Her Coffee series: What’s brewing behind the glass at Two Before Ten

Posted on 8 January, 2015

You used to find them in Civic on Marcus Clarke Street, bringing their handcrafted coffee to a loyal following of caffiends. But these days you can find the crew of Two Before Ten bringing a newfound buzz of activity to Aranda—their new digs since September last year. Just when you thought they had settled in, the crew are shaking things up, spreading out and expanding their turf just that little bit more.

Two Before Ten in their new Aranda digs.

Hinting at what’s to come, strategically placed pieces of paper dot the glass windows teasing regulars, newbies and those just wanting a good old geezer at the renos taking place behind their reflections.

Personally, Aranda is a suburb yet to be explored although some would ask ‘Explore what exactly?’, nevertheless this is what has been found so far…

With a die-hard love for the perfect coffee, this cafe are excited about the year ahead and have a ‘pretty happening new chef, Jess, on board who is eager to put her stamp on the local seasonal menu Two Before Ten have become well known for.

According to the “paper”, Jess is taking the kitchen one step further with plans to plant a big vegie patch nearby and a promise to have ‘heaps of strawberries growing in pots under the verandah’.

The Roastery is where the magic happens and where we’re told (again by the “paper”) green coffee beans are turned into ‘joyous Two Before Ten coffee’ by Hank, the big silver guy. But while The Roastery won’t be open to the public, it certainly won’t be hidden away—you can just watch from your seat in the café.

Coffee and stroopwafel at Two Before Ten.

A favourite among many, the Ultimate Coffee Experience will also see a bit of a revive to include a morning hangout with the roasters where you can learn everything there is know about sourcing, roasting, blending and preparing delicious coffee beans.

Coffee isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s no reason to stop you from enjoying a drink or two (yes, alcoholic) from The Bolt Bar—a chilled out gastro-pub style place serving local wine and craft beers and named after the architect who designed Aranda shops.

If you’re familiar with the current Aranda venue, then heed this warning— Excitement Ahead!

A white wall currently stands in the way of this place being great and being awesome. So the plans are to knock it down and cut a door into the third tenancy (The Library) where can enjoy a quiet space in the evenings. Just like your lounge room at home, it’s definitely one place you’ll want to add to your places to hibernate in winter.

A space to sit and read a book or knock out a few papers on your laptop, it will be open to the cafe during the day and the bar in the evenings…besides we all know papers, assignments and reports are best written with the aid of coffee and red wine.

Wood Fired’s pizzeria is another addition to Two Before Ten’s plans to make this a cafe like no other in Canberra. With the wheels in motion, the idea is to see this licensed establishment up and running just in time for Canberra’s winter cold snap.

These guys really have thought of everything. Small business owners, fitness trainers and those with well, a mobile office (have laptop, will work anywhere) can take solace knowing that if in need of a workspace be it short or long term, Two Before Ten offers The Studio—a large timber-floored studio space available for hire.

But until the “papers” come down and the door opens for business, you’ll just have to wait that little bit longer.

the essentials

What: Two Before Ten Coffee Roasters
Where: 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda
When: Open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 2pm
Web: www.twobeforeten.com.au