrs. Florence Cook set up a refreshment parlour in the space where Social Manna is. Sandro displays “pop art” made from soda caps that were found under the floor boards, and as homage to the great history of the building, Social Manna offers house-made soda syrups to mix into sparkling mineral water.
Another local coffee shop Sandro likes: The secret garden hidden behind Green Bunch.
Address: 253 – 255 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park WA 6100
Find Social Manna on Facebook or Instagram.
Last two photos courtesy of Social Manna.
There you have it— my favorite Victoria Park spots for coffee, eats, and a happy highlight to my day, walking distance from our rental home. I hope you’ll give these places a try. It’s impossible to go wrong! What’s your favorite place in the neighborhood? Let me know!
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