Cafe Shenkin Expresso Bar

Been on a flat white adventure since I arrived to Sydney. Just had an exquisite flat white at brew town new town a few blocks away. Shenkin doesn’t hold a candle to it. Furthermore ambience is better there & the coffee is cheaper. Highly recommended.

Why five stars?
The swift change in humidity. That’s why.
The barista took a while to hand us our flat white, but it was only because she was upset the coffee wasn’t quite coming out quite right with the humidity. Were you serious???
That was dedication in a cup. And it was an exquisite espresso.
Ever had a Starbucks frappucino and thought «too sweet?» Order this place’s iced coffee; you will then learn the multiple meanings of composed «saccharine.»

I always get my coffee from Café Shenkin because it is always amazing and the staff are so friendly and personable! They remember my name and order and are so warm and welcoming! Thanks Pedro!

Café Shenkin came on my radar when I researched too hot chocolates to try in Sydney according to an article on Concrete Playground. Unlike prey Café Shenkin isn’t a moving target so knowing exactly where it’s going to be makes the catching of it a lot easier. So time to catch my target.
Most of the cafes around Newtown are thriving and this one is no different. Still packed with people on a Sunday afternoon one hour before close. I didn’t want to get distracted by anything else in there but that became difficult because they have got amazing deserts on offer like Pistachio bite, wagon wheels and numerous amazing looking pastry dishes. I decided to stick to my guns this time and go in to complete my mission.
I told the barista I was ordering the hot chocolate and instantly he was excited when he found out I was a Shenkin Virgin. He explained it was going to be amazing. I was offered the option of either regular hot chocolate or a Coconut flavoured one. Not generally being a lover of bounty chocolate I decided to play it safe.
Unfortunately there was little room available in the café so I had to opt for takeaway. It didn’t take very long at all to come out. First sip and I was feeling liquid warm chocolate in my mouth. It was simply Devine and brought me straight to chocolate heaven. It was served hot, creamy and rich but not overly heavy. These guys are totally justified being on the list of great hot chocolates in Sydney.

One of the surprisingly few places serving decent coffee on King St itself.
Flat whites are great, fantastic selection of little pastries, and prompt service.
Alas, the short black is too bright/​acidic for my taste, but the soy is perfect.

I’m worried that with the growth of the Shenkin empire that it will lose all its trendy, inner west indie coolness. Inner Westies can be cruel.
This, the little sibling in the empire, is nothing more than a small corner store and take away window, but it serves up quality coffee quickly, and with a smile. There’s an array of delicious baked goods for those that like to nibble on something while they sip away at their caffeine hit.
The coffee is good, and consistently so. It’s my King St go-​to for a take away on the move.
So be nice to them, inner westies. Their success is well earned.

King Street central is at a serious deficit for delicious coffee. While surrounded by several cafes in Erskenville, Enmore and the always popular Campos on the northern end of King, nearly all of the in-​between cafes are really, just, disappointing.
From beans to brunch, King only offers one or two cafes worth visiting for a latte or a lunch. While Shekin Espresso Bar can only fulfill one of those needs, they do it damn good!
This funky little member of the Shenkin empire serves up delicious coffee and ay-​okay baked goods and sandwiches if you’re a bit pekish. You’re highly unlikely to be able to squeeze into the three or four window seats, so it’s take-​away time here, folks! The staff are lovely and they serve bonsoy which really makes a difference for soy drinkers!
They’re quoted to be opening a «Shekin Kitchen» soon, though I can’t begin to understand where they plan to fit anyone … Hmmm … this could be interesting!
Camperdown Park is just around the corner so if it’s a takeaway and afternoon in the sun you’re after, this is your go-​to place.