One of Newcastle’s most coffee-enthused legends
It’s that time again where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with our favourite local business owners and creatives to find out where they go to eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take their out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.
For our 22nd instalment of SPILL, we’re catching up with one of Newcastle’s most coffee-enthused legends, Jayson Brakel of Xtraction Espresso and Flo.
Jayson Brakel
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle recognise you from?
Coffee shops! I have been in and around the Newcastle coffee scene for the last decade. Serving my apprenticeship at Sherwood coffee, constantly trying to up my coffee knowledge, and learning about business along the way.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Mudgee – it was a lovely place to grow up. It is such a beautiful town and it has such a good weekend culture which was great for a few cafes around town.
What made you decide to make Newcastle home?
Mudgee was too small. As beautiful as it is, after 20 odd years you have very much seen and done most of what there is to do. I was looking for a new challenge so I made my way up and down the coast and I have very happily landed here!
Do you consider yourself more of an early bird or a night owl?
Working in coffee you have to be an early bird!
What’s your morning ritual?
There are two possible answers here.
Both start at 4.30am getting up and getting ready. If I’m working on the floor, it’s straight out the door to get into the cafes. If we have a slower morning, it’s time with the family before they are off to work and school then onto my day.
What’s your coffee order?
I have a few and I will normally have all of them multiple times a day.
I always start with an espresso of our house blend and the single of the day, as well as a batch brew. Then I’m on oat piccolos and oat flat whites (and the odd batch) for the rest of the day.
Speaking of coffee, which local venue knows your order by heart?
Well, I’m in the very privileged position of having a couple of my own so I will be at either (or both) of those once a day. Then if I have a bit more time, I love to go to all the amazing spots we have to offer in this city!
Tell me about your biggest career highlight…
My first cafe was with Sherwood (the Kahibah store) and that was pretty amazing. I poured myself into that store. Now, having two stores of my own is also an awesome highlight but I’m also really looking forward to what is to come!
In your spare time, what are your THREE top favourite things to do in Newcastle?
It honestly depends on when you ask me! I’m big on hobbies and they change more often than the seasons do! Ranging from mountain biking, running, Lego, and reading. It honestly just depends on when you ask me. I will always love coffee, service, and business though.
If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?
I’m not much of a dazzler if I’m honest. My partner is a massive fan of fire, so if we do have friends or family around, we would crank on the pizza oven, get the fire going and all stay cosy together.
Beer? Wine? Cocktail? Mocktail? What is your tipple of choice and where do you frequently visit?
Unfortunately, I’m a bit slack with the going out side of things. However, Sapori at Tailors is always awesome if we get out.
On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
Coffee and my wife. Without fail get the job done.
What do you NEVER leave the house without?
It’s always the same lame things. Phone, keys, laptop. I also have been bringing my gym bag of late to trick myself into heading straight in. That hasn’t worked yet…
We’re all about keeping it local here at HUNTERhunter – tell me THREE of your favourite local businesses that you live and breathe by and why you couldn’t live without them…
There are some awesome spots around Newy! Autumn Rooms on Darby for breakfast, Arno Deli for lunch, and Sapori at Tailors for dinner.
What are you reading / watching / listening to now?
Reading – my wife has me into Fourth Wing so I’m just finishing up Onyx Storm.
Watching – the new season of Andor just came out and I love me some Star Wars!
Listening – Love Me Not by Raven Lenae.
If you’re needing a short break away from Newcastle, where do you go and why?
Time away is rare. Just anywhere as long as my girl is with me, I’m pretty stoked.
What would you like to see more of in Newcastle?
Just more cool people getting opportunities in the areas they are passionate about
Lucky last – who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Would love to hear from the people from my top 3 places! You’ve already spoken with Will from Arno so Benny from Autumn Rooms or the lovely people from Sapori!
