If you’re a creative writer, having a go-to cafe to work at is a must. Being surrounded by good vibes and being fuelled by an energising cup of coffee can be a great way to get the words flowing. So, I did a bit of detective work around Brunswick to find the best places that will give your creative process a caffeine kick, some natural light, and friendly service! Read on to find out!
Cafe Ray – A vegans delight!
If you’re a vegan writer who likes to be surrounded by other creatives and appreciates kind and welcoming service, Cafe Ray is the place for you. With a homely vibe indoors and two great outdoor spaces to sit in, this cafe attracts plenty of remote creatives working away on their laptops. Plant-based writers, I highly recommend you to come to Ray’s and grab a coffee, check out their whole vegan menu, and write surrounded by peer creatives!
Cafe Ray on Victoria Street – Photo: Author (click on the image to find it on maps)
Project 281 – Welcome to the caffeinated cozy jungle!
Project 281 is a big open space with lots of natural light that still manages to have a nice cozy feeling. Combine all this with the friendly staff, the smell of coffee floating in the air, a jungle of indoor plants and an extensive menu to get the ideal place for some early morning creative writing. Fresh and local are also part of the deal. Matthew told me that their fabulous coffee is meticulously brewed in-house by Anne. While a bit on the noisier side, I felt inspired to write by the wonderful conversations I found myself surrounded by in this cafe.
Project 281 on Albert Street – Photo: Author (click on the image to find it on maps)
Acústico – a quiet yet vibrant space.
Looking for a less noisy spot? Acústico is a quiet, yet vibrant space for you to write in. While there is an outdoor space out the front for writing on a sunny day, you also have an indoor space with such an inspiring environment. Inside you will find mismatched tables and chairs, a bookshelf and other people also quietly working away on their creative pursuits. The waiter, Sky, kindly gave me the password for their free wifi and made me a scrumptious mango smoothie which fuelled my morning writing stint.
Acústico on Union Street – Photo: Author (click on the image to find it on maps)
Small Axe Kitchen – For the story watcher…
Looking for a cafe to write from where you can also observe people walk past? Or soak up the sun? Or have a quiet space to yourself? Then Small Axe Kitchen on Victoria Street is the perfect cafe for you. With plenty of different areas to sit, this cafe suits all creative types. It was a quiet space, the staff were very welcoming, and they serve Code Black Coffee (one of my other local favourites!). They also had some unique, non-coffee options on the menu including a tiramisu spider.
Small Axe Kitchen on Victoria St – Photo: Author (click on the image to find it on maps)
Wide Open Road Coffee – Light up your words!
Wide Open Road is the perfect spot for some caffeine and creative writing. I walked into the sounds of a whirring coffee machine and people tapping away on their laptops. The waiter, Pearl, informed me that it was a popular place for people to come and spend a day working from. The reason behind this is probably the open layout and big windows letting in lots of natural light which makes it a wonderful venue to write from.
Wide Open Road on Barkly St- Photo: Author (click on the image to find it on maps)
Did we miss a good coffee shop for doing creative writing that you know of? Pop them in the comments below!
BERTONCELLO