Café
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar
Italian espresso bar on Bourke Street since 1954, with its original 1950s fit-out, a long marble counter and simple pasta dishes served without bookings.
Proud Mary
Collingwood cafe opened in 2009 by Nolan Hirte, serving its own roasted blends and single origins through a six-group espresso set-up, plus inventive brunch dishes.
At a glance
- Type
- Specialty coffee and brunch cafe
- Area
- Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- proudmarycoffee.com.au
Why we recommend it
Proud Mary opened in early 2009 on Oxford Street in Collingwood. Its founder, Nolan Hirte, had previously run the cafe Liar Liar, and the guide The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops has ranked Proud Mary fourth. The business now roasts coffee that is sold in Melbourne and shipped internationally.
The room is a raw-brick space dominated by a long, L-shaped speckled stone counter that holds both the small kitchen and a large brew bar, usually staffed by three or more baristas. There is also an outdoor area. The espresso machine set-up is unusual: Hirte joined two three-group Synesso machines into a single six-group machine, and each single origin has its own dedicated equipment. Coffee is served as espresso, V60 pour-over, AeroPress or cold drip, using Proud Mary's own blends and single origins, which are roasted a block away at Aunty Peg's.
The food goes beyond standard brunch. Dishes noted on the menu have included braised beef cheek spiced with a Balkan pepper paste, avocado on toast topped with sprouts, and ricotta hotcakes with cardamom-spiked sour cream. Combined with the coffee programme, that makes Proud Mary a full meal destination rather than a quick stop.
The cafe opens from 7am to 3pm on weekdays and from 8am to 3pm at weekends, according to the official website. It is rarely quiet, and takeaway orders can take some time at busy periods, so allow longer than you might expect for a coffee to go, or plan to sit down. Aunty Peg's, at 200 Wellington Street, is the company's roastery and coffee bar and opens daily from 8am to 5pm, and visitors to the roastery are welcome to look around, which makes it a good second stop for anyone who wants to see where the coffee is roasted.
Proud Mary suits coffee enthusiasts, brunch-loving couples and small groups. For a coffee-focused morning, Industry Beans' cafe and roastery on Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, makes a natural companion visit. The coffee range, including blends named Blend, Mild, Curious, Wild and Deluxe and a decaf, can be bought online through the official website, which also sells coffee subscriptions, brewing equipment and machines, tea and chocolate.
Proud Mary FAQs
Where is Proud Mary?
At 172 Oxford Street, Collingwood.
What are Proud Mary's opening hours?
7am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, according to the official website.
Who founded Proud Mary?
Nolan Hirte, who opened it in early 2009.
How is the coffee served?
As espresso, V60, AeroPress or cold drip, using the company's own blends and single origins.
Where is the coffee roasted?
At Aunty Peg's, a block away at 200 Wellington Street, which is also open to visitors daily from 8am to 5pm.
Is there food?
Yes. The kitchen serves brunch dishes such as ricotta hotcakes and braised beef cheek.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, there is an outdoor area.
Is takeaway quick?
At busy times takeaway orders can take a while, so allow extra time.