Meet Skittlelane, Sydney’s Newest Inner City Laneway Cafe

It seems Sydneysiders can’t get enough of making what’s old new again. With the wave of gentrification hitting pubs, hotels and long forgotten spaces across the city, once lifeless urban spots have now been given a second chance. Hidden among the high-rises of the CBD’s bleak concrete jungle, an oasis from the daily grind awaits. Wearier office dwellers delight, we’ve found just the place for you to escape.

Tucked away behind King Street, Skittlelane coffee is a welcome breath of fresh air for inner city locals. Featuring New York-inspired interiors, the cafe’s high ceilings and large steel windows demand attention from the casual passer by. Yet once you push through those sleek glass doors, this striking light-filled store makes you feel right at home.

Behind the machines, the friendly Skittlelane crew is ready to serve Sydney up some seriously killer brews. Owners Jodie Foster and Dean Wooding wanted to create the same laidback ambiance of Melbourne’s iconic laneway cafes in this inner city location. "When we first viewed the space we instantly fell in love," says Jodie. "The building is grand and elegant and the Skittle Lane is being restored to its former glory. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to create something unique in the Sydney CBD."

The laneway itself has been given a major revamp by The Crown Group over the past few years, seeing the thoroughfare dotted with boutique shops, eateries and most recently apartments. Keeping things sleek with a monochromic colour scheme, Skittlelane Coffee is cool and contemporary. From the black marble block counter to the modern light fittings hanging overhead, Skittlelane knows how to nail the finishing touches.

Aside from its aesthetic charm, these guys deliver first and foremost as a top-notch coffee shop. Serving up their own roasted coffee, Skittlelane’s seasonal blend offers a punchy full-bodied cup while their rotating selection of single origins keeps coffee geeks on their toes. With guest appearances from Marvell St, plus specialty made ceramic mugs, plates and bowls courtesy of Melbourne designer Takeawei, diners can take these gorgeous goodies home thanks to Skittlelane’s stellar retail section.

Pop in on your way to the office for a quick Brewtown Brewnut or pastry from Penny Fours, or stop by for a tasty grab-and-go Sonoma toastie to curb that lunchtime rumble. With everything from cold brew to espresso on the menu, Skittlelane brings a slice of Melbourne’s coffee scene to Sydney’s burgeoning new alleyway.

Skittlelane Coffee is open now at 40 King Street, Sydney (corner of King/Kent/Skittle). Open 6.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Images: Daniel Kukec.