Hidden down the tiny Walnut Lane in Richmond, opposite an oddly comforting residential tin fence with vines tumbling over it, sits Espresso 3121. Previously known as Volley, the cafe has undergone a complete renovation and come into 2010 with a new name and layout. Gone are the small carboard stools and clear tube of tennis balls. Instead, the counter now stretches most of the way across the room, with tables behind it and to the side. At the front of the cafe are a series of steps leading up to a platform which houses several stools. The layout gives the impression of a theatre where you can sit and watch the art of coffee making.
The platform has come at the cost of the relaxed outdoor area though, with the white painted windows now pushed right to the boundary of the room. As much as I love the amusing novelty of the stage, I can't help but miss the quiet outdoor retreat a little.
Now, the coffee. The machine is a standard La Marzoco with a few Mazzer grinders to the side. Off to the back, the unground beans rest in a temperature controlled wine fridge, and it does make a difference. Right now there's a Single Estate batch from Nicaragua. Soft and darkly sweet with a solid tang, the midafternoon caffeine hit left my arms twitching afterwards. The latte and another double espresso earlier in the day may also have contributed to this.
The next day I stopped in for a latte and was a little disappointed. Made from the single estate again, I was looking to taste some of the more delicate flavours that had been obscured by the blinding potency of the espresso. Where was it though? There was a vague hint of coffee, but the milk had drowned it until it was thin and wispy.
With all that in mind though, the renovation has opened this little cafe up and given it the feel of a coffee stage-show where you can sit back and watch a group who clearly care about what they're making. From the quick dash to the wine cooler to ascertain the roasting dates of the beans when asked to the genuine interest in the opinions of their drinkers, Espresso 3121 is a welcome hideaway from the world.
The next day I stopped in for a latte and was a little disappointed. Made from the single estate again, I was looking to taste some of the more delicate flavours that had been obscured by the blinding potency of the espresso. Where was it though? There was a vague hint of coffee, but the milk had drowned it until it was thin and wispy.
With all that in mind though, the renovation has opened this little cafe up and given it the feel of a coffee stage-show where you can sit back and watch a group who clearly care about what they're making. From the quick dash to the wine cooler to ascertain the roasting dates of the beans when asked to the genuine interest in the opinions of their drinkers, Espresso 3121 is a welcome hideaway from the world.
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