![Canberra, ILU.
[feat. Morrissey and Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale.]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/9ae808e15ab17fa73ef77bc5849e22f8/tumblr_mmtiehwOF51r4x90jo1_1280.png)
Canberra, ILU.
[feat. Morrissey and Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale.]
Canberra, ILU.
[feat. Morrissey and Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale.]
TONIC. You know what I mean?
If you work in, or near, the Canberra centre, if you’ve ever been there, if you’ve ever stopped at the bus interchange: you ought to know.
Tonic Espresso is this dreamy little hideout, tucked away behind the roadwork on the corner of Mort and Bunda Streets, eager to supply your daily … tonic. Outdoors, two large, shady tables provide a social spot to wait for takeaway drinks, and seating for those keen to indulge in early summer. For those who’d rather escape the heat, the surprisingly-spacious indoor area is complete with chilled beats and cooling.
Less ‘alternative’ than Harvest (the hipster sister), Tonic is no less lively. While not exclusively patronised by ‘grown ups’, the clientele are more W-Y than X. This means you can feel comfortable plugging your laptop into power, opening some mad spreadsheet, or whatever, and talking business projection with a client. And there’s no pressure to relate it to first-year philosophy, or to That Keynes vs Hayek Economics Rap Battle (‘Fear the Boom and the Bust’).
As you’d expect from the Tonic-Harvest-Group Seven-Hideout quartet, the babes behind the counter are friendly and the coffee is dynamite. So next time you think you’ll settle for something in the Centre, why not take a walk over and find out what I mean?
7 Mort Street, the edge of the interchange, and hidden behind a whole lot of scaffolding (Canberra)
7:30AM – 4PM
‘The café with the heaps ironic name’. Hideout may be new, and is absolutely pocketed away behind scaffolding, but there’s no secret knock, and it’s hardly reclusive.
Something close to two-months old, Hideout shines, like the proverbial beacon, and is already attracting public servants from the surrounding offices, like so many flashy, suited-up moths. Or, probably not moths. Tigers, or something. Hideout shines, like the proverbial coffee shop, and is already attracting Public servants, like so many proud, majestic tigers. Whatever. The government is totally keen on keeping its employees active, so providing drinkable coffee within walking distance of Canberra’s APS District is, like, practically a public service.
And—damn—is this coffee drinkable. Like its elder siblings—Tonic, Harvest and Group Seven—Hideout stands out amongst Canberra’s increasingly-impressive café entourage for its consistency. I mean, if you want some kind of milky, vanilla brew, go some other place. Or ask for that. I’m not fluent with the language of flavours, but these guys make a mean half-full flat white: and they don’t giggle when I order it.
If coffee isn’t your cup of tea: try the tea. It comes in dynamite little pots that stay hot while you zone out, staring at the bookshelf … and mostly at the prominently-displayed Star Wars picture book (the shape of Anakin Skywalker’s head), which is maybe awkward if some babe walks in and you hope to appear erudite.
And, oh, don’t let the busy get you down. It’s not as bad as it looks from outside: most of the cats congregating at the counter are waiting for takeaways, and it’s like someone has always saved you a table. And—hey, anyway—the babes that work here have busy covered. If you have to wait a few minutes, use the time to smile at that other babe who came in earlier or, better, start a conversation. Or just check your facebook, whatever.
Two very enthusiastic thumbs up, and something of a little crush. But don’t trust words; the first drink you order will prove it.
6 National Circuit, Barton (Canberra)
7:30AM – 4PM M-Fthere’s normally some sneaky free parking on Bligh Street
how about 0% attractive hair left in this sweet little town?
my friend tells me I’ll have luck playing D&D.
this is a thing.
super-important road rules:
1. go that place you want to go
2. FILL ALL THE GAPS
because, just now, nothing is more relevant to my interests than creating a series of card calendars titled thus. about Canberra—babes on bikes, the dinosaur museum—and party theme ideas.
also, read this babe I know’s babin’ blog.
