• Finally, some good coffee...

Plantation
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.

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