Staying at Noah's on the beach in Newcastle, we have ventured around to sample a few brews. Unfortunately, I was going to catch up with Adrian at Peaberry's but time was not on our side. The last few days Liquid Gold opposite Newcastle Beach has been constantly overflowing with patrons. The 25 minute wait and almost impossible to find seat are a little too much to bear. This morning we tried Scottie's Fish Cafe ( corner Scott and Zaara st) for brekky and to be honest I was dubious about ordering a coffee - old San Marino Lisa R with Mazzer mini as the sole grinder. The poor Mini was running constantly. I ordered a double Rizzi with 3/4 milk. The poor lass taking the order looked puzzled but walked away and I could see her conferring with the barista. 5 mins later my coffee arrived and it was superb. Rich, smooth, creamy with a super long malt caramel finish. 9.5 outta 10. Considering the kit being used they should have probably got a 10. The brekky was nice and afterwards I went up and spoke to the Barista. They were using a local roaster called Silverskin ( I think). We had a chat about new grinders and explained How his grinder would be hot ( which it was). This afternoon we went to Sprocket HQ and the single origin they had running was a Kenyan ????? As none of the staf or barista knew what it was. We ordered a couple of coffees and they were only ok ( I won't share my real thoughts as it is unfair). white LM FB70 with Ditting grinders. Hippo in Warner's Bay was again packed to the rafters. My coffee was ok ( again I won't share my real thoughts). The coffee scene looks to be improving here in Newcastle and I am sure there are many places pumping out great coffee A few cafes we have eaten had espresso machines but alas they were big 10+ year old machines that appeared to have not been cleaned or serviced in a long time. You know the look - grinder hoppers so oily you cannot see the beans. Group handles sitting cool on the drip trays and dose chambers fully loaded with ground coffee yet no barista in sight. Scottie's Fish Cafe has been the standout so far. Total surprise package.
