Josh Russell, Cup Coffee
Anyone can learn anything, you just need the right attitude ...
Running his fingers gently through the coffee beans as they roast, Josh Russell is relaxed but with an ever-sharp eye checking the progress of his beans. For two years now, Josh’s West End cafe Cup has delivered well-crafted coffee made from specialty grade, seasonal and traceable beans. With South American blends in store at the moment and African green beans currently being harvested and shipped to this locale, the taste is ever-changing and fresh, with a feel-good vibe about the care and quality that goes into each cup. A carpenter for nine years, followed by a stint studying and working in graphic design, Josh’s coffee interest grew while continuing his weekend work as a barista. When this growing passion could no longer be ignored, Josh picked out his Russell Street den, splashed a robot sketch on the wall and hired some trendy, milk-twirling folk. The Weekend Edition spoke to Josh Russell about his essentials for a well-spent weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Always with coffee.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
I love visiting cafes and eating breakfast. It’s nice to get away from my shop and just sit and enjoy a coffee somewhere else.
How do you like to unwind?
I enjoy cooking and like to try new things. I like to think I get it pretty good (edible) about 60% of the time when doing something I haven’t tried before. Listening to some relaxing music or just playing my guitar and not thinking about anything else is nice too.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
I play football on Saturday afternoons, plus any other sport I can get in.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I would like to visit some of the markets I haven’t been to yet.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Sunday night I like to play guitar at my church in West End. Then get takeaway somewhere in West End and relax with Sarah.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
There is a barista get-together this Friday night at Veneziano Coffee which should be a fun start to the weekend. It’s open to anyone interested.
What are you reading at the moment?
Smith Journal, lots of blogs – formfiftyfive, thedieline, brandnew, motionographer, jimseven, sprudge, too many to list. Various cookbooks – Cumulus Inc, The Good Life. Also way too much twitter. I do realise none of this is counts as ‘real’ reading.
What inspires you?
Quality. In my industry I guess that’s an uncompromised product view. People who will do anything to produce a better product, regardless of if it’s more profitable. I also really like great design and in particular, great typography.
What was your childhood dream?
I wanted to be a builder like my Dad. This is also what I did straight out of school for nine years.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My son Henry, he’s pretty much perfect.
What is success to you?
Recognition from my heroes.
What are your words of wisdom?
Anyone can learn anything, you just need the right attitude.
Only a local would know that … Buying local matters.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Sourced Grocer, Teneriffe.
Relax … Canvas, Woolloongabba.
Dine … The Crosstown Eating House, Woolloongabba.
Indulge … Avid Reader for a new design book.
Shop … Any guitar shop in town.
Catch-up … Next Door (the shop called Next Door that’s next door to my shop).
Be inspired … Melbourne.
