So this was the hallowed 'Grounds'.

Locals Stacey and Jaypee spoke effusively about this spot the movement we arrived in Carlton. Apparently it's a 2 hour wait on weekends. On a Monday, we endured a 30 mins wait only.

Quite something to live up to then!

The food... Was great, but not top notch. In all honesty, we're abit fooded out now by Australia's biggest cities. We're hankering for some exercise and home cooking. Not long now!

But to the coffee... Extremely high waiter service, friendly, attentive and wouldn't accept the slightest spill of coffee onto the saucer.

Water. Check. Atmosphere. Check. Temperature. Check.

As for flavour, initially a little underwhelming, but as we munched, for better. In fact it veritably sang when we returned to it at the end of the meal. All the best coffees do this...well all our favourites, at least.

An uncomplicated flavour, this had a lovely aftertaste.

A strong, but not quite outstanding effort.

AF.