Step inside an unassuming door on busy Abbotsford Rd in Brisbane and you’ll find a pleasant surprise. What looks like the door to a business unit is in fact the entry to a bustling coffee shop. I had been invited* to see what goes on behind this modest door, which is the gateway to the realm of Di Bella Coffee.
Unassuming…
You’re probably familiar with the Di Bella name that pops up on coffee cups, umbrellas and signs in cafes everywhere. It seems as if Di Bella materialised overnight and whilst it’s been a runaway success story, they have actually been growing their business since 2002. Brisbane based but with roasting warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Di Bella are specialist coffee roasters who are mainly in the business of importing and roasting. They have spent a long time working with and building relationships with farmers throughout the world, ensuring the quality of the product is maintained and that the growers are fairly paid. It’s because of the effort that Di Bella puts into working with growers that they are the only importer of Cuban coffee beans into Australia. They like to dabble in other things too. Hence the coffee shop and drive through cafe in Bowen Hills… the barista training… and coffee education… corporate team building… and innovations such as an espresso martini available at bottle shops…
I had an opportunity to visit ‘back of house’ and created a short video about the journey of my bean, once it arrived in the roastery and made its way to my cup. And a very enjoyable cup it was too.
If you visit on a weekday before around 10am, you may be able to watch the coffee being roasted and learn more about coffee production. It’s free to do the factory tour but you need to book ahead, so they know you are interested.
I was amazed just how many people were inside when I walked through the door. They were waiting patiently in amongst the coffee paraphernalia for their coffee, in a surprisingly large venue with plenty of tables and even a kid’s space.
Coffee… give me coffee…
Cinnamon Scroll…
Like all good coffee shops, there’s a range of sweet treats and light meals on offer including the brand new, wackily named ‘Kwak Scroll’ from renowned Oregano Bakery in Sydney. This Lebanese bakery is hugely popular and has been catapulted into the spotlight in Sydney and Melbourne because of their scrolls. Di Bella are the exclusive retailer of the lightly frosted cinnamon scrolls, in Queensland. The coffee shop serves as a chance to offer new products and test public reaction. For the many forgotten souls who work in a light industrial suburb that’s short on amenities but big on tyre fitting, Di Bella are simply saviours.
There’s certainly a lot going on behind that secret door…
*TIFFIN was invited to smell the coffee as a guest of Search Factory and Di Bella Coffee. TIFFIN received payment for this post, using original content.
Di Bella Roasting Warehouse (& secret Coffee Shop!)
82 Abbotsford Rd
Bowen Hill Qld 4006
www.dibellacoffee.com
Wow this needs to go on my list… 🙂
As I said Liz – you would never know what was hiding behind the door. It helps that I also enjoy Di Bella coffee : )
Love the video. I want to watch it again!!
I’m a regular Woody Allen Shannan – they’ll be popping up all over the place now!
coffee Yay! cinnamon scrolls more yay! love your video. and coffee:)
Thanks Sherry – definitely worth a visit.
Mmmm. After 5 weeks without coffee which pleased me, although there was one or two which were more than passable, this post made my mouth water. I must try to drop in one day.
It was surprising. I like Di Bella – they are a good news story for Brisbane.