Grabbing a seat in Fitzroy North’s Standing Room
With flaky pastries and creamy flat whites, there was a lot to love about this sunny corner side coffee shop. Despite its name, we managed to grab a table on a Saturday morning and test out one of Melbournes speciality coffee shops.
Strolling down St Georges Road on a Saturday morning in spring, options for a morning coffee are abundant. Cafes, pop ups, and grocery store countertops are all slinging out flat whites by the dozen but it was Standing Room that had our attention. White walled and sundrenched, set on a street corner, people spilled out from its doors and sat on tables outside. Established initially by Thomas Kelly at several university sites in Melbourne, Standing Room is now a firm favourite amongst Melbourne locals. Eclectic and cool, their Fitzroy location is a hipsters paradise.
Surrounded by the weekend bustle we headed inside and got a table. The interior is minimalist, with just a few tables set against one wall and a counter in the centre for knocking back espresso shots. Shelves of bagged beans line the walls, as well as some speciality coffee equipment. A glass cabinet greets you as you head to order a coffee. Vows of getting only coffee were soon dismissed as we set eyes on huge flaky morning buns, cinnamon sugar catching and sparkling in the sunlight. Tom went for a flat white while I, feeling rogue, opted for an iced matcha. Standing Rooms coffee is all roasted here in Melbourne and they change up their blends on a seasonal basis. While we were visiting the espresso blend was a mix of Columbian and Brazilian beans with tasting notes of toffee, macadamia and plum. The flat white was flavourful and made for easy drinking, with a lighter roast on the beans. The matcha was strong and not overly sweet. Overall the coffees were good but truthfully it was the pastry that reigned supreme. Buttery golden layers that tore easily apart, crusted and layered with sweet cinnamon sugar and paste. It was divine.
There was a consistent queue for both seating and takeaways while we were there and our spot by the window proved perfect for people watching on the street outside. With a full brunch menu, great coffee, and lots of seating outside, it is easy to see how Fitzroy Norths Standing Room has become a favourite for weekend loungers and weekday coffee drinkers alike.
https://www.instagram.com/standingroomcoffee/
