The ever-so-trendy suburb of Islington is bursting at the seams with character and is home to an expanding selection of stylish boutiques ranging from vintage, eco-conscious, and plants, plus some of the best coffee and foodie hotspots in Newcastle.

But have you visited the newest addition to the coffee scene? Introducing the bright, friendly, and welcoming vintage coffee caravan – Billy Button.

Brought to you by German-born Marion and Darwin original Grace, the unlikely pair formed a friendship with their past food stall businesses popping up at markets down our East Coast.

Marion, whom you may remember as one of the ladies behind Hunter Street coffee and retail spot, The Eco Emporyum, joined forces with Grace, who has her own background in the hospitality industry with the two businesses she launched with her best friend in Darwin, Fruit Scoop and Mac Met Cheese.

Located on Maitland Road just up from Stoned Saint Moon and across the road from Peaberry’s Coffee Roasters, Billy Button is nestled against the brick wall of Planet Islington and has become a local haunt since its opening in late January.

“We both really wanted a kid-friendly space and had seen the delicious Peruvian food truck, La Chosita, in the parking lot next door. 

“Grace loved the idea of her vintage yellow 1952 caravan being so close to the iconic Islington building, which is the heart of antique trading in Newcastle. It was a match made in heaven and now the space is working really well as a little food truck hub,” said Marion.

The caravan packs so much more into it than just being an aesthetically pleasing coffee spot. The girls are serving up homemade cakes, muffins, and other baked goodies. The menu also offers a variety of toasted jaffles with favourites including pickled fennel with spicy beetroot relish and the classic tinned spaghetti and cheese.

“The coffee beans are from PNG and are roasted by Ethica, a small business based out of Lemon Tree Passage that has been working sustainably with the same village in the Eastern Highlands for many years. The beautiful spicy chai we use is from Ritual, lovingly made in Bellingen.”

Additionally, the drinks menu also covers a range of smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and iced drinks.

The highlight on the menu would have to be Grace’s creation, the Fruit Scoop, served in bowls or waffle cones.

“Our favourite is the Brekkie Bowl with lots of crunchy granola, fresh fruit, toasted coconut, hemp, and chia seeds. Our Fruit Scoops are a great vegan and gluten-free option and are a perfect healthy treat for kids.”

If you’re after something a little cheeky, you can’t go past Marion’s Poffertjes. The mini-Dutch pancakes are served with a variety of different toppings including homemade caramel sauce, passionfruit curd, or classic maple syrup.

The van is named after the Australian native flower, Billy Button, which can be found in eastern NSW.

“We both felt that this gorgeous yellow flower radiates happy vibes and fits in so well with the colour of the caravan. We have them planted all around the space and they are getting close to blooming. We’re very excited!”

Radiating happy vibes is exactly what this space has done – the cosy nook of a space makes for a perfect coffee pick-me-up during the work day or a lazy Saturday morning brunch drop-by. Whether you’re local to the area or are based further afar, drop by Billy Button for your daily dose of happiness.