In addition to being the official opening date of its new location, Friday July 8 also marked Blackout’s 1000th consecutive day of operation. Eli Rami and Sam Holman did the math and the numbers miraculously check out. Since opening on October 8 2019, Blackout has never once missed a day of trade – staying open through rain, hail, shine and pandemic. It’s this dedication to continuous caffeine dispensing that endeared Blackout to Paddington’s coffee-drinking populace, who regularly turn out in throngs to source their daily cup from the tiny institution. There’s no doubt that they’ll continue to flock to Blackout’s new home, because it’s only moved one door down. After being told that they’d have to relocate from their original hole-in-the-wall hideaway on Latrobe Terrace, Eli and Sam (who also run wine bar Noir and fellow 365-trading St. Lucia pitstop If You Say So) were eager to remain as close as possible to the original site. They couldn’t have found a more convenient site to move to – the neighbouring space (previously home to Apruzzese Hair) was vacant, meaning that the team only had to scoot once space over when the time came. The move took place last Thursday, with the Blackout team packing up all gear after closing at 1:00 pm and installing it overnight in time to the open at 5:30 am on Friday morning.
With a bigger footprint to work with, Eli and Sam have decided to diversify their portfolio further by splitting the space in two – on one side sits Blackout 2.0, while the other will house the duo’s forthcoming baked-goods concept mis•spelt Bakery (which you can read all about over in Pavement Whispers). Eager to retain as much of Blackout’s established aesthetic and layout as possible, Sam has designed a space that almost exactly mirrors its original location. Working with Brian McKenny of MacWest Constructions, the crew has transferred over Blackout’s established moody and dark palette, boasting concrete, faux brick wall cladding and grey tiles across coffee counter, retail shelves and small interior seating area. Where Blackout previously sat behind a roller door, here it’s got its own coffee window for express pick-ups. A cluster of low-set stools and tables adorn the footpath, allowing folks to congregate with cappuccinos in hand. Speaking of coffee, Blackout 2.0 is equipped with a gleaming new Sanremo F18 coffee machine and a set of self-serve batch brew taps. Espresso drops are being made using The Black Lab Coffee Co.’s Platinum blend, while single-origin filter brews will feature on the taps. A small food cabinet stocks bacon-and-egg muffins, sweet treats and flaky pastries, though the offering is expected to change once mis•spelt opens next door.
Blackout 2.0 is now open to the public, with mis•spelt Bakery set to follow later in July or early August. Operating hours can be found in the Stumble Guide.
