Troy McNaughtonCamp posers go to Campos
June 25th 2006 18:43
It’s possible I’m overstating it slightly, but I’m quite sure that Campos “Specialty Coffee Professionals” is the wankiest place in Newtown. Of course it’d be run of the mill and thoroughly down to earth in the eastern suburbs or even in Darlinghurst, but just off King Street and dangerously close to the colleges I can’t help feeling it’s a little out of place.
But perhaps it’s the bastion of over-priced wankiness in the area and they cornered the market on suits and coffee snobs as a precursor to Newtown’s fullblown gentrification. Give it time, give it time.
Too many prams, not enough piercings.
At 193 Missenden Road, Newtown (ph 9516 3361 although I can’t think of a single reason why you’d want to call them), Campos do their own brew. And then they hock it at silly prices.
But their waiters are dressed nicely, clean shaven, and do coffee art. So maybe it’s worth it after all.
Master S actually made them guess what he wanted to drink. He claims he was open to suggestions, but I think it was lucky they took a punt on his preppy exterior and made him a mocha. Geniuses these guys, geniuses.
To be fair, it’s a warm little shoebox with sunlight streaming in in the afternoons. It comes well equipped with all the paraphernalia you could ever need for a satisfying game of “What the hell is that coffee related item?” and the coffee is strong and bitey but not bitter.
And honestly, if you’re a cappuccinista and are really into subtle blends of different beans etc etc, this place will really ring your service bell.
To be unfair, it’s a stuffy, cramped little joint with high, uncomfortable stools, tiny cups (no good! Right guys?) and arty farty coffee photographs on the walls. You know the kind. They were co-opted by Starbucks and therefore have lost any class they may have implied in the past. (hypothetical class, that is)
There’s not a student in sight, but if you’re after purple shirting wearing affogato drinking dudes and a few less prams than the main drag is littered with; if you’re in a slummy student area and want to pretend you lead a really elite and highfaluting life; if you want to feel more like you’re in a bar than at home – check out Campos.
You know they’ll be checking YOU out.
But perhaps it’s the bastion of over-priced wankiness in the area and they cornered the market on suits and coffee snobs as a precursor to Newtown’s fullblown gentrification. Give it time, give it time.
But their waiters are dressed nicely, clean shaven, and do coffee art. So maybe it’s worth it after all.
Master S actually made them guess what he wanted to drink. He claims he was open to suggestions, but I think it was lucky they took a punt on his preppy exterior and made him a mocha. Geniuses these guys, geniuses.
And honestly, if you’re a cappuccinista and are really into subtle blends of different beans etc etc, this place will really ring your service bell.
To be unfair, it’s a stuffy, cramped little joint with high, uncomfortable stools, tiny cups (no good! Right guys?) and arty farty coffee photographs on the walls. You know the kind. They were co-opted by Starbucks and therefore have lost any class they may have implied in the past. (hypothetical class, that is)
There’s not a student in sight, but if you’re after purple shirting wearing affogato drinking dudes and a few less prams than the main drag is littered with; if you’re in a slummy student area and want to pretend you lead a really elite and highfaluting life; if you want to feel more like you’re in a bar than at home – check out Campos.
You know they’ll be checking YOU out.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by edward
Rocky's Running Diary
And enough with the Eastie bashing!
Comment by Stanley
Comment by amy
Edward, much easier to bash areas you're not familiar with =P You guys have some of the best cafes in Sydney, but how odd to be sitting in the middle of Newtown and be *convinced* you're in the East!
Stanley, thanks for dropping by even though you're not a coffee enthusiast! Peace out brother, death to wankiness everywhere!
Comment by bad coffe in most of Sydney
Comment by amy
Hope you get better soon. In the meantime, check out my previous posts in your area - there is no shortage of decent coffee in Sydney, but it's a bit of a gamble going to new places! I feel your pain.
God bless a decent coffee!
amy
Comment by Anonymous
The Place is neat and simple not posey or pretentious!! The staff are professional and friendly. It's a coffee bar and its appeal is to people who appreciate and drink "real coffee". And if you did you wouldn't mind being there it only takes 5 minutes to drink a coffee. Why do you think theres a queue? The Coffee is Damn GOOD!!
If you want to sit around in a fat seat, be seen and sip a coffee for half an hour go somewhere else. Obviously you don't get it.
I'm happy to drive 45minutes from home to Campos to pick up my coffee beans from them!! If I'm going to drink caffeine it might as well taste good.
Richard
** stay out my way I need a caffiene fix!!
Comment by Anonymous
Campos is THE epitome of what coffee and the service of it is supposed to be. They represent the true espresso culture of Italy where people stood and drank and were on their way, refreshed and reinvigorated after a good cuppa, not fat lazy slobs sitting around holding the same cold cup of joe with 5 million sugars for 3 hours. That is not culture people!! Go to starbucks if you want that vibe.
Comment by Anonymous
Campos works for one simple reason: The coffee is amongst the best in Sydney. Apart from that, the place is fairly simply decorated, staff are friendly but professional, people get in, have their coffees and get the hell out.
Thanks for the laugh.
Malcolm