The Roma Street Station end of George Street may be tagged as the legal and transport zone of Brisbane City, but with several new coffee joints popping up in recent weeks, it’s fast gaining a reputation as the destination for a dose of specialty caffeine. Long-serving local Alen’s Espresso has kept the caffeine flowing through weary travellers’ and lawyers’ veins for the better part of six years, and now owners Alen and Judie Beganovic have extended their offerings to include wholesome, predominantly gluten-free fare in a new cafe next door.

Chapter Two Espresso is a more upmarket affair than the espresso pit-stop next door, boasting a lofty space bejewelled with a range of pre-prepared delights. Break the night-time fast with fluffy sourdough crumpets drizzled with butter and golden syrup, or spoon into a cup of Bircher muesli layered with honey, cinnamon water, house-made yoghurt and a peach and rosewater compote. For lunch, fill a box with fresh salads like the raw beetroot and kale, or grab a wrap packed with slow-roasted lamb and Kindred Organics quinoa. Chapter Two Espresso pours the same custom Arabica Mocopan Coffee blend as Alen’s offers next door, with many potential partners in crime congregating in the dessert cabinets. Choose from a range of homebaked goods, from beetroot brownies and banoffee tartlets to gluten-free lemon myrtle cheesecake, and grab a bag of housemade muesli or a jar of relish or jam to take away.

Chapter Two Espresso
420 George Street, Brisbane City
Ph: 07 3236 2080
Open: Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 4:00 pm