Variety is the spice of life. One of my favourite things is finding out what new and exciting ideas this industry has to share with everybody. Nobody will be reinventing the wheel, however the coffee industry is getting daring, and boy I’m excited!
Corey Diamond is no stranger to the Perth coffee scene. Most famously remembered for his pioneering of specialty coffee in Perth at Core Espresso and then Epic Espresso, this man isn’t afraid of mixing things up a bit to create a customer experience that people will travel to sample. It’s not in Corey’s chemical makeup to “play it safe”, and his latest venture is a great example of that principle.
Little Angel is the latest addition to the plethora of coffee shops in the CBD, but why is Little Angel different? Well for starters, the basics are solid. With not one, but two, 3 group Synesso Hydras, fed by the belt-driven Mazzer Kold grinders, the extractions here are delicious. Their custom blend was exactingly put to together — Little Angels’ attention to detail ensures your daily cup of Joe is on point. And if you’re after something a little sweeter, Little Angels? in-depth knowledge of specialty cocoa will also tick all your boxes.
Nitrogen has begun gaining traction in the coffee industry over the last couple of years, but Little Angel is using liquid nitrogen in a completely different way to anyone else. Think Heston Blumenthal! They make their ice cream fresh on site, to order, at -172 degrees Celsius. This gives the ice cream an unbelievably smooth and creamy texture. Add a shot of coffee and you’ve got yourself one darn fine Affogato. I’ve made it a routine to check their Instagram for what flavours are on offer and you should too. So far, my favourites have been the Pandan & Coconut and the Cookies & Cream. They even got festive for the Christmas season and offered a gingerbread flavour!
But let’s not forget the food offerings. Their lunch and breakfast menus have you covered if you’re after something substantial, but if you just need a little piece of something beautiful, the on-site pastry chef is sure to impress. I had the painstaking task of sampling almost everything they offer (woe is me!) and I can assure you, it’s all good. Special mentions go to the Salted Caramel Pops and the donut collection — oh my!
Their Instagram is always beautiful, and will tell you exactly what you need to know before you make the trip. If you happen to work in the area, then Mitchell Fink (Head Barista Trainer at the Australian Barista Academy), and I envy you! Mitchell has walked numerous times from Northbridge to The Exchange Tower just for an Affogato. Time and effort well spent, I say! If you see him pounding the pavement on your way in to Little Angel, maybe offer him a lift?
Little Angel
Exchange Tower, 2 The Esplanade,
(entry from Sherwood Court)
Perth CBD, 6000, WA
Opening hours
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 4:00pm
Instagram: @littleangelcoffee
© Photos provided with permission by Matt O’Donohue from Abstract Gourmet. All rights reserved by photographer