Monday, August 27, 2012

from the city: the grounds of alexandria

I had heard wonderful things about The Grounds of Alexandria. Located in the old Four'N Twenty pie factory (iconic in its own right) in the heart of Alexandria's industrial estate, this gem of a cafe is one-of-a-kind. 

A celebration of coffee, food and the simple, good things in life, The Grounds beckons with it's intriguing indoor/outdoor space. The coffee beans are roasted on-site in a dedicated research facility and the menu is inspired by the herbs, vegies and edible flowers growing in the garden (there's a horticulturist on staff). Aesthetically The Grounds is beautiful; industrial meets rustic with a touch of bohemia, the details stole me away from conversation more than once.

The Grounds has created a unique experience - intimate dining and boutique coffee in a warehouse setting where professionals, tradies, hipsters and young families gather - happily so.

Come summertime there will be alfresco dining under the lanterns, pizzas straight from the woodfire oven and drinks from the outdoor bar. Sigh.

We were there for morning tea and I can highly recommend the blueberry and ricotta brown muffin. If you go for lunch I have heard the ocean trout with pearl barley, broccolini and preserved lemon is delectable.

As for the plethora of photos - apologies. But oh the details, the light, the coffee, the teapots....etc......! 


42 COMMENTS

  1. Gorgeous photos Jodi! The Grounds is top of my list to visit s on my upcoming Sydney trip.

    xx

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  2. Beautiful photos. I want to go!

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  3. LOVE the photos....what a place. Can't wait to go. love that picture of Poet pursing those little lips!
    Make sure you pop over and enter my giveaway xx

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  4. I hope they gave you a free coffee on your return after such a gorgeous write up! Beautiful place.. I'd love one of equal measure in Bristol. x

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  5. OMG!!!! Absolutely love these!!!!! Your photos are insanely amazing Jodes. With your beautiful writing coupled with beautiful images you will be highly sought out journalist.

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  6. Love your piccies here and lovely to bump into you that morning! I definitely recommend the eggs rolled in crispy quinoa for brekky!!

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  7. Stunning. The whole lot.
    And chooks.
    x

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  8. NEVER apologise for the photos, jodi. absolutely stunning x

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  9. Jodi! Girl, you KNOW I'm dying over those yellow chairs! These are completely stunning. I think I need to plan a trip down under for my vacation next summer. Really!

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  10. So much loveliness going on in these photos. Never mind the fact that I'm a lover of yellow, grey, and farmhouse modern. Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Oh honey, what a gorgeous place...thank-you so much for sharing with us! Simply stunning!

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  12. These photos are wonderful. You're getting better every post!

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  13. Looks like such a sweet and unique cafe! Loved all the pretty photos.

    -Lissa

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  14. Don't apologize! These photos captivate such character that this place has : )

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  15. I always love a plethora of coffee photos! This place looks amazing! And I love the photo of Poet looking a someone's hand. Gorgeous.

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  16. i love all the photos!! they are simply amazing. i believe you mentioned this somewhere, but what camera do you use?

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    1. I shoot with a Panasonic GF1 using a 20mm 1.7 lens. I bought the GF1 18months ago for $600 - since then the GF2, GF3 and GF5 have been released. Funnily enough, the GF1 is now fetching close to $1200 because you can no longer buy it new and it has proven to be a fabulous camera because it is a large sensor in a small very compact body.

      I'll be upgrading to a Canon 5D Markiii soon but I'll keep the GF1 because it's such a good camera.

      In saying that, it has taken me a good 18months to really get to know the GF1 and to shoot like I am now. I have been experimenting with under-exposing and over-exposing, I have a deeper understanding of light and composition and I have literally taken thousands of photos to hone my skills.

      If you have any other questions I'm more than happy to answer them x

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  17. Those details, magical. What a beautiful place obviously made and run with passion and love.

    Your photography is inspiring, as always.
    x

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  18. Beautiful post! How amazing are those photos?! You are really inspiring. ☺

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  19. Beautiful Jodi...I am with Michelle, The Grounds is on my Sydney list too!

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  20. Looks like a place I would instantly fall in love with! I am definitely going next time I am in Sydney! Wonderful shots Jodi!!

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  21. Looks amazing - must go there some day! Beautiful photos Jodi.

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  22. Oh my, your photography is getting out of control crazy good! What amazing shots xx

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  23. Right!! this is a must visit when i venture south. Beautiful images.X

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    1. you'll be so inspired fliss...right up your alley x

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  24. What a brilliant, gorgeous place! I could gush forever and haven't even set foot in it. Have earmarked this one for a holiday visit one day. Thank so much for sharing. You piccies are magnificent :) x

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  25. oh the grounds have long been on my list too, so glad it seemed to exceed expectations. as for those photos, i didn't even notice how many there were, i was captivated, so luscious. xx

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  26. a regular haunt of mine, was there again this morning, i'm pretty sure i was there that day also as i dashed in and out for coffee, i recognised your little poet from the photos! she was with i'm guessing your dad. next time you visit sydney you will have to visit bread & circus wholefoods canteen for breakfast also in alexandria or kitchen by mike at rosebery for lunch (koskela is in the same building), if you loved the grounds both will be sure not to disappoint.
    Vicky

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    1. Yes, she was perusing the gardens with my dad - her Popa. Another blog reader came up and introduced herself too...small world x

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  27. Beautiful photos Jodi! Makes me want to jump on a plane and head to Sydney!

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  28. What a fabulous little spot! I swear you all have some of the best looking coffee... We have to step up our game!
    You've grown so much as a photographer too, you can tell from these posts... very inspiring to follow along in your journey! :)

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  29. Beautiful photograph Jodi. This place looks so unique and interesting, and that coffee, delicious! xx

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  30. I did my usual iphone lurking and forgot to comment! Amazing! Makes me wish we lived in Marrickvile again! How good are those tiles? Love the birds eye view of Poet! x

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  31. That smoothie of Che's looks so good as does the cafe. You've captured it beautifully. X

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  32. How could you NOT take photos of that place. It's gorgeous, and I love the colours!

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  33. Thanks for sharing about this place. I'll be making a trip there this week with my kids - can't wait!

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  35. Inquiring about having my wedding there - could you imagine!?

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