New Farm’s latest espresso hot spot, Urban Grind, adds a community-conscious touch to Brisbane’s Di Bella crema through an eclectic mix of coffee, a passion for the environment and a love of life. The caffeine haven has settled comfortably into her new digs in the melting pot of New Farm’s Brunswick Street, after recently relocating from Brisbane’s Westside suburb of Paddington, to the rapturous applause of her new neighbours. 

Urban Grind’s owner and operator, Morgan Daly, said the biggest change post-relocation has been accommodating for a busier, inner-city customer base. “We’ve taken one step back and two quick steps forward,” Morgan said.

It would seem that local coffee lovers just can’t get enough of Urban Grind’s flavoursome blend. The secret?

“We make good coffee. We take the time to get it right, and every single coffee is important,” Morgan confessed.

Adjusting to life in New Farm has been well received by Morgan and his friends at Urban Grind. He credits the diversity of the area as a positive influence on New Farm’s community vibe. The inner-city suburb seems to accept ‘all walks of life’ as a ‘part of the fabric’ of the funky New Farm culture.

The new location buzzes with the character, soul and positive vibes that have been so successfully cultivated by Morgan and his dynamic team at Urban Grind’s previous locations.

As an establishment, Urban Grind engages with the community and encourages participation, positive dialogue and a vision for a more sustainable future.

Urban Grind is carbon-neutral, and encourages patrons to recycle old mobile phones whilst ordering a coffee. Better still, all tips received by the espresso bar are donated to charity.

The man behind the mission: fast facts from Morgan Daly, Owner of Urban Grind.
Q:   Favourite coffee?
A:   Soy todra (Todra = a semi-Morgan original: a full shot of espresso, with less [soy] milk than a latte.)

Q:   Favourite Fortitude Valley hotspot for meals?
A:   Burger Urge! (Up the road from Urban Grind.)

Q:   Where do you see Brisbane heading in the next few years?
A:   Wherever Andrew McNamara sees us going! (Queensland Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation.) [I think] Brisbane is going to feel the pinch of oil-related issues.

Q:   Who do you wish you could make coffee for?
A:   William McDonough. (Architect and designer, renowned for promoting sustainability, www.mcdonough.com )

Q:   Are there plans for other Urban Grind outlets?
A:   I’m happy where I am. I make the most of where I am.

Aspiring baristas take note: Morgan has plans to run coffee-making courses from Urban Grind in the near future. SOfix will bring you more details as they come to hand!

Urban Grind is located at 530 Brunswick St, New Farm, Qld. Opening Hours: 7am - 4pm Monday to Friday, 7am - 1pm Saturday,8am - 1pm Sunday.

Visit www.urbangrind.com.au for more information.

Words by Libby Davis

Images courtesy of Urban Grind