"Welcome to Five Senses Coffee"

Sydneysiders are discovering that when it comes to coffee, bigger is not always better. It’s something that we’ve known for a while. SidePLATE hit the NSW espresso scene in January, and manager, James and head barista, Matt, have been run off their feet as they quench the thirst of coffee lovers from all over the metropolis.

SidePLATE is the baby of Savva Savas, and is the coffee-focussed arm of his catering company, PLATED by Savva.

SidePLATE may be a little on the… well, little side, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. Coffee is the standout here — these guys certainly know their stuff. Both James and Matt have impressive credentials, which gives you a bit of a clue as to the quality of their espresso.

James has worked in the hospitality industry (specifically in cafés and bars), for around ten years. For the past four, he has been focussing more strongly on specialty coffee. James has worked in some of Sydney’s most prestigious cafés, including The Source. His experience has given him access to some of the state’s most knowledgeable coffee buffs, which has helped him to broaden his understanding and sharpen his skills.

Matt is also incredibly passionate about coffee and has been heavily involved in the specialty coffee industry in NSW for several years. Matt has an impressive background. In addition to his highly honed barista skills, he’s worked in coffee training for some time, and has even spent time as a coffee roaster. This has given him an amazing amount of knowledge about coffee, which is a big win for SidePLATE customers.

James assures me that Matt “hogs” their two-group Synesso, but they have an easy rapport, despite their jostling over the machine. James and Matt both go beyond the barista basics and display a genuine interest in their coffee. They talk cultivation methods and roast profiles and they look after their coffee well, ensuring that it’s packaged and stored correctly to ensure that it stays at its best. They do justice to their custom SidePLATE blend, which has a delightfully creamy body with a mild, sweet acidity, rich fruit-cake sweetness and a dark cherry flavour. It has a short, dry finish with a lingering flavour; perfect at any time of the day.

SidePLATE has a great feel and is beautifully decked out, tempting you to stay and enjoy a sit-down coffee instead of a hit and run takeaway. If you’re after a superior coffee from a knowledgeable and skilled barista, drop in to SidePLATE and check it out. It’s sure to become a regular stop on your daily route!

SidePLATE: 664 Bourke Street, Redfern East NSW 2016; Phone: (02) 9699 6000
Opening Hours: 7.00am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 3.00pm Saturday and Sunday