The dynamic sibling duo, Annie and Andreas Martinu weren’t at Reverence Specialty Coffee and Tea when we paid them a visit this week but that didn’t mean that the coffee standards were anything less than exceptional. Neighbouring cafe Auction Rooms’ guest blend ‘Candy Man’  tempted, as did  the filter – watching it made was an experience in itself, before even a sip had passed the lips (that was a whole other experience).

Reverence came to be because Annie and Andreas wanted somewhere in their hood that met their high coffee standards. Both come from a coffee background, Annie a former barista and then roaster, and Andreas currently the head roaster for Atomica. So with a simple yet welcoming fit out that incorporates brown and orange offset by black tabletops, some 6 months ago a local haven was born.

As mentioned, they specialise in coffee and roast their own beans. They’ve mastered teas too, with all teas served in a cup, pre brewed for your drinking pleasure. The food is equally pleasing. Breakfast on apricot and date toast with Ascot Vale honey, or choose from the specials board. The chicken and vegetable pot pie came with a crusty puff pastry top that, when torn & added to the bowl, soaked up the broth to perfection.

Locals tip: be sure to visit in summer when figs are season for the figs with goat’s cheese and bacon on sourdough; we know we will.

Where: 155 Union Road, Ascot Vale
Phone: 03 9357 2170
Open: Mon-Fri 7.30-4, Sat-Sun 8-4
Details: facebook.com/reverencecoffee