The humble suburban café has been a difficult act to master in recent times. The allure of densely populated office spaces and high rise apartments has seen many hospitality entrepreneurs neglect the neighbourhoods we wake up in each morning. Cue the entrance of Coco Belle Espresso Bar in Mount Pleasant. Wikipedia humorously lists Mount Pleasant as, ‘the most pleasant mountainous suburb in all of Perth’. Before Coco Belle’s arrival, you might have argued with that claim. But not anymore! Coco Belle is a dynamic, inviting café and after a sit down chat with Donna Quinn (the owner), you immediately know why.
Donna has a long history in hospitality having been involved in managing several pubs and hotels, starting with Matilda Bay in the late 90’s. During this time, Donna built an affinity with quality products; this fact, along with her attention to detail, means she gives her customers the best café experience possible. Donna has high praise for the people of Perth for their willingness to accept change over the years, and for showing their support to businesses which chose to use quality products and create value through emphasising positive customer experience.
Everything in Coco Belle is made on site, therefore it’s truly fresh. I’m personally a simple man. Some have even likened me to Ron Swanston — which is why it came as a great surprise to everyone who knows me that I absolutely fell in love with their Honey Toasted Granola Bowl. But don’t panic! If you’re not convinced, there is also plenty of bacon on the menu too. The eggs were poached so perfectly, that I felt a little guilty breaking them.
The food is delicate, wholesome, tasty and healthy — and you can really feel the pride the staff at Coco Belle have in each meal. From the way it’s plated, to the way it is presented and the way they offer freshly cracked pepper with some of the biggest smiles you’ll find in the hospitality industry, it’s clear that each staff member here knows that their individual role is pivotal to the success of this business. Hiring from the local community was one way Donna chose to ‘give back’ and she’s chosen staff who share her passion for excellence. Nothing less than perfect is acceptable and as a customer you feel this.
The location feels homely and warm, offering a vast amount of sunlight on even the coldest winter’s day — and this place is going to be simply beautiful through those spring months and beyond. The space is free flowing, with intimate tables as well as places for eight (or ten — if you really like each other!) The fit-out comprises lots of natural stone and timber tones, fitted out with chalkboards which allow for plenty of artistic expression from the Coco Belle staff, as well as displaying their latest creations and offerings. The Quinn family also offer you a peek into their family photo album, with photos of holiday locations, milestones and memories of those no longer with us adorning the walls. A comfy couch next to the newspaper rack invites you to stay a while, while the quick service can get you back out on your morning walk with a take-away coffee in no time.
The Dark Horse blend heads up their coffee offering. With beautiful acidity and intensity, it’s sure to brighten up your day. The baristas have great control over their multi-boiler Expobar Ruggero and the coffee line-up is about to be bolstered by the inclusion of a single origin grinder, which will provide access to the Five Senses Coffee small-lot line up. With soaring quality and great variety, single origin drinkers are undeniably in for a treat in the spring of 2015.
So enjoy the offering from Coco Belle Espresso Bar. Know that your experience is at the core of what drives this business to succeed. Coco Belle is proud of their offering, and rightfully so! The work that went into preparing this place has truly paid off, but don’t just take my word for it — check it out for yourself. This place is bigger than the food or coffee. It’s about the whole experience.
Coco Belle Espresso Bar
21 Queens Road,
Mount Pleasant, WA, 6153
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday 7:00am – 4:00pm
Instagram: @cocobellemtpleasant
Facebook: CocoBellePerth
Twitter: @Cocobelleperth
© Photos provided with permission by Matt O’Donohue from Abstract Gourmet. All rights reserved by photographer
