Allpress Espresso to kickstart 2026 with a new espresso bar off James Street
The first few weeks of January are usually spent spinning tyres and working up motivation after some time off. If you predict some extra energy will be required to get back into the swing of things, specialty coffee brand Allpress Espresso might have just the thing you need. The roaster will be opening a brand-new espresso bar on Robertson Street early next year, giving caffeine seekers a new spot for an energising sip. Here’s what we know …
Allpress Espresso is a common sight in Brisbane, with the New Zealand-born brand a change-making force on the national and global coffee scene. Known for operating under the mantra of “brewing better days for people, customers, communities and the planet”, the globally recognised specialty roaster can be found at 2000 independent cafes around the world. Next year, Allpress will deepen its presence in Brisbane with a brand-new espresso bar opening at 161 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley in January.
Taking over the site previously home to pioneering shot puller Jamie’s Espresso, Allpress will be converting the space into an espresso bar-style operation designed more for quick, high-quality service and connection, capitalising on James Street’s high volume of foot traffic while offering a tucked-away feel.
Working with Melbourne-based interior architecture and design practice Foolscap and Brisbane fit-out specialist Lowry Group, Allpress will be implementing aesthetic cues that tie back to the roaster’s other sites. The space will feel contemporary and refined, with a palette utilising locally sourced, long-lasting materials to minimise environmental impact. Expect a design that incorporates plenty of timber, polished concrete and earthy tones, with repurposed coffee chaff (a waste element) expected to be a signature aspect of the interior theme.
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The cafe will be selling the roaster’s full range of coffee blends, headlined by its original Allpress Espresso blend, backed by a rotating program of single origins via espresso and filter. Allpress Roberton Street will also be equipped with a Freepour Batch tap system from Six Simple, which will dispense cold-brewed coffee.
On the eats front, Allpress will serve pastries from Sprout Artisan Bakery alongside sandwiches and afternoon affogatos (featuring gelato from Rosé Gelateria). Allpress will also feature a retail space amply stocked with take-home coffee bags and ceramic cups made by local artisans.
“Brisbane is one of the most exciting coffee markets in Australia right now,” says Nick Passi, Allpress Coffee Australia’s national sales manager. “We see a huge opportunity to support the city’s growing hospitality landscape – creating a space that brings people together, champions local makers and reflects the way Brisbane loves to drink coffee.”
Allpress Espresso is tracking for a late-January opening, with the roaster’s East Brisbane location continuing to operate as an espresso bar and distribution hub for wholesale clients. Keep your eyes peeled for more info in the new year.