Allpress Espresso

I feel like Allpress is the Godfather of espresso in New Zealand. It’s been around for forever and is probably our most well-​known brand both here and overseas. I remember going to a coffee making course at their HQ about 10years ago and being amazed at how incredible the instructor was. He seriously made the most perfect coffee I’ve ever had.
Anyway, the café is below their headquarters and as is to be expected, the coffee is on the money. As well as coffee they also have a good amount of cabinet goodies and a simple menu… think along the lines of eggs & soldiers and avo, tomato on toast. It’s the perfect pitstop for a bit of pre-​work sustenance — there plenty of tables and a good deal of outdoor room for those in need of some morning fresh air.

Allpress is one of my favourite coffee beans/​blends (from $ 4) and this café stocks quality plum brioche, almond croissant, salami/​feta/​tomato ciabatta & the rest of the lunch (foodie) goodies — that you can ponder over for ages; while other people eyeball you in the queue! The coffee is consistently, perfectly executed by top baristas and if you don’t do coffee, have a smoothie! Delicious!
Service is good. The crowd is predominantly fashionistas, corporates and locals. Lots of parking in the surrounding streets; or right outside if you’re lucky! Hip lunch spot that deserves a weekly visit; at least! Good lunch for under $ 15.

I love Allpress. I do prefer Eightthirty and a few other coffee brands more but I love this café. The staff are friendly, the fit out is cool and service is fast.
The breakfast menu is quite euro. Avo, boiled eggs, proscuitto and tomato is as cooked a breakfast as you’ll get! For lunch the chicken salad is to die for, succulent poached chicken, sliced with mesculin salad, avo, almonds and a yummy creamy dressing. They have a huge range of sandwiches and unlike true italian styles these are very gourmet. The chicken and fennel, three cheese and pumpkin are among my favourites. They also do a really good soup but quite expenny at $ 11.90 a pop. There’s lots of parking right outside and it has a really urban feel.
Highly recommend for lunch or breakfast on the run.

There’s parking outside this café! And when in town, where street parking can be $ 4 an hour, that’s a very appealing thing to have. I popped in here last week as I was heading to work. I was feeling terribly tired and a bit hot and bothered so an iced coffee was on the cards. I ordered one in a take away cup. The drink was $ 4.50 and was reasonably sized so I was happy with that. It tasted pretty darn good too.
When I was inside this café I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance and the mood music was setting a pretty nice tone. It felt fresh and clean inside and all the staff seemed cheery and busy. The outdoor seating area was full, as it usually is when I wander passed so that says something about the quality of the café.
One thing that caught my eye on the menu was the breakfast smoothie — banana, blueberry, yoghurt, honey, bee pollen and protein. Interesting combo! That will be my next order!