Reverence Specialty Coffee and Tea

It was a desire to establish a coffee-centric space on their own turf that led siblings Annie and Andreas Martinu’s to open Reverence Specialty Coffee & Tea in Ascot Vale. But it’s the fact that the brother and sister are both experienced baristas and coffee roasters that has kept the cafe and roastery popular.

The success of places like The Premises in Kensington and Duchess of Spotswood gave the siblings confidence to open in the inner west. Before venturing out on their own Annie was barista and then roaster at The Maling Room in Canterbury for three years and now runs the day-to-day business, while Andreas was head roaster for Atomica.

The decor of the former solicitor's office is sparse – exposed light bulbs and little artwork – which can’t help but bring focus to the coffee, which includes a house blend and single origin for espresso as well as other varieties of beans for filter coffee and cold drip available.

There's a smart, succinct breakfast and lunch menu, with a focus on fresh and seasonal. The jams and relishes and sauces are all made in-house, and most importantly, the Ascot Vale locals are more than interested in Reverence's specialty coffee.