Did you know that Ashfield Apothecary has a stylish younger sister named Maia? Dressed in royal blue, the tiny but mighty café sits prettily on the corner of Victoria Street in Lewisham, enticing train commuters on their way to the station with the irresistible promise of a caffeine fix.
The mastermind behind Maia Specialty Coffee is Mandeep Bhusal, the same man behind Ashfield Apothecary. When Trainspotting Café shut down two years ago, Bhusal decided to fill the void – and he’s done it with style. Think mid-century chic with a touch of Melbourne cool. The space is cosy with bar seating at a beautiful oak counter, dark panelling and calming blue accents, and yes, it’s also got dog-friendly tables on the footpath outside. The handle-free mugs are also a vibe, crafted by local ceramics artist, Melody Emi Brunton.
The coffee is the real star, of course. Maia serves Bhusal's very own seasonal blends and single origins under the Ashfield Apothecary name that’s roasted just up the road in Marrickville. Expect beans that are sweet, juicy and bright, sourced from sustainable, high-altitude farms. Depending on what’s on offer, your cup just might have taste notes of shortbread and cacao.
Hungry for more? Try the banh mi-inspired smoked chicken sandwich, or the pastrami number loaded with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. We're also big fans of the loaded mortadella sanga, packed with fresh salad and cheese. But it’s the croque monsieur that steals the show. Think: organic double-smoked ham, gooey cheese, mustard and béchamel, all melty and delicious. The baked goods come courtesy The Bread and Butter Project, the doughnuts are from Shortstop Coffee & Donuts, and the brownies are baked in-house – yum!
Lewisham locals are calling Maia a neighbourhood gem and, going by the steady stream of regulars popping in for their takeaway flat white or weekend brunch, we can see why.
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