Solstice

Summer Hill has about as many coffee shops as a barista has alternative milks. In other words, the tiny inner west suburb has a lot to work with. And while it can be hard to stand out in a crowded field, Ben Johnson (of inner west micro-roastery The New Paradigm) and Carolin Jung had no such trouble when they launched their breezy cafe on the winter solstice of 2024.

Every little detail has been considered at their welcoming spot. Chairs are upholstered in fabric that Jung’s mum sourced in Germany. Ceramic tableware is made in Australia by Mennt. There are two ready-to-pour filter taps at the front counter; a first for the suburb. And on Saturdays, Solstice is the only cafe in Sydney serving sweet and savoury treats from Instagram bakery sensation Bloods.

This being a showroom for the New Paradigm, the roastery’s beans (single-origin only) are in every cup, with shots poured from a restored Synesso MVP Hydra machine. If you like your coffee black, don’t miss the dedicated pour-over menu. And if you’re here for a bite as well, the tight food menu nods to both Chile and Germany – Johnson and Jung’s backgrounds.