While the smiling faces at Ground Alchemy might already be familiar to a good portion of New Farm’s coffee-seeking crowd, the offering at the cafe’s latest iteration is filled with new (and wholesome) additions. When Britt Ayling exchanged a career in interior design to open Ground on Welsby Street in October 2017, she looked to support customers in their daily lives by offering the number one day-starting essential, coffee. Over the years her mandate grew and evolved, with Ground’s brew bar gradually incorporating a wider range of ingredients – think reishi mushroom extract and gumbi gumbi drops – that were geared towards bolstering the overall wellness of its community via its morning cup. When recently presented with the opportunity to take over Pablo 2.0’s space on Merthyr Road, Britt saw a chance to create a multifaceted hub that furthered the holistic and conscious style of hospitality Ground embodied and showcase it on a larger scale. With more space and a kitchen at her disposal, Britt quickly realised that the best way to capitalise on the opportunity was to make the operation collaborative. Soon Britt had linked up with chef and regenerative nutrition specialist Dayna Williams of PachaYumma, upcycled furniture and decor purveyor Jodie Grier (aka Retro Gertie), and green thumb Gail Forrer (aka Lady Gigi) to help ensure Ground Alchemy was a place where visitors could be nourished, inspired and enriched.

Ground Alchemy is a sum of many parts. Britt is overseeing the brew bar, which offers all sorts of stimulating and invigorating beverages, be it coffee from The Black Lab (including espresso, cold-drip V60, pour-over, French press and batch-brew sips), adaptogenic hot chocolate, sencha green tea and functional juices and smoothies. Those looking to add a bit of ‘oomph’ to their drink can opt for a supplementary infusion from the conscious collection, which includes the likes of collagen powder, Life Cykel’s lion’s mane mushroom extract and probiotic turmeric. In the kitchen, Dayna has crafted a plant-based menu that includes grab-and-go bites, raw treats and sit-down meals. Highlights include rose-and-cardamom granola infused with geranium essential oil, roast vegetable and pesto paninis, Mediterranean-inspired pizza breads, vegan croissants and a rotating range of goodness-filled salads. Dotted around the Ground Alchemy space is a retail selection of vintage and antique pieces consciously sourced and curated by Retro Gertie, including sustainable copper water bottles from Vurth, ceramic spice canisters, metal balance scales and more. Ground’s courtyard is home to the Plantarium – a leafy nook filled with plants and ceramic sculptures (handcrafted by artisans at Monte Lupo Studio) sourced by Lady Gigi. Ground Alchemy also houses a retail shelf loaded with Hive & Harvest honey, Huskee cups, teas and naturopathic oils. The team is in the process of securing a liquor licence, after which expect Ground Alchemy to launch a nighttime component showcasing boutique wines.

Ground Alchemy is now open to the public. For operating hours and other important details, head to the Stumble Guide.