Ground Control - CLOSED

Overview

If you work in the CBD you'll know finding a truly decent cup of coffee is often harder than it's worth — especially if you 9-to-5 in the tourist-heavy scene of Circular Quay. Ground Control, however, is a whole different story, and since opening late last year has already become a firm favourite in the area for seriously obvious reasons.

To begin with, this place is efficient. If Control's its name then control's its nature: the team here know how to work a queue. When you reach the counter your order is entered into the iPad system with your name and a smile and minutes later you've got your Joe. The auto-pouring milk pumps are an awesome touch too, proving without a doubt a great deal of thought went into insuring this place could handle rush-hour traffic.

Then, of course, there's the coffee itself: Single Origin Roasters, chosen by the week. For our visit the weekly was the Gachami blend from the Kirinyaga region of central Kenya that enjoyed a "fruity citrus body with chocolate finish". Now, you might not be looking to taste all the intricate flavours of Mother Africa when you're hungrily slurping down your early morning latte, but we can assure you, whatever blend these guys are working with it's going to be just how and what you want. They've also got cold drip if that bangs your bongos.

For those looking for breakfast you'll find the sandwiches are fresh, tasty and don't skimp on the fillings, plus there are the usual pastry options like almond croissants and the like if you're in need of something sweet and naughty. The inside is small but well designed both space-wise and aesthetically if you're looking to sit and enjoy, but honestly takeaway is by far the more sensible choice. Not that if you stay you won't enjoy taking in the gorgeously large, cream La Marzocco coffee machine or the twisted, naked light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, of course.

However, one of the most admirable qualities of this place is that while it certainly looks uber cool, there's no attitude. In other words, Ground Control will have you whether you're a major Tom, Dick or Harry.