Level 2
Melbourne Central
300 La Trobe St
Melbourne 3000
03 9645 0065
www.sensorylab.com.au
Every morning, to the amusement of my colleagues, I make myself a pot of tea. I use my green tea pot that my dad (also a tea lover) gave me. I spoon in tea leaves from my favourite tea shop in South Melbourne, let them brew for at least 5 minutes, then swoosh it all around before I pour.
Apparently this ritual is seen as somewhat eccentric in a Melbourne office. It’s much more acceptable to use the free tea bags the kitchen supplies (yuk!) or buy coffee from one of the mediocre cafes close-by.
Ok, so I am a tea snob (I’ll admit it), and perhaps a coffee snob too, but my ritual was changed last week when I discovered Plantation.
From the owners of Sensory Lab and St Ali, Plantation has brought quality coffee to Melbourne Central. I questioned why they chose the newly renovated food court as a location. It’s just across the road from RMIT, but surely uni student with lots of time on their hands would prefer to sit outside in summer than in a shopping centre? Still, the team have done well with their shopfront displaying coffee contraptions, cakes and slices in an attractive way.
While waiting for my coffee to be expertly created, I looked at the items on display. The staff were soon at my side, explaining each instrument.
“Coffee is like wine,” the guy explained passionately. He went on to recommend that I try the Brazilian blend that was to be the roast of the next day.
Whilst my palate is much more accustomed to deciphering wine, I can still appreciate the flavours of a well-made espresso.
Without encouragement, I was back the next day, and without resistance I was eating their delicious brownie too.
