The Little Concept

The Little Concept is an unassuming little coffee shop, quietly tucked away from the bustle of Fremantle’s main ‘cappuccino strip’ on South Tce. It was an accidental find for me, mostly due to its location across the road from Lenny the Ox (which at the time had no tables).
Upon entry, I was pleasantly surprised by the range of beverages, most of which cater to alternative dietary needs (vegan, lactose free, sugar-​free, soy-​free). Whoever’s creating the drinks menu is super inventive: there’s a turmeric latte, gingerbread latte, peanut butter mocha, dirty chai, iced matcha, red espresso… need I go on? I might make it my new year’s resolution to try each option at least once.
There’s also a beautiful range of chia puddings, pre-​packed healthy lunch boxes, vegan cakes and rolls, all of which look both nourishing and delicious. We tried toasted vegetarian and chicken slaw bagels alongside a housemade tuna patty with relish. The bread was fresh and for the most part, the simple ingredients were well prepared. The tuna patty was ‘average’ according to my dining partner, but… well, tuna. It would be fair to say that TLC (as the locals call it) specialises in good quality café fare with a wholesome twist.
Despite the plethora of fancy options, TLC does a regular flat white consistently well, regardless of the barista on service (major brownie points in my book). The café has free wifi and, as a standout, also makes a point not to charge extra for alternative plant based milks (soy, almond and coconut are available). In Perth’s current café climate, that’s pretty darn generous. It’s no wonder they have a strong local following.

I thought the coffee at the surrounding cafes was good until I went here. TLC is a step above! From one coffee snob to another, this is worth a visit.

When I popped into TLC to pick up some red espresso for at home I eyed off their cabinet of sandwiches and drinks menu and knew I had to return with some girlfriends for a meal and drink. My friends Miss M and Miss L agreed to have brunch with me and we returned a few weeks later.
When we arrived we were quickly drawn to their cabinet of sandwiches and slices and after a quick browse we settled on ordering a range of sandwiches, yogurts and chia dishes along with juices and coffees before settling in at one of their tables for a catch up chat. I ordered the toasted BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) along with a red espresso white mocha and an apple juice. The juices here received a big thumbs up from our entire group with Miss L and Miss M quickly ordering a juice after seeing mine. Miss L ordered the yoghurt and chia dishes of which she enjoyed both, and Miss M ordered a sandwich which I did not get a picture off as it was devoured very quickly and well enjoyed.
After our meal we continued to chat and enjoy our drinks and it was lovely to watch the constant stream of what seemed to be regular customers coming in for their morning coffee. TLC appears to have built up a very good reputation in the area for being opened roughly 12 months ago. Miss M, Miss L and I all enjoyed the atmosphere of the café. The staff were all friendly and we even had a sample of a yummy melted chocolate drink brought out to us while we were catching up and had no problem with us remaining there chatting for a few hours past our meal. I will be returning in the future as I would love to try more of the red espresso range as well as more of the sandwiches and bagels in their cabinet.

I’m on a mission to rediscover Freo’s coffee scene and this ranks on top of my list for a bunch of reasons:
— location is tucked away on Wray Ave, away from the busier streets
— incredible selection of milks if you’re vegan /​lactose intolerant (with NO extra charge)
— unique drink creations so you’ll never get bored (red gingerbread latte? Coconut matcha?)
— awesome staff who look like they’re having so much fun!
The only thing I struggled with was choosing dessert — the selection of cakes, slices and snacks were incredible. Tons of vegan options too.
Oh I forgot to mention — awesome wifi as well! Perfect spot to hang out and chill, get some work done or read the paper.
They also stock prana chai, rooibos and lovely muesli packs to take home.
Five out of five noms.

Cute place, good takeaway wraps and sandwiches, chill vibe. I’m not a big fan of the rooibos «coffee», especially after I accidentally ordered one without realizing it! It’s a fine little place, just not my personal favourite.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The staff are so lovely and friendly and as is Micheal. I am a very fussy coffee drinker (barista’s nightmare) but the girls make my coffee exactly as I request and the prices are the best in Perth. They don’t try to rip you off because you don’t drink cows milk. No extra charge for soy, almond or coconut milk AND they use the best quality milks. No shortcuts here. They have delicious food too. Only negative is we have to drive from Scarborough to get there… hahahh worth every km.

Was so embarrassed! I thought I give this place a go and invited my gang out. Since it was a Sunday I decided to check if they were open. Checked their Facebook which says «open to 3pm» but when we got there at 1pm they told us they were closing up early and could only do Takeaway for next 10 – 15 mins. Did not felt welcomed at all! When we were deciding whether to order takeaway, they then told us they cannot do coffee since the machine is turned off. My gang didnt like that and walked off. Why post on Facebook about being open to 3 if you are closing at 1? Why not offer good service when there are 4 potential customers who could love your place and return? I know you want to close early but having a business mean taking into consideration of your customers! Will. not. return. And my friends said they will not return.
EDIT: Michael the owner contacted me and sorted everything out! I appreciate his initiative and customer service. Not many places would follow up on a customer (which is quite sad actually), this is why I cannot express how much I appreciate Michael for doing so. Went there a couple of days ago and love everything about the store and the staff. Thank goodness my partner and I gave it another try, since we both loved the place now!

Had coffee three times form here now and couldn’t fault it. I tried it out because I thought Wild Poppy had got to expensive. This is a bit cheaper and just as good.
Always has people there so probably doing something right.