First Look: Lava coffee now flowing from south to north.

Posted on 27 March, 2026

Lava coffee lovers on the southside have been well-catered to for 17 years.

Now the inner north gets its chance to soak up those caffeinated vibes as Lava opens a café and kiosk in the new East Traders Hall in Campbell tomorrow.

Just walk in the new building and past Capital Brewing’s Larger House for your fix, or maybe just follow the scent of freshly ground beans.

Lincoln Fairleigh and his wife Ikay have decided to produce their own “Home Blend” after Lincoln forged the Lava brand based on Melbourne’s Wood and Co Coffee.

Lincoln and Ikay are bringing Lava across the bridge to Campbell

The couple are so singularly obsessed with coffee they will keep a supply of special reserve beans on hand for those after a cup of something extra inspirational – whether it’s a rare varietal, limited release or interesting flavour profile.

This place will be the destination for serious drinkers and the coffee menu reflects that with not only a solid coffee list but “Surprising Sips” of Espresso Tonic (yuzu and fresh citrus, elderflower, strawberry and lime) A Bulletproof Vegan (double espresso, MCT oil, cacao butter, maple syrup and almond milk) and the Hoffman Shakerato (double espresso, Angoustura bitters, Earl Grey syrup, shaken over ice).

Meanwhile, what’s coffee without a substantial breakfast and lunch menu which will be served all day.

Selections from their all-day menu

Morning food incudes the obvious choices of Granola (with mixed stonefruit, coconut yoghurt and Ribena tapioca) while Smashed Avo comes on sourdough with whipped fetta, sweet corn butter, crispy chilli and Wild Mushrooms includes sourdough, umami onions, cheese curd and chives.

An interesting option is Sardines – served on crusty Italian bread with tomato and basil.

Bigger plates include some inventive options such as a Kedgeree Rice Salad with smoked trout, sumac yoghurt, coriander and lime and a soft boiled egg. There’s a Japanese Curry Mac & Cheese with pork katsu and shredded cabbage while a Macerated Cucumber Salad includes soba noodles, edamame, a soy cured egg and spring onions.

For local office workers, maybe the more traditional route of a sandwich may be taken through the Big Sando of Mortadella, olive salad, provolone, rocket and grilled peppers.

The fit out is industrial chic

There are plenty of side options, kids have their own menu and dogs are welcome to enjoy the sunshine on the paved terrace outside.

From their entry to the market 17 years ago, in their first café in Weston Creek, Lava has built a loyal following through exceptional coffee and a genuine, community-focused approach. The Campbell location comes after cafes in Phillip and Kingston, and will include a small kiosk within the adjoining office block on Constitution Avenue for local workers to grab and go.

Lava Campbell marks a new chapter for the brand, introducing the full all-day café menu alongside an extension of their signature coffee offering, creating a more complete dine-in experience while staying true to what their customers already love. Lincoln and Ikay are also excited to welcome some dedicated new team members into the Lava family fold – promising the passion and attention to detail that has brought their “simple but done well” ethos to the city.

Coffee to blast those 3pm slumps to the hereafter

It also ensures that the entire precinct remains bright eyed and bushy-tailed throughout the working week.

Photos by Collections From Him.