"Welcome to Five Senses Coffee"

There must have been quite a sigh of relief when the new Lemon café, Lemon Espresso @ hkew Alpha, opened its doors on 10 November. Relief at last, in caffeinated form, for all the good people working at, or flying from, the Perth Domestic Airport.

The Lemon cafés are one of the big success stories in the Perth café market. Lemon Espresso @ hkew Alpha (the new Business Precinct at the Perth Domestic Airport) is café number four for owners Mark Coulsen and Chris Wilson. The first Lemon Espresso café opened in Claremont, and was soon followed by Lemon Lane, just around the corner, and Lemon Station, situated in Cottesloe. Mark and Chris have ventured a little further afield this time, opening Lemon Espresso @ hkew Alpha at the Perth Domestic Airport.

Like its sister cafés, it sports the trademark sleek Lemon décor and has a wonderfully spacious layout. There’s a large outdoor alfresco area alongside a shallow pool and water feature, perfect for relaxing and recharging over a coffee or lunch.

Manager Marissa and her sidekick Sara have perfected the art of pulling flawless shots of the Lemon blend and will happily serve you up the coffee of your choice.

The café is located at the Business Centre at the Perth Domestic Airport — turn left at the second roundabout, look for the orange and grey building on the right hand side and don’t worry about the ‘permit only’ parking signs if you’re stopping for a quick coffee or lunch.

Marissa confides that she and Sara are enjoying the pleasant, relaxed pace. “The building we are located in is only half full at the moment, but within just a couple of months it’ll be full. There are new buildings going up around us like there’s no tomorrow, so we’re making the most of the calm before the storm!”

Knowing the mad panic in which many travellers arrive at the airport, Marissa and the team have set up an SMS line for coffee orders, which is a fantastic way to jump the queue. Marissa suggests SMSing your order 15 minutes ahead of your arrival — and make sure you include your name with your SMS order! With a long flight ahead of you, or even a short one, a good brew before takeoff is a clever idea. You can also pick up something from the menu, stash it in your carry on luggage and save yourself the dubious experience of in-flight cuisine.

The Lemon menu includes a range of rolls, paninis and sandwiches with fresh and creative fillings or you might like to stave off your hunger with fruit toast. Frittatas and tarts, muesli and muffins will soon be available.

Lemon Espresso @ hkew Alpha offers catering services for meetings, conferences or any other event, and Marissa will happily send you the catering menu to peruse or discuss your requirements with you.

Next time you’re flying, pack your bags a little early, SMS your order to Lemon on the way and arrive for your flight with an extra bounce in your step. It gives a whole new meaning to coffee on the fly.

Lemon Espresso @ hkew Alpha: Ground Floor, 2 George Wiencke Drive, Perth Domestic Airport WA 6105; Phone: (08) 9277 4426
Order by SMS (15 minutes before you arrive): 0405 377 666
Opening Hours: 7.00am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday
www.lemoncafes.com.au