TopHat Coffee Merchants - Clovelly, Sydney

TopHat Coffee Merchants in Clovelly, is co-owned by Jess Hol and Angus Nicol, who are prominent figures in Sydney’s specialty coffee scene. Building on the success of their previous venture, Swallow Coffee Traders, TopHat aims to elevate the coffee experience in the eastern suburbs with its diverse coffee offerings and engaging atmosphere. The café features top-notch coffee brewed using a second-generation Synesso Hydra espresso machine, a house blend by Single Origin Roasters, and various filter coffee options. Their menu includes fresh breakfast options, handcrafted sandwiches, and house-baked breads, with a highlight being the reinvented jaffle.
The café’s interior design combines industrial elements with a bright and polished atmosphere, featuring timber, white tiles, and semi-polished concrete. A striking black and white mural adds to the ambiance, emphasizing the café’s specialty coffee focus. Despite its small kitchen space, TopHat serves a simple yet delicious menu, maintaining a relaxed and inviting vibe that resonates with the local community. Positioned near the beach, the café offers an ideal setting for customers to enjoy their high-quality coffee and freshly prepared dishes.

Specialty coffee is the highlight at TopHat, with a diverse selection sourced internationally and displayed prominently in the café. The menu complements the coffee offerings with simple yet satisfying breakfast staples, including ricotta cheese and spinach pastizzi and avocado and feta dip served with soy and quinoa toast. While the focus is primarily on coffee, other drink options are available, although they may not be as noteworthy. With its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to quality, TopHat Coffee Merchants stands out as a beacon of the eastern suburbs’ evolving culinary scene, offering a refreshing and vibrant café experience.