Three Williams

Where: Three Williams, 613a Elizabeth Street, Redfern NSW 2016

Coffee Bean: Single Origin Roasters

Sometimes, lonesome lunches are the best lunches. Three Williams is just a couple of doors down from the Aboriginal Legal Service in Redfern, where I volunteer once a week. It’s a favourite for its convenience, friendly service and yummy food.

Three Williams

Three Williams is set up in what looks like it should be a furniture showroom. It’s a big, industrial-style space with a central counter and plenty of seating all around. There’s even room for a children’s play area at the back. Staff are unfailingly, almost freakishly friendly (not quite, I’m just always surprised by how nice they are). You’ll be greeted with a smile and a joke at the door, and quickly shown to a seat.

I had a flat white ($3.70 – it’ll cost you 20 cents less if you order your coffee takeaway) and the Bircher muesli ($13).

Flat White (w/ bubbles)

The flat white came out quickly and was finished with some impressive latte art. More exciting, though, was the milk: soon after it came out small bubbles started to form on the surface. In my experience, small bubbles = well stretched milk. The foam was creamy and smooth. One sip of the coffee packs a lovely fruity punch, leaving you with a slightly acidic aftertaste. It’s good, strong coffee if you’re not afraid of a little bitterness.

The only downside was that it wasn’t very hot. Not a problem for me, but if you want your coffee hotter than just hot enough you’ll have to specify.

Bircher Muesli

Not long after the coffee, the Bircher muesli was served. The sweetness of the creamy muesli was offset by fresh tangy, fruity flavours. Strawberries, shaved melon, passion fruit, blueberries, raspberries, vanilla yoghurt and refreshing mint leaves topped the cold muesli mush. Nice and cool, perfect for a summer breakfast (or lunch). Unfortunately, it’s a small portion for $13 and probably not worth the hefty price.

Probably worth mentioning: Julia and I went here for lunch about a week ago (we didn’t get coffee, hence no review). But we were accidently overcharged about $35, apparently having paid for the owner’s lunch. The staff were really nice about it (as usual) and offered a refund by cash or on my card.

Three Williams offers a great café experience. The food is pricey, but it’s delicious and well executed – and if you’re a foodie this is probably all you want. Even if it wasn’t convenient, I would go to the trouble of seeking Three Williams out.

Yays:

• Good coffee and well-stretched milk
• Great food
• Friendly, friendly service
• Plenty of seating (at least on weekdays)
• Wheelchair access
• Children’s play area

Nays:

• The coffee isn’t served very hot
• Prices are expensive, especially for food
• Mistakes with billing have been known to happen

Overall Experience:

85% -- High Distinction!