So some interesting developments on the Moana Cafe preferred source of joe supplies. The move has been made, first born given over and contracts signed. The inside scoop is Moana is now the latest member of the 5 Senses family. Harvest is the blend of choice for the canny gals there – even the name fits with the vibe. An interesting cuppa with smooth mouth feel and medium acid. Subtle, if slightly unassuming, flavour that sneaks up on you like a pickpocket sniffing out your wallet. Luckily you won’t lose your moolah with this gentle beverage other than forking out for a nice cuppa joe. 78%

Tucked away along the Carillon walkway, skulking unfashionably closed to the big end of town, in a corner on a bend we find Grind Espresso. The location has all the potential to an alternative super hip underground coffee destination – subway vibe, out of the way, the office desk jockeys scurry along with their heads lowered, unable to spare even a cursory sideways glance at a coffee shop that probably deserves better. Take a seat and the hyper echo of the concrete tunnel accentuates the passing conversations, buffeting your own with a rudely challenging air. Sad, really, ‘cos the brew is OK really. Nice and hot, not sure of the beans, but tastes Fiori-esque. Can’t help thinking it’s missed a styling opportunity 53%

Shiny gold sign and Karvan Coffee prominent in the window, what’s the connection with crazy shoes and offbeat clothing? Maybe this conundrum will never be solved. Indeed, the conundrums continue – not least of which is why is the Karvan so searingly hot? Perhaps the ‘how to’ dictates this is required to accentuate the acid – present in proportions that may just melt the gold in your teeth, if you’re lucky enough to have such furnishings. Lurking in the background is an interesting combo of caramel and malt notes, incessantly beaten down by the overlord acid in a culinary serfdom of dark ages proportions. Can’t help thinking that come the revolution, interesting flavour will prevail….Raise the red flag! 40%

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%