Small in area, big in heart, somewhat shrunk into the corner but well-placed within a busy intersection around both Post Office and ANZAC Square, Espresso Legends is that little place that could. In many ways, it is like that small stall or cart that seized the opportunity to place itself where plenty of foot traffic would happen and thus got lots of recognition via osmosis.

After a good lunch, I was walking back with my friend and she was keen to find another good place for coffee. The route took us near here, and it was more or less first come, best served. This was definitely a good choice.

The tiny space opens up akin to a bazaar in a market place, with most of the space taken up behind the counter with a small bit of space down the side for customers to come and collect their order. It is well stocked out, looks really good from the street and uses a botique aesthetic with plenty of reddish tones to create a calming effect. While it is mostly a takeaway joint (everything is served in takeaway cups), there are a few tables on the sidewalk. With such an aesthetic of shop front, and a well-placed situation on the city block, it is one good place to sit and do some people watching.

 

Every coffee that is made on these premises, is courtesy of Bellissimo. To know how good of a sign that is, one just has to make it to the original roaster in Fortitude Valley and see two noticable aspects; the line goes right out the door and is alligned on the block for ages, and that it is the recipient of many medals - some of them gold. It is for a very good reason, but that is more to do with there, and less about here. This little nook does it well itself.

 

In the vein of the mothership, orders are not just regulated to a default blend. The barista will ask you from the permanent selection on the board, which one is your preference for this time. There are about half a dozen choices to select from with the espressos, and when it comes to cold drip there are only about a couple. Also in addition to coffee, they serve a great number of teas - all loose leaf - as well done with the same kind of philosophy given to the coffee. Each order has a sticker on it for what blend the customer requested. If you are wanting something sweet to go with the drink, it is best to find somewhere nearby first and then get the beverage - it is all they serve.

While modest, the barista here at the time was a good, keen worker and knew his work. He made you feel welcome and was quite a kind gentleman. Heck, if you bought a sweet from elsewhere to have it with the drink he would probably be pleasant about it.

I make no secrets that I am coffee all the way, so it was trying out a couple of coffees for this outing. First port of call for drinks, the usual doppio - I got it in an Italian blend. This was really good, a short, semi-sweet and dark black beverage that always does its wanted job.

I can't remember at the moment the particular blend I had, though from memory it was more of a dark blend in the cold press. This was like drinking coffee with a less acidic texture, more of a natural sweetness and it was very refreshing - you could even see tones of red in the right light. Cold press is always a good choice for something different, and a great choice in the warmer weather.

Espresso Legends is definitely one of those coffee places that could do with a bit more love. It is essentially a really honest, astute waterhole that tends to two big audiences - those who love coffee, and those who appreciate a well-made tea. If you want great coffee without much hassle, without pretense and without the rush - this is your destination.

Wonderful variety of coffee & tea here, and fantastic service!