Writing for a website like Our Coal Valley can be tough at times. There is so much to write about, but sometimes you need a little inspiration, a little energy, and a whole lot of caffenation to kick on through the day.
You can rest assured that we’ve thoroughly tested all the coffee options within cooee over the years… but what if we did them all in one day? The things we do for you, our dear reader. Here’s our tale of the top five coffee spots in the Coal Valley. Come along with us as we show you our haunts…
CZEGS’ CAFE
Our first destination to assist in blowing out the cobwebs is Czegs’ Cafe, which is situated right in the middle of Richmond. Set in a quaint old cottage on the central cross roads, you can sit in Czegs’ and imagine the ladies and gents of times gone by planning their lives and discussing day to day activities, just like we do.
Warmed by a wood fire during the winter, and boasting a back garden for long summer sessions, Czegs’ is the equivalent to stepping into a cosy timber den, replete with friendly locals willing to ply you with coffee and exquisite cake. Wave a hello to Maurice and his moustache on the coffee machine, then send the kids on a hunt to find all the mice in the shop. There’s more than 30, by the way, so you’ll find some time to chat amongst yourselves for once!
The coffee is excellent, and kicks off our day nicely. We wave good bye to the staff, head left out the front gate and walk about thirty paces to…
Find Czegs’ Cafe here
STONE & BARROW
Coffee spot #2 is one of Richmond’s newest cafes, Stone & Barrow, which is set back from the main road, opposite the pub. Don’t just walk past, though, as herein hides one of the best spots to get a coffee and meal in Richmond, plus a great variety of local wine and cider to help you while away lazy afternoons.
Stone & Barrow is your destination if you’re on the coffee hunt and you have the kids in tow. Featuring a large grassed area wrapping right around the central building, you’ll find totem tennis, a sandpit, as well as the kitchen garden out the back. Usher the kids in that general direction, and suggest that they pat Clyde, the ever patient resident Jack Russell on the way through.
While the kids have disappeared, have a quick chat to Kat, the proprietor, and order a round of coffees, with a second round to follow about 10 minutes afterwards. You won’t be sorry about that decision. Three coffees down, and we head out, turn right and vibrate down the street another 50 paces to…
Find Stone & Barrow here
ASHMORE on BRIDGE STREET
A perennial favourite in Richmond, Ashmore’s is bright and airy, and the perfect spot for a quick coffee or light meal. Situated on one of the first corners of Richmond, as you drive in from Hobart, the building itself makes for a perfect photo opportunity, as it looks like it has changed little since it was built.
Sit on the couches, or at one of our favourite tables in the window to watch life pass by. This is a good spot to catch the sun in winter, as it streams in the huge windows. There’s another room out the back if you want a quieter space for doodling designs or quiet conversations.
We order and imbibe in a double shot latte whilst observing the deciduous trees on Henry Street, and the historic buildings that we can see from the window. We then pay up, and twitch our way towards the car for the 7 minute drive to spot number four…
Find Ashmore’s here
COAL RIVER FARM
Coal River Farm is perched on a hill overlooking vineyards, fields and tree lines rolling down to Pitt Water, and from there you can just spot the mouth of the Coal River. On your right you can see a big white radio telescope – that’s the Mount Pleasant Observatory, where they listen to the stars. Not Britney and Kanye, but actual burning balls of gas, light years away. Romantic, yes?
Coal River Farm is a working farm, and features a huge variety of fruit trees and fruit bearing bushes, including strawberries (!), grapes, apricots, apples, plums and more. Swing by in the summer, and you might even be treated to a field of massive sunflowers! Take a walk to visit the chooks and the goats, then head up the hill to catch the view from the highest point on the farm.
Once we’ve worn out the kids and/or adults and earned our next coffee, head inside to say hello to Mel and Dan, and find a perch in the hustle and bustle of a farm that also has a cheesery and chocolatier on site. Make sure you get significant quantities of dairy in the form of hand made chocolate and cheese to go with your latte, just to really max out your lactose quotient for the day.
So, five cof… cofff… cofffeeees down, we hop back in the car and head into Richmond for spot number five…
Find Coal River Farm here
TAKEAWAY!
Pick up a take away from any of the afore mentioned cafe’s, or hit up Coal Valley Creamery or Sweets & Treats, both of whom offer take away coffee. Make sure you bring your reusable mug though!
Once you’ve filled up your vessel of choice, head out and take in the sights that Richmond has to offer. We love to take our coffees for a stroll down to the bridge, beside the river, then walk further down the river through some amazing glades to the weir. Say “hi” to the ducks and nod “quack” to the other walkers you come across, because surely by now after six coffees you’re struggling with your grip on reality. They were pretty good coffees, though, right?! Worth it!
Find Richmond Village here
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Thank you
Thanks for visiting! ourcoalvalley.com.au is a brand new website, launched in early 2018.
We really appreciate you taking the time to check it out. We are publishing new articles about vineyards, places to eat, stay, and explore every two weeks or so.
You can keep up to date via Facebook and Instagram. We’d love to see you pop up there!
Simone
Love the coffee article Jared Mendham, great photos as always Nat. Article ‘en pointe’ and hilarious. A fabulous read for locals and visitors alike. Cant wait for the next instalment!!
admin
Thanks Simone! So nice to hear that!
We’ll be talking all things walnuts next! Thanks for commenting. 🙂