Those who know me, know I don't drink coffee (I gave it up 6 years ago for those who are interested) and I love my tea but when you are stuck for one hour with no tea house in sight, a great coffee house is a good place to plant yourself while you are waiting for a meeting.
Di Bella Roasting Warehouse in Surrey Hills, Sydney is the perfect combination of atmosphere, product and service. The staff were happy and looked like they loved working there and to satisfy my needs, yes I was able to get a nice pot of White tea, and they even refilled with extra water with a smile!
What I think works the best is the atmosphere they create with their interior. Polished agragate concrete floor, simple industrial chairs and benches with knotted wood timber.
The warmth and feature comes from their roasted beans in hessian bags, fresh loaves on hessian blocks and the center piece being a huge working bean roaster.
Every thing on display you can buy, from the beans to the machines to the cups. So the decor is working hard for them!
The acoustics aren't great but you are not there for fine dining, you are there for a robust coffee catch- up and so it works.
I don't miss coffee as the aroma of roasted beans is enough for me and this warehouse is filled with the warm, rich fragrances of coffee. A place to please all the senses.
My only criticism? Get some pots that pour the tea into the cup and not all over the bench :( But that is an easy fix.
A definite recommendation for Sydney coffee lovers.
