Journal
Journal
253 Flinders Lane
Melbourne
9650 4399
Any number of transport options, since the location is Melbourne city. Journal is in Flinders Lane between Elizabeth and Swanston Sts.
Journal is the slickest cafe I’ve been too. Like a lot of places in city laneways, you can walk right past without noticing. If you were walking into the Melbourne City Library however, you’d see a row of cosy bar stools on your right below a cut out rectangular section, revealing the cafe. Inside there are two long dark wooden tables with good lighting and shelves above containing books and other reading material. It’s not messy though, but sharp and neat. There’s two large windows and a sliding door leading to Flinders Lane. About six smaller tables are placed around for people to sit at. Bar stools run along the inside of the cut section so people can sit inside or on the other side – I like this, it adds an extra sense of dimension.
The crowd is a mix of those coming in from the library to read a book or peruse study notes, to professionals who work in the area. I’ve been here when two architects and another guy (maybe the person with the money) were having a quiet argument. At one point I heard ‘the other guy’ say, “No – wait until I’ve finished speaking please.” Today there is a man in a black suit and a woman with photos at the end of a long table. She is showing him the photos one by one and he is commenting on them, “Hmmm… No, I really like how you’ve got the background in this one.” At one of the smaller tables, a girl waits and is eventually met by a young guy.
Service is smooth and friendly. A long black has a good crema, flavour, and is hot. This is not the place you’d expect a poor coffee. Two people across from me have ordered a glass of red each. Food is available, although I’ve only ever tried their pastries, which are good quality. In terms of atmosphere for reading, thinking or having a chat with someone, Journal rates highly. I stayed here for about two hours, in the end ordering a glass of red too. I could’ve stayed longer.
16/20
Jun 7, 11:19 AM by Lawrence Martin
3 Comments for Journal
Jounal has a great vibe. It’s the inner-city slicker’s ideal place to grab lunch and/or see a colleague.
— Nat James Oct 10, 07:19 AMGreat place for a coffee and catch-up with a friend but the food is a little overpriced for the portion size. The salads looked great, but I ordered bruschetta and for my $7 received three slices of tomato and a trip to the bakery on the way back to work!
— Karina Jan 22, 05:18 PMYes, actually a friend of mine who’s been to Journal recently made just the same critisism — that you don’t get much bruschetta for your money!
— Lawrence Martin Jan 22, 07:51 PM