The Grounds Coffee Factory

The Grounds Coffee Factory is a unique combination of an active production facility and a stylish café, located in Waverley. Housed within the walls of a historic former railway canteen, this venue in Australia has become a true destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts. The space masterfully blends industrial aesthetics with a cozy atmosphere, creating an immersive experience for every guest.

The Grounds Coffee Factory. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The heart of the factory is a complex bean transport system, which, with its intertwining pipes, resembles Willy Wonka's whimsical production line. Visitors can watch in detail as raw beans move through the hall, heading straight into the roaster. This project has preserved the spirit of historical heritage, complementing it with elements of modern engineering.

This place is not just a coffee shop, but a full-fledged sensory laboratory where the art of roasting is on public display. Thanks to the open layout, guests are immersed in the drink-making process, making the visit educational for both professional coffee aficionados and families seeking unique experiences.

To plan your visit and check for current events, you can use the venue's official contact details. You can get in touch with representatives of the coffee factory by phone or through the social media links provided on their website.

The main adventure here is watching the live roasting process. You can see the master roaster at work and trace the movement of beans through the system of transparent pipes running across the ceiling. This captivating sight is complemented by the aromas of freshly roasted coffee filling the entire space of the former workshops.

The menu features both classic signature blends and rare single-origin lots for sophisticated gourmets. Pair your drink with fresh pastries from their own bakery or choose dishes from the menu, which is famous for its aesthetic presentation and use of farm-fresh products. The venue is perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch surrounded by industrial design.

Don't forget to stop by the shopping area to pick up beans for home or stylish accessories. The eco-friendly Loring roaster with low emissions highlights the company’s modern approach, while interior details paying homage to Eveleigh’s railway past provide the perfect backdrop for your photos.

The Grounds Coffee Factory is conveniently located in the South Eveleigh district, just a 10–15 minute drive from the center of Sydney. The easiest way to get here is by public transport. The nearest train station is Redfern (Lines T2, T3), from which a walk to the venue through well-maintained streets takes about 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer driving, there are parking zones in the South Eveleigh area. You should enter the exact address on Locomotive St into your GPS. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so a taxi from the city center may be the most comfortable option.

If you are in the neighboring areas, the factory is a pleasant walk or bike ride away. The area is actively developing and offers convenient routes for pedestrians wishing to explore the city's updated industrial face.

The history of The Grounds Coffee Factory is inextricably linked to the development of Sydney's modern coffee culture. The venue is located within the walls of a historic canteen where railway workers from the Eveleigh depot once dined. The project took six long years to complete: starting before the pandemic, construction faced technical challenges, but the factory finally celebrated its grand opening on September 4, 2024.

This establishment represents the evolution of The Grounds brand, which rose to fame in 2012 after opening its first location in Alexandria. The founders, including latte art champion Jack Hanna, sought to transform abandoned industrial areas into thriving urban oases. The new space in South Eveleigh has become a dedicated center specifically for roasting and developing unique coffee profiles.

Special attention was paid to preserving the industrial spirit of the site. Head roaster Nick Ferguson, who has been with the team since its inception, now oversees the process in this dedicated space. The use of authentic metal structures and elements reminiscent of the railway’s past makes the factory an important piece of industrial heritage given a second life in a modern format.

To leisurely soak in the atmosphere and watch the production, visitors usually need between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy a cup of specialty coffee, have a snack, and admire the interior details and the bean transport system in action.

If you plan on a full lunch or want to browse the shop's range and chat with the baristas about the nuances of roasting, it’s better to allow about 2.5 hours. This will let you fully immerse yourself in the sensory experience the coffee factory offers without any rush.

The coffee factory is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests are welcomed from early morning—07:30 AM to 4:00 PM—making it an ideal spot for an early breakfast or an afternoon coffee. The venue is closed on Mondays.

As opening hours may change depending on holidays or private events, visitors are recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information before their visit.

The surroundings of South Eveleigh and adjacent districts offer plenty of interest for the curious traveler. A visit to the coffee factory can easily be combined with exploring historical buildings and natural areas that reveal the versatility of this region.

A stroll around the area will allow you to see both architectural monuments and modern urban spaces. Below are the most noteworthy sites located nearby: