Palace Coffee
Nestled in a charming laneway at the base of Monaco House, the newly opened Palace Coffee is redefining Melbourne’s espresso bar experience. Designed by Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice (KKAP), this compact yet dynamic space punches well above its weight, serving an ever-growing number of cups of premium coffee daily.
Palace Coffee’s design is a striking juxtaposition to the fortress-like walls of the nearby Melbourne Club, drawing inspiration from iconic city landmarks like Pellegrini’s and the Nicholas Building. Its sculptural, oxide-red steel façade and warm, perforated spotted gum timber details create an inviting threshold between the urban streetscape and the espresso bar within.
A carefully crafted, recessed frontage allows for a fluid transition between the laneway and the coffee bar, creating a bustling, vibrant atmosphere where patrons waiting for their coffee become part of the spectacle. The open, seamless serving window – reminiscent of a Milanese espresso bar – enhances the flow of interaction between staff and customers, offering a quick fix in the heart of the city’s bustling office district.
“The design of Palace Coffee is about more than just serving coffee – it’s about fostering connection and creating an experience that draws people together, even if just for a brief moment in their day,” says Kerry Kounnapis, director of KKAP. “We wanted to create a space that not only blends into the city but also invites people in through its openness and warmth.”
Though small in footprint, Palace Coffee delivers big on experience. From its glass of sparkling water served with every in-house espresso, to the familiarity and community built through its personable service, it’s clear that this is no ordinary coffee spot. The team behind Palace Coffee, also known for their work at Fitzroy’s Burnside, is committed to making every visit a memorable one.
Charlotte Devereux, owner of Palace Coffee, adds, “Palace is a space where coffee and connection come together. We set out to create an environment where great coffee and meaningful interactions go hand in hand and this space allows for that to happen effortlessly. It’s warmth and flow make it a special place to work in.”
KKAP’s thoughtful design merges function with a sense of belonging, encapsulating the spirit of Melbourne’s coffee culture. The back-lit fibreglass ceiling provides a soft glow, while hidden service elements keep the space visually clean and inviting. Palace Coffee, with its unique design and emphasis on community, offers a moment of pause in the 9-5 grind – one cup of silky-smooth coffee at a time.
