The Thousands

Cafe description is difficult. Not like, digging-a-grave-tough, obviously, but challenging in its own way. Outside of uniquely good coffee, which transcends all other qualities and becomes its own recommendation, a place is usually appealing for the intangibles, the sum of its parts. You’re left trying to describe the ephemeral. So here’s the premise: I like The Shortlist. What follows is an exploration of why.

Firstly, the rustic, robust interior is constructed of locally sourced 100-year old wood, complemented by a comfortable, salvaged fitout. There’s something viscerally inviting about nice wood. It requires you to give it a thump, and then remark on how good it is. It’s all very honest and smart looking, plus there’s a nice little courtyard (extra tick).

Secondly, the place has emphatically popped the Good Coffee Vacuum that stretched from Campos through to Baffi & Mo, using a house blend of The Little Marionette beans and some genuine know-how. This is important enough that it should raise local house prices. Thirdly, the compact blackboard menu is affordable, and they’ve outsourced pastries to Black Star which is just a smart move.

Summarily, it’s a welcome addition to a hood that had adequate options but was crying out for a genuinely good one.