The beautifully presented latte, arriving on my table at warp speed.
Gumption by Coffee Alchemy is giving many coffee shops in and around the CBD a good run for their money. This coffee lab of caffeine love has recently opened at Sydney's Strand Arcade in November 2013. Owner Hazel has decided to pack her Sydney caffeine love case from Sydney's Inner West, in order to re-locate right in the heart of the city. And in such a perfect location too. So far, it appears to be the case that this investment is paying some good karmic dividends for her.
You can also take some of this good stuff home with you too, if you wish.
In case you're wondering where this article is going: coffee and more coffee. You cannot eat here. Gumption only serves coffee. The ambience is welcoming, and adopts a science meets old school charm and elegance. No need to fret, there are no lab coat gizmos here. Just fantastic, quality coffee. Worth every penny.
Simple heaven here
It's easy. Just order your coffee at the front counter. If you want some of the sweet white stuff, you just need to tell the person serving you how many spoons you'd like in your coffee - regardless as to whether or not you're drinking in or taking away. When drinking in, plan where you'd like to sit. There are no table numbers as such. Just a few communal tables with stools to sit on.
Coffee, glorious coffee.
It costs a little extra to drink in, yet the latter was my preferred option. So glad, as the glasses the lattes are served in are so pretty. So elegant. If they were available for sale, I'd easily buy a few for the home. They'd be great for cold drinks in the home, as well as for burning candles in. Coffee, yes. Coffee.
Keep calm and enjoy a Gumption latte
The small cafe latte ($4) was money well spent. Best to pay by cash, as coffee is inexpensive anyway. This coffee was well roasted. Although it appears to be quite milky on the surface, the actual verdict spells quality coffee instead. You'll need a water bottle with you after your Gumption experience. Yes Sydney, the need to stay hydrated after this coffee fix is ever so crucial. Trust me on this.
The little quirks add a good feel touch to the ambience
My latte arrived at my table rather quickly, as if the baristas were wearing skates. Loved it, and was super impressed with the latte art. The best and most artistic latte art I have seen with a Sydney coffee for a while now. Really happy.
Yes, any coffee will put you in a great mood here.
Meanwhile, I overheard a couple mentioning someone being a world barista champion of who works at Gumption. I was feeling a little too introverted to ask. I just kept that to myself while playing with my iPhone. Just relaxing, and taking in the ambience of people and shoppers passing through the arcade. At the time of writing this, a glimpse of the Christmas trees heading out onto George Street was also something.
Where the magic happens here
Judging by the abundance of people coming in and out of this place; the coffee has to be that good. On that, I'm bringing my partner here for coffee as soon as he returns home to Sydney. Cheers to a good brew.
A bonus view when the Christmas trees are up
The barista that made this coffee did a brilliant job
I loved every sip
