Melbourne · Australia
Patricia Coffee Brewers
Patricia Coffee Brewers is one of 6 Melbourne roasters tracked on day9, in Victoria.
Since 2011 · Bowen Holden, Pip Heath
Overview
Patricia opened in December 2011 in a tiny laneway off Little Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD as a joint venture between Bowen Holden (formerly of Seven Seeds, Brother Baba Budan and De Clieu) and Pip Heath (formerly of Dead Man Espresso) — best mates who named it for both of their grandmothers. The menu is three drinks (Black, White, Filter), the room is standing-only with milk crates for seating, and the staff wear handmade Jess Wootten leather aprons and serve in Malcolm Greenwood ceramics. The roastery moved from Bureaux Collective (now Fieldwork) in 2016 to its own space on Gaffney St, Coburg North in April 2024, running a Loring S15 Falcon.
Known for
- Three-item menu (Black, White, Filter) and standing-only service in a hidden CBD laneway
- Began as a multi-roaster bar showcasing Seven Seeds, Market Lane, Small Batch, Proud Mary and others before in-house roasting in 2016
- Coburg North roastery on a Loring S15 Falcon since April 2024
- Handmade Jess Wootten leather aprons and Malcolm Greenwood ceramic cups — service as deliberate as the coffee
- Second venue announced for Lonsdale Street in 2025/26 — first expansion in 13+ years
Why it matters
The reference for what "forced excellence" looks like in a Melbourne coffee bar — a hidden laneway, three drinks, one tiny standing-room space, every detail considered. It became a template the Australian specialty trade has been quoting for over a decade.
Production
- roaster machine
- Loring S15 Falcon
- roastery location
- Gaffney Street, Coburg North, Victoria
Café
Rear of 493-495 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000