Zekka
Perhaps it’s remiss to mention it here, but the first thing I notice about Zekka — aside from the modern rusted laser-cut signage; aside from the hand-illustrated shop-long mural, and aside from the snazzy fashion on display — is a penisless cardboard mannequin 1.5 times the size of a normal humanoid.
He They It stands at the entrance, gawking out of the cafe to King St beyond.
Zekka is an edgy, fringe, avant-garde fashion outlet that houses some serious brands I’ve never even heard of.
I haven’t shopped there myself (perhaps sometime in the future), but I do come for the coffee.
The cafe occupies a similar space as the fashion outlet, however it is less edgy and more minimal and a helluva lot more functional.
Zekkacafe is found at the rear of the store which opens up high into the urban environment, the lighting is reflected by the buttresses of buildings. Its an airy column of brick and mortar– good for soaking up the thermal mass of summer, but more like a conduit for breeze in winter.
As you would expect, the cafe does all its own cakes and glass cabinet goodies, light lunches and the like — nothing too serious.
The (coffee) prices are what you would expect in Perth ($3–4), and the quality is worth going back for.
They use Crema (thanks everyone for letting me know!) and Avon Valley Milk.
This time of the year, because of the greener pastures, the milk is sweet.
Don’t believe me?
Order a milk-based coffee without sugar and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
I’d recommend this place if you’re after a little get-away from burning up the CC on King St or having your office cubicle close further around you. Respite time? It’s perfect.
The space is quite unusual and the coffee is tops — a spirited rival to Tiger Tiger for the best cup in town.
My 2 cents? They don’t have a small bar license. Pity.
(08) 9481 1772
Perth City
74 King St
Perth, 6000
August 6th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Milk is always that sweet in Tassie!
Check out LowDown if you haven’t already. Fiori also. Best coffee I’ve had in Perth, although I haven’t been to Tiger, Tiger yet.
August 6th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
I thought they were a Crema account?
The guys at Zekka are among the nicest and friendliest in Hospitality in Perth, and that includes the whole shop, not just the cafe. My one pick in Perth for coffee on weekends especially, but great hangout for lunch as well! Love it!!
August 9th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
You’re right Jesper regarding the Crema account. For some reason I read somewhere that they did Fiori. How I was mistaken…
August 11th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Avon Valley Milk, as in the Ayreshire cows from Toodyay?
I didn’t realise!
August 24th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Great review.
Just in regards to the Small Bar License, the same venue in the early 2000s used to be known as Hudsons Gallery which was a fantastic little bar (perhaps a few years ahead of its time). Hudsons was unfortunately closed because one resident who lived in the building next door complained about excessive noise and despite the fact this person was living in the middle of a major city the various tribunal/courts deemed that the bar needs to be closed down.
Unless Zekka can overcome any similar arguments that may arise in the future then we will just have to simply enjoy their great coffee.