Coffee Shop Culture

On the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia, the coffee shop culture is changing. The reigning period of giants like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans is coming to an end, instead being replaced by unique and individually owned artistic coffee hotspots. Sitting here in The Birds and the Beans in Buderim, I’m writing this new piece. I aim to inspire coffee lovers everywhere to escape from the norm, to rid yourselves of coffee conglomerates and focus on getting back to the personal aspect of coffee. The coffee shop culture that we all love, but often forget about when faced by the bright lights of the Starbucks signs on Every. Single. Street. Corner. On this entire planet!

I have two favourite coffee shops on the Sunshine Coast, and they are special for a reason. Back when I was young and naïve (say, like six months ago), my favourite coffee shop was Gloria Jeans. I had become a regular. It was summer. I would walk in with my friends. I would walk in after work, or during work to pick up a coffee for my boss. I was a regular, and I would regularly order an iced chocolate or a cappuccino. The staff were nice, and it had good coffee, however I often questioned the atmosphere of this place, asking myself time and time again whether I could find a more personal coffee shop.

And then I did. Cue the entry of The Velo Project. Velo is literally my favourite café on the Sunshine Coast. Everywhere you look; there is something else to look at! The ceiling is covered with mismatched light bulbs, there are flowers on all of the tables and there are artefacts and antique relics covering every available surface in a cluttered yet orderly fashion (don’t worry, there’s definitely enough space to drink your coffee!). It provides an escape from the world of commercialised coffee shops, instead allowing you to relax at tables with mismatches chairs and cups, with live music often playing in the background.

And this is why it is my favourite coffee shop. Because whilst the coffee is amazing (and cheap!) the staff are bubbly and the atmosphere is incredible. People are chatting and the smell of coffee lingers in the air. When the live music isn’t playing, there is always a great selection of tracks that you’ve never heard before (that are actually awesome) playing over the speaker system. And to me, that’s what makes a good coffee shop. The sterile environment of Starbucks will just never live up to this.

Brb, ordering coffee.

So as of today, Birds and the Beans has become my second favourite coffee shop on the Sunshine Coast. And unfortunately, I just proved my limited knowledge of coffee to one of the baristas at this coffee café by asking him to define about three different types of coffee. Luckily, he was happy to oblige and answer my questions with a smile! Awkies!

So Birds and the Beans is very similar to Velo in that the furniture is mismatched, the décor is, once again, very indie, and a great atmosphere. Unlike Velo, the food selection is more basic, with toast, cookies and a couple of slices making up most of the menu. The coffee is great, as can be expected by a far more personal coffee shop. The staff are friendly (as I discovered just before with my awkward coffee-ordering experience) and I will definitely be back. I’ve been here for two hours, sitting on a really comfortable couch and working through my mountain of university work! All through the day, there is enjoyable music playing and the quiet chatter of people catching up over a coffee.

Both of these cafés have gone back to basics, with good coffee and a great atmosphere that makes you want to come back again and again. Unlike the corporations, these coffee shops know what it takes to attract a customer base that will stick with you. Coffee shop culture is coming back into fashion, and you should jump on the bandwagon now rather than later. I did, and I don’t regret it one bit! You know you want to!

And P.S. You know how the saying goes ‘The grass is always greener on the other side’. Well, the coffee is better over here. Trust me.