Featured ‘in the box’ – The Little Prince Espresso
Just last week I was talking with a good friend about the lack of good coffee shops in Brisbane. There are a number of great spots in West End, New Farm & the Valley but sadly, none of them are near my house and the only one that was recently went out of business. So when I wake up looking like the post-apocalyptic zombie bride on a Sunday morning, Matt has no choice but to cower behind the couch for 2 hours while I stomp around our unit, clinging to my cup of Nescafe.
On Saturday just gone, we walked down to our local independent grocer for some much needed supplies (i.e. chocolate and alcohol). In my pre-caffeine haze it would have been easy for me to miss The Little Prince Espresso, nestled in the front of the The Princess Theater but thank goodness I didn’t.
The Little Prince opened some 8 weeks ago on Annerley Road, near the site of the old Clarence Corner Hotel (now The Brewhouse) and is run by mother and son team Bev and Kris. The two opened The Little Prince Espresso after Bev retired, but still longed for something more, and skilled barista Kris who had always dreamed of opening his own shop decided to follow their passion.
This up-and-coming coffee mecca uses specialty coffee roasted on site at Cup in West End, creating incredibly rich, smooth and downright amazing coffees for lucky patrons. As well as supplying customers with outstanding coffee, there is a variety of locally sourced sweet treats on offer and by using local businesses like Cup, Bev and Kris are helping other Brissie businesses to stay in business.
The story behind the shops name is fantastic and told with absolute passion and delight by Kris. The Little Prince is a classic French book from 1943, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It tells the story of a young boy, the little prince, who draws a picture; a flat line with a semi-circle sized bump in the middle of it. When he asks adults what the picture looks like they suggest it is a hat, however he knows it is a picture of a boa constrictor that ate an elephant, because he drew it.
What’s beautiful about the story is its message, that as we get older and become adults we lose the ability to use our imaginations and see things in the same way a child does. But those abilities are still within us, we can choose to see and do things however we wish if we open our minds and that’s the inspiration and mindset behind Bev and Kris opening The Little Prince Espresso.
A lot of local businesses are struggling at the moment, so when a truly great one pops up we should do what we can to support it. Goodness knows the thousands of employees positioned across the road at the Mater Hospital are doing their part to support The Little Prince.
Brisbane has always been thought of as a ‘small town’ and after living abroad I can honestly say that’s one of the things I love most about it. The big chains like Starbucks have their place, but it’s the home-grown, local businesses that make our close-knit city unique. Be sure to stop in at The Little Prince next time you’re in South Brisbane for an absolutely fantastic cup of coffee and show your ongoing support for our local businesses by spreading the word about great spots like this one.
I’ve been searching for the best coffee in Brisbane for quite some time now and I have to say that The Little Prince Espresso may just be it!
If you have any tips for great local coffee spots and shops, not just in Brisbane but around the rest of Australia and the world as well, please share them. Next time one our reader’s visits your fair city they may just pop into your favourite local coffee shop. Let’s help support local business.
littlegreybox.
12 Comments on “Featured ‘in the box’ – The Little Prince Espresso”
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What is littlegreybox?
littlegreybox is a meeting point of humorous perspective, food and travel experiences and my life journey. It's my outlet, a source of inspiration and a way to share and connect with people around the world.
I haven’t heard anything about the Little Prince in over 20 years and the past few weeks, I’ve seen him everywhere! What an adorable coffee cup.
Have you tried the coffee there yet? Once you do you’ll know what all the raving is about :)
I have got to go there! That’s amazing! This is why I love blogs! You learn something new every day! Thanks friend! I’ve read the Little Prince trying to teach myself French, and it’s so beautiful. New item on my bucket list is officially added because of you.
Thanks Sara, it’s so good when you read about somewhere new and exciting you want to go. It’s why I love blogs too :)
Wow, I would visit that shop if I were in Australia! I have a little prince of my own, my son is named after that lovely book. =>
I am such an advocate of local business, and this is truly an awesome story. I liked the name of the shop before you explained its origins, then I LOVED the name. If I am ever in the outback, I know where to get my coffee!
Fab story and I love your writing, esp. ” looking like the post-apocalyptic zombie bride on a Sunday morning”……..perfect!
I’ve loved The Little Prince and his story for so long. It’s amazing to see this coffee shop open up. If only Aus was so much closer than a 15 hour plane ride.
Supporting local businesses is important, and I do that whenever I can. That coffee shop sounds wonderful!
I recognize this story. It is the same feeling I get from Doppio Gouda (in Holland). They have such great coffee, from real good beans and all. Every time I drink a cup, well my minds get racing and all. So if you like thos coffee! Keep going there. Keep supporting it. They really need it :)
Reblogged this on the efficacious, abstruse, and the garrulous mind.
Your first post just appeared on Urbanspoon! Check it out:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/337/1717613/restaurant/Brisbane/The-Little-Prince-Espresso-Woolloongabba
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