East Qtr

stylish and contemporary foods and coffee to go

NEW GPA entry in 2022

First judges comment in 2022

In lesser-experienced hands this hole-in-the-wall coffee dispensary could be a failure, yet the team at East Qtr have delivered a winning package that is steering it in a direction that riffs on Melbourne’s laneway coffee culture, with a nod to the panache of Manhattan.

It would be hard to think of a less-likely location for a takeaway coffee venture: a tiny shopfront, blocks from the main drag (read: foot traffic), in a semi-industrial patch with only a view of the backside of supermarket. But an abundance of car parking in the area, and a smattering of large format employers and institutions nearby presents an opportunity to set up a premium destination for lovers of exceptional coffee and organic teas, all within strolling distance. Everything about East Qtr points to an intuitive understanding of Ballarat’s hospitality scene, sharpened by running one of the city’s favourite dine-in cafés, – Higher Society. A sleek fitout of the tiny space, dominated by an impressively large espresso machine, appetising cakes and pastries fresh from the kitchen of Higher Society and the selection of premium 5 Senses coffee and Love organic teas keeps a constant cluster of punters milling around in anticipation. I had to wait for a break in the progression of customers. This is a very positive sign. On arrival I was immediately acknowledged and asked what I’d like. No obvious menu leads the customer to simply request their order, and by implication the server has the knowledge and experience to fill the order which is processed in the POS and probably details the recipe on the docket. All in all, the service was speedy, friendly and very ‘professional’. Can’t be faulted. A small selection of obviously ‘home-made’ cakes and pastries and toasties or jaffles round out the foods at East Qtr. They looked fresh and appetising. The food offering is an ideal complement to the main game of takeaway coffee and tea. Ordered a simple espresso and a Magic to test the baristas skills. What I received was close to the perfect expression of both pours, in taste, texture and temperature. Excellent taste from the house blend of 5 Senses. Judging by the constant line of punters standing outside, there is an immediate perception of great value for money, but I think it extends way beyond money – I envisage a halo effect of being associated with such an enterprise even by enjoying their coffee. It’s cool to be linked with such a new, innovative premium local brand; money can’t buy that.

Second judges comments in 2022 coming soon

Street Address; Eastwood Street Ballarat,

Venue Category: Coffee Bar
Cuisine: Contemporary Australian Street Food (including Vegetarian and Gluten Free)
Trading Days and Hours:
- Mondays to Fridays: 6.00 am to 2.00 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: CLOSED
Proprietor and Chef: Rhys Jeffrey
Cards Accepted: Visa and Mastercard
Available Parking: Street Parking