Branxton’s home of coffee
Photography courtesy of Ben Greenslade-Stanton
Sidecar Roasters, the newest name in Branxton’s coffee scene, may be freshly planted in the Hunter Valley, but its roots run deep in music, creativity, and community.
Taking over the striking Maitland Street space formerly known as Untitled by Equium, Sidecar Roasters is the creation of long-time friends, musicians, and coffee aficionados Ben Greenslade-Stanton and Mike Raper.
Both Ben and Mike come from rich musical backgrounds that have taken them across the globe – from Sydney and the South Coast to London, New York, and beyond.
Ben has spent more than 15 years in the UK playing and producing alongside the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man, Saint Etienne, and even Prince, whilst Mike has shared stages with TLC, Tina Arena, and Tim Minchin, just to name a few.
But after years in the spotlight and on the road, the pandemic prompted a shift toward something quieter and more grounded – coffee.
“Sidecar Roasters was a bit of a pandemic baby. In the middle of all the uncertainty, the three of us – Mike, myself, and fellow musician Marty Farrugia – needed something new to pour ourselves into. Roasting gave us something to experiment with, obsess over, and refine. It became a daily ritual, a shared language, and eventually, our business,” Ben said.
Founded in 2021 and originally roasting in Sydney, the brand’s next chapter began when Ben and his family relocated to the Hunter. A chance encounter with the uniquely designed Branxton site sparked the move.
“It was definitely serendipitous. Ben sent through some photos of the space and we both immediately saw the potential,” Mike said.
That potential has officially now taken form.
The building, designed by globally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, offers a minimalist, sculptural backdrop that Sidecar Roasters has gently reanimated with their own signature rhythm.
“We didn’t want to mess with its elegance, but we’ve added our own touches. A roaster humming away onsite, curated playlists drifting through the space, and a strong sense of welcome.”
In terms of the offering, expect a house blend, Enigma, alongside rotating single origins from Brazil, Columbia, and Ethiopia – all roasted in-house. Coffee is served every way you’d want it; espresso, pour-over, batch brew, cold brew, plus chai, and alternative milks from Milklab.
Non-coffee drinkers won’t be left out either, with cold-pressed juices, sparkling coconut waters, and a bright citrusy yuzu spritz rounding out the drinks list.
On the food front, you’ll find cinnamon cruffs, burnt Basque cheesecake, banana bread slathered with Enigma coffee butter, and savoury options like breakfast burritos and sandwiches made with croissants or schiacciata from local producers such as MR Charcuterie.
Their retail shelf is equally impressive, stocked with brewing gear from Fellow, Hario, Aeropress, and Huskee.
“If we don’t have it, we’ll sort it for you.”
But beyond the coffee and the snacks, Sidecar is about connection.
“We want this to be a space where the creative and the curious collide. Expect rotating art installations, playlists spanning soul, jazz, dub, and ambient, and a steady flow of events and collaborations.”
Open Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm, and weekends from 7.30am, Sidecar Roasters invites locals and travellers alike to pull up a seat, tune into the atmosphere, and enjoy a brew that’s been crafted with soul.
