Tucked away in a cozy corner of Ridgehaven is the newly opened Parish Coffee Van – a vibrant community initiative where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the sounds of friendly chatter.
This initiative, entirely volunteer-run, aims to offer not just a caffeine fix but a welcoming environment for locals (including our four legged friends) to mingle and relax.
Billy, a dedicated volunteer and runner of the coffee van, said the projects inception was based on the need to create a fun space for everyone. “We’re based out of a our Journey Church car park at the moment,” Billy explains. “Our church bought this coffee van years ago, and some of the young people in our community thought it would be cool to open something for the public and whole neighbourhood.”
The van, lovingly refurbished by volunteers over three months, now serves as the focal point of this community project. “A bunch of volunteers including myself revamped and refurbished the van ourselves,” Billy adds. “It’s entirely volunteer-run with a bunch of young ones volunteering one day a week of their time to serve up coffees.”
The setup includes not only the van but also large picnic tables, a huge semi-permanent marquee, and outdoor heaters. “It’s a great community space that has a great vibe to it!”
Asked about the motivation behind the coffee van’s establishment, Billy points to a desire for both great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
“I grew up in the North-East, and there was a lack of great coffee and community spaces with a cool vibe,” he said. “We pitched it to a bunch of young adults here at the church, and now we have a space where people in the suburb or down the street can meet, hang out, bring their dog and enjoy good quality produce.”
The coffee served at the Parish Coffee Van is sourced from Five Senses Coffee, renowned for its ethical practices and community engagement. “Five Senses is a great ethical brand that cares about their produce and the community, dealing directly with the farmers overseas,” Billy says.
Accompanying the coffee are pastries by Scarla, offering a rotating mix of croissants, almond croissants, donuts, fresh danishes, and more. All milk used comes from local supplier, the Fleurieu Milk Company, who provide “real milk, how it used to taste” to the consumer, making Parish Coffee Van’s coffees taste great.
While coffee remains the primary focus, the van also offers a great vibe, with music playing throughout the space and a deck set up on the vans counter. “We’re actually also working towards opening up on Saturdays and Saturday nights with a pop-up bar offering a selection of beers and wines,” Billy laughs.
Officially opened just last month, the Parish Coffee Van has quickly become a loved spot within the community. “It’s been great,” Billy says. “The community is really getting around us. It’s busy, and we’re having a lot of fun.”
Parish Coffee Van
Where: Parked at Journey Church, 1063 north east road
Open: WED/THURS/FRI 7AM-12PM
More info: @parish.coffeevan
