Glee – the O.G of Coastie Coffee
Glee is all about coffee and people. That has been the philosophy of Glee Coffee Roasters from the beginning and it continues to underlie all their practices today.
Founded on the Central Coast almost 10 years ago, the evolution of good coffee in the region can just about be traced back to Glee.
While the beans bring a lot of glee to many coffee addicts, the name stems from Gleeson brothers, Chris and Ben, who set up the business and have since roped in their middle brother Nick as Head Roaster.
Glee Coffee family with Chris (far left) and Ben (fourth left) Gleeson.
One step into the funky HQ in Wyong and you know you’ve come across something special. Almost as cool as Google, the office comes complete with a ping pong table, team photo wall, vibrant vintage art, chill-out sofas and the heavenly aroma of roasted coffee beans.
Downstairs in the warehouse it’s always a flurry of activity around the ever-in-use coffee machine that staff are encouraged to constantly experiment on.
There are bags and bags of beans surrounding the roasting machinery and just about every type of coffee accessory known to man.
Glee Coffee Roasters. Photo: Paige Adams
Throughout Glee HQ, there’s a constant stream of staff moving around trying, testing and helping with the production process.
The chit chat about the “blends” is so infectious, before you know it you’ll be sipping on an espresso discussing the bitterness quotient.
The famous house blend, affectionately referred to as “The Goods”, is what they’re known for and what fills the mugs in Glee’s Central Coast cafés.
Glee filtered coffee. Photo: Paige Adams
If you’re thinking about mixing up your usual – try Glee’s “batch brew”. Filter coffee is the latest ‘it thing’ in coffee and Glee’s is already receiving rave reviews. It’s a different, smoother way to enjoy Glee’s signature taste.
For hotter days there’s a refreshing cold brew on offer, which can be served over ice or taken away in a nifty jar (homemade espresso martinis anyone?).
Glee coffee can also be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep if you can’t go without “the goods” on those stay-at-home mornings.
Vege roll at Glee, Wyong. Photo: Paige Adams
Once you’ve perfected your coffee order you can start browsing the wholesome menu at the Glee cafes at Erina and Wyong.
Breakfast is served until 2pm every day (sleep-ins aren’t just for Sunday!) and offers something for everyone.
There’s avo smash, pancakes, haloumi pesto stacks and of course the usual bacon and eggs with any-side-you-want combos, as well as acai and green bowls for the more health-conscious breakfast goers.
The vege breakfast roll, with avocado, kale, fried egg and a freshly baked hash brown, is a genius Glee concoction and the classic B+E roll, which comes with double bacon and chipotle bbq sauce, will satisfy even the hungriest of customers.
Glee Coffee Roasters at Erina. Photo: Lisa Haymes
If you’re looking for takeaway, there’s plenty of freshly made goodies, both sweet and savoury, to choose from at the counter.
The crowd favourite breakfast-on-the-go option is the poached egg and crispy bacon breakfast burrito, which always flies off the shelf.
Glee Coffee Roasters at Wyong. Photo: Paige Adams
You’ll find the bustling Wyong café via an inconspicuous sign on the wall of the historic Chapman Building, while Glee’s other cafe is located at Erina Heights on the Central Coast Highway.
Both cafes boast an industrial feel with dimly-lit bulbs, exposed bricks and leafy indoor plants.
The music is upbeat in the morning and calming at lunchtime with the ever-present background noise of caffeine-fuelled chat and buzzing coffee machines.
Spacious and vibey, the cafes offer the perfect place to work away on your laptop, catch up with friends or just sit solo and enjoy a good ole’ cup of joe.
Coffee at Glee Coffee Roasters at Erina. Photo: Lisa Haymes
Glee is not just a business, it’s not just a café and it’s certainly not just coffee.
Glee is a feeling – it’s warm and fuzzy and filled with beans.
Get your fix at Glee Erina, open from 6am-3pm weekdays, 7am-3pm Saturday and 8am-2pm Sunday or Glee Wyong, open from 6am-3pm weekdays and 8am-2pm Saturday.
Coastal Chic Tip: Do your bit for the environment and get your hands on a Glee keep cup
