If you haven’t been down to Ocean Grove’s Parade Espresso Bar, then there is definitely something wrong with you… Just kidding, but you need to get your shit together and go ASAP, you won’t regret it.
Here are the top five reasons you should visit Parade Espresso Bar.
The Coffee
Winner of the 2018 Golden Plate award for best coffee (as well as taking out the 2018 Golden Plate best-unlicensed cafe) in Geelong has got to mean something right? That’s because legendary Melbourne-raised barista Eugenio uses the Campos Coffee range, and with loads of experience behind him, he sure knows how to make a mean coffee. If coffee isn’t your thing (weirdos) you can also try the range of Larson and Thompson teas and a selection of Kombucha and Juices.
The Staff
They (not sure who) say that the staff makes a business, and the staff at Parade live up to that expectation. Owner Eugenio is one of the most warming, bubbly and eclectic people you will ever meet, and he ensures that all his staff has the same attitude. I can guarantee you will leave with a giant smile on your face and stitches from laughing so much. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Eugenio’s two-year-old son Knox slinging toothy smiles to all the coffee addicts from behind the counter.
The Food
Parade use a range of local suppliers for their sweets, such as donuts from Gluten Free by Isaac, Ket Baker Pastries, cupcakes by Rainbow Cakes Geelong, The Naked Baker, they also offer Robertas Deli toasties and paninis and everybody’s favourite, Melbourne based Ace Cookies.
The Space
What more could you want, than a simple modern, minimalistic contemporary café space? Complete with splashes of greenery and art displays done by a few local artists and photographers, such as Cameron Rosin, Johnte Lange, and Tal Lemmens, just to name a few. There is also a stylish magazine wall, with some good books and great magazines *cough cough forte*, so if your idea of a perfect day is drinking coffee and reading your favourite local mag, then head on down to Parade.
The Location
Regardless of if it’s a nice sunny, or rainy day, any day is a perfect time to take a day trip down to the coastal town of Ocean Grove, where you can visit the Ocean Plaza – home to Parade Espresso Bar, and pop in for a coffee, a sweet and even a chat to Eugenio. You can also browse through a range of other shops and cafes, and pick yourself up Geelong’s favourite, a Rolling Pin pie and head down to Bookgrove and #treatyoself
You can find Parade Espresso at Shop 6/71 The Parade, Ocean Grove, or follow him on the gram at @paradeespressobar
Written by Chloe Cicero
