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Formative Coffee

Formative is a hidden gem on a nearby side street. You can sample beans, choose from unique roasts, and grab a friendly chat with staff. They do a fun strawberry jam decaf espresso alongside baked goods like monkey bread. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere never feels rushed. Good coffee, good people, good chat, that’s what Formative brings to early mornings and calm breaks.

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Sample Coffee

With its tidy décor and upbeat energy, Sample is anything but overbearing. It offers a polished and friendly space for solo work or quiet chats. Simple wooden chairs and high counters meet neutral walls, leaving distractions at bay. The coffee is fresh, and doughnuts appear on Fridays for a midweek pick-me-up. It’s a spot that blends picky coffee drinkers and mellow minds without raising the volume.

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Four Six Eight Café

Four Six Eight is known for its creative comfort food and plant-filled aesthetic. With noodle soups and pork belly sharing menu space with baked porridge and strong espresso, it’s a playful but grounded spot for brunch. The staff are easygoing and helpful, and the little garden vibe brings a nice dose of calm to the Oxford Street bustle.

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Leah Mulcahy

Barefoot Coffee Traders

Barefoot keeps it simple: really good coffee and some of the best waffles around. This small café leans into the casual Manly vibe with its surfboard decor and tiny outdoor setup. It’s the kind of place you stop by in your boardies for a post-swim espresso, or sit out front to catch the morning sun with a flat white and a sweet bite.

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Kingswood Coffee

A specialty coffee bar in a small hole-in-the-wall space on Mount Street, Kingswood brews strong espresso with beans roasted in-house. It attracts local coffee fans who want quality and consistency without fuss. Friendly baristas are always ready to chat about coffee origins and brewing methods.