Jasmine Longstaff knows that creating a great coffee-drinking experience involves more than just what’s in the cup. The hospitality veteran has worked in cafes in Brisbane, Melbourne and along the north coast of New South Wales for years, and has learned that the setting plays a pivotal role in the shaping of memorable (and consistent) cafe adventures. Last year Jasmine started thinking about striking out and establishing a cafe of her own – one where she could not only show off her skills behind the machine but also curate a vibe that resonated. At the same time, her brother Jonathon was on the hunt for a space to establish his own property services agency and, coincidentally, opening in close proximity to a great coffee spot that could cater to client meetings was near the top of his wish list. With interests aligned, the duo teamed up on the search, eventually stumbling across a dreamy vacancy inside the Bell Bros. Building on Brunswick Street. The heritage-listed beauty boasted space for Jonathon’s agency at the front and room for a small coffee bar in the rear, plus lobby space for dining and a secret leafy courtyard outside for serene sipping. Jasmine and Jonathon have leaned into the building’s 1920s Art Deco aesthetic for their newly open cafe Rings A Bell, using natural timber textures, geometric motifs and a crisp colour palette to mesh with the site’s existing old-world glamour. Much like the cafes Jasmine worked at in Melbourne, Rings A Bell boasts a sense of serenity – a warm and welcoming respite that is removed from the bustle of Brunswick Street and the world at large.

With the location and vibes locked in, Jasmine and Jonathon set about ensuring Rings A Bell’s offering was at the same standard. Working with Freja Dunnell of Auka Consulting, the siblings have curated a food and beverage offering that is concise, yet built on quality ingredients. Rings A Bell serves Tim Adams Specialty Coffee for its house pour (the nutty and naturally sweet Tortoise & The Hare blend is the cafe’s go-to), while single-origin filter coffees from a rotating roster of local guests roasters will also feature. Jasmine is placing equal focus on tea, looking to push the boundaries and tastes of its clientele by sharing knowledge of the specialty tea’s diverse benefits via a seasonal menu of loose-leaf brews curated in collaboration with New Farm’s Tour de Tea. With a limited amount of space to work with, Rings A Bell’s food menu is purposefully small, but still features a range of loaded toasties, treats and pastries – the latter sourced from Brasserie Bread. Jasmine and Jonathan have applied for a liquor licence, and will look to offer a range of coffee- and tea-based cocktails (think boozy iced teas) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until late, with acoustic artists stopping by for stripped-back sets in the courtyard.

Rings A Bell is now open – operating hours and contact details can be found in the Stumble Guide.