Next time you’re wandering around Newcastle’s CBD, swing by Hunter St Mall and drop into One Penny Black to experience one of our most recognised and well-loved cafes.

This absolute local gem of a café has been gracing the Newcastle café scene since its inception in 2010, and with the new owners, Praveen & Sai taking over back in 2015, it’s continued to be amongst the top favourite venues in our city centre.

Over the years, the cosy yet rustic space has become known for their specialty coffee offering, seasonal menu, and their range of bagels, pastries, and sweets available. However, the team have just been granted their liquor license so you will soon be able to enjoy One Penny Black at night!

“Our application for our liquor license has just recently been approved. What this means for us moving forward is the possibility of opening for night time trading with a whole new look and the expansion of our menus to include new and exciting options that come with obtaining the right the serve alcohol,” Sai shared.

With designs for the refurb of the front area complete, it’s hoped that renovations can kick off by the end of November with nights hopefully kicking off before the end of the year; watch this space!

Whilst we await One Penny Black’s Nights kicking off, we can all still enjoy all the glorious things the venue has become known for. First off, their coffee! Being located so centrally, they’ve become a go-to for many office workers in town, and not just because of their location, but because their coffee is always on-point!

“We push the limits offering filter and drop coffee in many different techniques such as batch brew with the Moccamaster which is a mechanical pour-over resulting in a hot cup of sublet yet flavoursome coffee; the V60 pour-over, similar to the batch brew with the differentiation of manual pouring; and the AeroPress which is similar for a French press and cold drip.”

Sourcing their beans from multiple local roasters including Life Science for their signature creamy house blends, the crowd favourite Darks Coffee Roasters for their single origins, and guest singles which change on a monthly basis, giving you, the customer, a constantly unique coffee experience!

Not into coffee? The One Penny Black range of premium tea or one of their decadent Lindt chocolate hot chocolates will hit the spot! If you’re after something a little fresher, the team also offer a range of cool drinks including their Fresh Juice, Smoothies, Milkshakes, Iced Coffee, and even Ice Cream Soda!

Moving onto the seasonal menu, One Penny Black’s offering continues to deliver with their upmarket café food. With plenty to choose from, there’s no doubt a little something to suit every taste. Starting with the deliciously plated Sonoma Bircher Muesli served with overnight maple cinnamon oats, seasonal fruit, sweetened Greek yoghurt, and honey coconut.

Their toasties offer three unique toppings to choose from. The Herbie comes complete with halloumi, pumpkin, wild rocket, and house-made tomato chilli jam; Penny with double smoked ham, cheddar cheese, mixed mustard, rocket, and house-made tomato chilli jam; and lucky last, the Guinea complete with spiced chicken, cheese, corn, jalapeno salsa, and smoked aioli!

Moving into lunch the flavours just keep hitting the spot starting with the ever-so-colourful Salmon Freshness Bowl complete with carrot ribbons, smoked salmon, roasted baby pumpkin, avocado, and sprouts with parsley mint lemon dressing.

For those who love something a little heartier, you’ve got to check out their burger options. Our pick? The Mexican Spiced Beef Burger with lettuce, tomato, Old English cheese, and lemon BBQ sauce. Vegans and vegetarians aren’t forgotten about with the One Penny Black’s Vegan and Veggie Burgers!

“The One Penny chefs also work hard to create exciting new black board specials every week.”

Meaning you’ll always have something new, tasty, and downright unique to taste test!

Whilst the local joint has faced many a challenge over the last few years, from the light rail work to the construction on the old David Jones building, lengthy road work, to covid restrictions coming into place, the One Penny Black team are always keeping positive and moving towards bigger and better things. This time, these things come in the shape of nights!

“We aim to create a space that is calm and welcoming, where anyone and everyone can take a moment to indulge. In other words, the One Penny Black experience is simple, honest, crafted, and most importantly – quality.”

So, if you’re heading into the CBD make sure to head into the iconic venue in Hunter St Mall and experience the unique foodie flavours, simply superb specialty coffee offering, and overall great hospitality at One Penny Black.