Battery Station

When I read that Battery Station was opening right opposite where I worked, I was gleeful at the proposition of decent coffee and food only a stone’s throw away. I charted renovation progress every day as I got off the bus. I Googled them, looking for a website or opening date. I stood at the window and looked over as the last lick of paint was added. Finally, in January, the day came. I got off the bus and rushed in to order a coffee. It took an eon for the two staff to take and make my coffee order but it was early days and I had caffeine.
I visited again a week later with a colleague. We ordered bacon and egg and, tofu scramble wraps and went the spacious courtyard out the back. Decorated with bespoke graffiti and shade sails, an effort has been made to make it appealing and to encourage you to linger. A little bit over the top for my tastes but a quiet spot to relax. Not many people around though. Our meals and coffee took a while but we were in no hurry. The wraps were very large and freshly made. The cheese in my bacon and egg wrap was an excellent vintage cheddar and really lifted the dish. The tofu scramble was a welcome option for my vegan friend. I visited a third time after a particularly big evening and again opted for a coffee and bacon and egg wrap, this time takeaway.
The staff are friendly, the food is fresh, the pace of service has definitely improved and yet there’s something about Battery Station that leaves me feeling hollow. There’s the cool conversion from Art Deco garage to café, a shady courtyard and coffee but it seems to fall a bit flat at present. The menu could definitely do with some tweaking, to offer some interesting alternatives or unusual flavour combos. I suppose a safe menu is a good option if they aren’t queuing at the door, as it reduces wastage. I can’t help wondering if the reason why people aren’t queuing at the door though, is because the menu is safe. It’s like there’s a groovier café in there trying to fight its way out but it can’t attract a crowd or get the vibe quite right.
Battery Station is licensed and I know that they have had some live music evenings so maybe outside business hours, there’s a thriving scene. I want to like the Battery Station. I really do. And yet… it remains handy for a coffee on the way to work but I’m still in the takeaway rather than dine in camp. I’ll continue to visit and see how it evolves.

Not sure if these guys are trying too hard or they are genuinely Valley cool. The backyard is ma-​husive, so it appears they are going for the outdoors drinks style thing.
If they’d just calmed down with the graffiti artist and painted one wall, and left the rest as grungey plain, it would’ve been cool.

There is a cool vibe to this place! Came across the Battery station while at the Emporium. When you enter you’ll find a new, fresh, graffiti style café with very friendly staff members. They have a big backyard and again it feels relaxing even though you’re so close to busy roads. I had a long black and it was really good (I forgot which kind of beans they were using). The owner made sure I was happy with it and I enjoyed it. With that I had the F.A.T.T breakfast — a persian feta, avocado, tomato on toast. That was really good too. The portion was a good size — it was simple but delicious. The mint in it was so refreshing on this hot day. The cook himself made sure I was happy with it too. They were all friendly and really just interested if they can provide the best experience for the customer. it felt genuine. You know when you’re in a café and every 2 minutes someone asks you if everything is okay but they wouldn’t change a thing if I would complain? really annoying right? Here I felt welcomed and had a nice and relaxing breakfast.
I’ll be back! :)