Images: Supplied.
A new café is bringing specialty coffee and a community focus to one of Adelaide’s busiest commuter hubs, led by an owner who gave up a career in podiatry to follow his passion.
After graduating from medical science nine years ago, owner Anthony was halfway through studying podiatry when a hospitality job made him reconsider his plans. Coffee quickly became more than a side interest, with Anthony taking on a job at specialty roasters Soho Coffee and learning the art of roasting beans.
“I just fell in love with coffee,” Anthony said.
“I started thinking that I wanted to own my own café one day.”
That idea has now become reality, with Anthony breathing new life into the Platform 2 kiosk at the Mawson Lakes Interchange, which had been sitting empty.
The menu centres around coffee, matcha and inventive cold drinks, with Anthony using his connections in the roasting business to create his own signature blend of coffee.
The menu also includes a signature cold foam creation inspired by Anthony’s love of French Earl Grey tea.
“I just love Earl Grey tea, I think it lends itself really nicely to go with different flavours as well,” he said.
“It goes with both the matcha and the cold brew, so you can add it to anything.
“We brew our cold brew overnight as well, to maximise the flavour,” Anthony said, adding that he has plenty of plans for the future of the cafe.
“We’re trying to keep the menu simple right now, but I want to do a monthly rotation of drinks,” Anthony said.
The café also has a range of food options, including muffins and sweet and savoury pastries, and Anthony was quick to say that they are exploring what is popular before expanding their food menu.
“We have a lot more coming,” he said.
And while the station location naturally lends itself to takeaway orders, Anthony added that he does not want Kohee to feel like somewhere customers simply rush through.
“I used to catch the train to the city for work, and everyone was always on their phone,” Anthony said.
“I wanted to change that and have people slow down a bit and have a chat before hopping on the train.
“I want to have that community vibe at the train station.”
For Anthony, the new café represents the culmination of almost a decade spent learning about coffee and working towards the goal of creating a venue of his own.
Kohee Café
When: Monday to Friday, 6am to 5pm.
Where: Mawson Lakes Interchange, Mawson Lakes
To find out more, click here.
