Recess Coffee has officially launched in Canberra, marking the latest venture by experienced hospitality professional Brewer. Taking charge of sourcing and roasting the coffee beans locally, Brewer ensures that the quality remains top-notch. His journey in hospitality began in his teenage years, leading him to roles such as a manager at Terra and gaining expertise in coffee roasting at Barrio.
Brewer emphasizes their sourcing philosophy: “We select according to our preferences, focusing on seasonal, washed coffee that’s clean and easy to enjoy, with the occasional exceptional microlot to add variety.”
In addition to its premium coffee offerings, Recess Coffee provides a diverse menu that includes hot beverages, house-made smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and an assortment of beers and local or natural wines available during lunch.
Iannelli, another key figure behind the café, highlights the holistic approach of Recess. “Recess will be a reflection of our vision for an exceptional café experience,” he states. Iannelli underscores that while high-quality food and coffee are priorities, superior service is equally critical to the café’s success.
“We’re eschewing QR codes in favor of traditional table service to offer a more attentive and personable dining experience,” Iannelli adds.
The café’s interior design is the result of a collaboration between MyMyMy Architecture and Iannelli’s wife, Kristin. Featuring a natural and subtle palette with timber, fluted glass, and stainless-steel details, the design complements the straightforward elegance of the menu. Additionally, Tasmanian producer Pitt & Giblin was engaged to create bespoke speakers and optimize the venue’s acoustics for a premium auditory experience.
Recess Coffee also includes a retail section where customers can purchase branded merchandise and Brewer’s locally roasted beans.
Iannelli, who launched The Food Forum—a fruit shop and butchery—in 2014 and co-founded Terra with chef Sungyeol Son in 2018, remains dedicated to sourcing the finest suppliers and ensuring top-quality produce at Recess Coffee. “As with Terra, I’m focused on utilizing the best possible suppliers to deliver exceptional quality here at Recess,” Iannelli affirms.