Have you visited Boolaroo’s book cafe?
Step inside Hippy Java in Boolaroo and you’re greeted not just by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, but by a sense of warmth and familiarity that feels like home.
Tucked inside a former 100-year-old butcher shop on Main Road, this cosy book cafe is the project of Boolaroo longtime local, Julie West.
“I’ve lived up around the corner for the past 25 years and get to walk to work every single day,” Julie said.
There’s a tangible love for her neighbourhood in everything she does at Hippy Java, from the carefully brewed coffee to the collection of books that fill the shelves and the food that she serves.
Opening in August 2022, Hippy Java is the culmination of Jule’s rich and varied life experiences – experiences she is no stranger to sharing with customers.
“My background is a long story. Originally, I was a draftsperson when I was very young but I left that go be a ski instructor which ended up being the best thing I ever did.”
From the snowy slopes to summers working at Wet n Wild and eventually eight years spent in Canada, Julie’s journey has been anything but linear. But the consistent thread through it all? A love of people.
“I’ve done waitressing over the years and worked in a restaurant in Toronto. I just thought, how hard could running a cafe be? Famous last words! I love the people side of things, but the paperwork is always a learning curve.”
Despite the learning curves that every owner in the hospitality industry would agree with, Julie has injected so much love and personality into the community cafe space that is Hippy Java.
With lovingly-made food that Julie describes as “like someone who cares about you making you good food,” and “the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life” – Bills Beans roasted in Orange by Seven Miles Coffee Roasters – a visit to Hippy Java feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
The name itself is a nod to Julie’s laid-back spirit and love of coffee.
“I’m not labelled as a hippy, but if you were to label me, you’d probably say I was a hippy! So, the name is a bit of me and java obviously meaning coffee.”
The cafe also boasts a selection of new books all priced accordingly and their book nook that is home to a range of secondhand books all priced at just $10.
“My daughter has worked in a bookshop for six years and reads books like they’re going out of fashion. She’s the one behind the book concept here, as well as our tales by candlelight event.”
With new dates yet to be announced, tales by candelight is an intimate night of storytelling, canapes, and tropical punch. To be amongst the first to hear about the next dates, follow Hippy Java on Instagram.
“It is such a beautiful and supportive evening.”
With a quirky heartfelt spirit and a whole lot of community love, Hippy Java is more than a cafe. It’s Boolaroo’s own little community spot wrapped in warmth, stories, and really good coffee.
