It was a cold and blustery da as i turned left down Hay St towards the law courts – jury duty rejection shook my faith in the scales of justice and has been haunting me for some years. Took refuge in Shots Espresso for a jolt of joe. Looked suspiciously like they were the victim of a nibbles heist, so a solitary flat white was the verdict. Arriving speedily, the milk texture was mysteriously in hiding. Unsure if the flavour was on the lam, but all in all a disappointing cup. Make a break for it while you can 38%

Wondering aimlessly on the wrong side of William St, stumbled across this handy use of part of this faceless skyscraper’s ground floor foyer. Very orange in its outlook, this expansive coffee shop has plenty of seating inside and out, and offers a range of munchies geared up to the office population’s luncheon habits. As well as the bewildering array of juices and smoothies is the coffee. Beans smuggled in weekly from a secret roasterie in Bologna, Italy, produce a cup of subtlety, roundness and depth. No striking overtones here, and some may consider it understated, but it has a light, full flavour that doesn’t assault the senses. Interesting not insulting, but what’s with the sippee cups??!? 60%

Aahh, churros, that scrummy Spanish sweet fried snack is available here, along with a most pleasant cup o’ joe. This small carry out bar, resurrected from Petit Cafe, tempts those waiting to dodge death by cycle courier when crossing Barrack St. The coffee is good, but couldn’t spy the beans used. Perhaps they were stored behind the Nutella jars? Whistfully contemplating what it would take to become a member of the always jovial mid-eastern club that gathers on the footpath, the brew was drawn by a swarthy gent who looked mysterious – maybe a member of the secret service meeting on the footpath – immediately making me feel part of a Raymond Chandler novel. Good tasting result, though the air of intrigue was diminished somewhat by the baby sipper cup lid. 62%

Previously known as Essence of Coffee, Mercado Negra sounds more exotic, but this is Pier St. Nice old world feel to the decor – didn’t sit as only had time for a take out. Beans from Essence of Coffee give a nice brew, this cup has medium complexity of flavours. Well made, friendly staff, but could be 4 degrees warmer. 66%

Taking the usual lunchtime power walk resulted in a timely arrival next to Buddha Espresso. Fiori beans, but drawn to a different tune, as befits the Modern Family quotation giving an alternative Fiori experience. Luck or design? Better consult the magic
8 ball…. 56%

Tucked away in the grandeur of the Trinity Arcade is this dithyramb of moustache and coffee. Why? Who knows, but can’t help thinking there’s one too many E’s and spaces in the smart name. The very interesting 5 Senses Crompton Road blend makes an appearance here, along with a blend for black brews only. There are better draws of Crompton Road around town, but this is a very tasty. Take a seat on Tom Selleck’s face and enjoy the sophistication. 76%

So here is a place to get coffee that is so hipster it’s squelchy. Located in Perth’s answer to Melbourne lane culture, the main business is toasted sandwiches containing cheese, bread, cheese and cheese. But the good thing, some may say surprising thing, is that the coffee is delightfully good. Not sure of the beans, but the draw is extracted with equal parts humour and irony, creating the staple java of hipster jive. Sub zero cool and altogether cheese filled. 82%

Where in Perth can you climb a historic jarrah staircase in search of a tasty brew? Upstairs in the Moana Building in Hay St Mall. the reward for your exercise greets you on the first floor – Moana Coffee. An oasis of calm and serenity overlooking the hurley-burley of the mall. Relax in a comfy chair inside or take the fresh air on the balcony to enjoy a well made Bonissimo coffee in quiet reflection. Home cooked snacks on offer too, along with periodic exhibitions in the art space alongside. Very agreeable. 78%

Ahh – here we have some serious joe. Despite the mint green decor and the rockabilly tunes, this coffee bar oozes seriousness. They have a serious Five Senses house blend, a serious seasonal Single Origin, and some serious brew options – regular, filter, syphon and who knows what else. Despite their smiley demeanour, the baristas are serious about their business too. You can tell that by the small celebrity platform on which they perform their duties. No pretensions about consuming on the premises – the seriously large 4 head machine occupies a significant amount of real estate, precluding any chair/table options. The serious pricing structure reflects the serious nature of the experience here too. That said, this is good coffee – Even if it is a bit serious. 79%