Mecca x Alberto's Lounge: MOKA

A collaboration from the best in the biz. Our new premium blend using specialty coffee beans sourced from our favourite coffee producers from Ethiopia and Brazil.

Introducing MOKA: our first collaboration with our mates, Alberto’s Lounge. As part of the notable Swillhouse Group, boasting effortlessly cool restaurants and bars such as Shady Pines Saloon, Baxter’s Inn & Restaurant Hubert, we have been secretly developing a premium blend alongside the team at Alberto’s Lounge during the latter part of 2022. Alberto’s Lounge is a place where good food, good music, good wine and good company meet on an equal footing. It’s an Italian restaurant and bar that is as loyal to the Italy of Lygon Street as it is to the alleyways of Rome, an Italy that is as alive in nightclubs and art-house cinemas as it is in trattorias and farmhouses.

So how did this exciting collaboration come about? Apart from being #meccamates, the fact that owners Paul Geshos and Anton Forte had their establishments around the corner from each other — King Street and The Baxters Inn— it was only a matter of espressos and negronis shared between the two to become respected peers. Fast forward to 2022, it was a no-brainer for a collaboration to happen. Both teams came together to go through the whole process. A cupping session was had by all—sipping, tasting, spitting— led by Paul and Dan (Head Roaster). From team Swillhouse Stefan Forte, Antonello Arzedi, and Charlie Murphy were in attendance.

The result: a full-bodied, punchy, flavour-packed coffee blend. Roasted to perfection, this coffee is a symphony of deep, rich notes with a smooth well-balanced finish. Using specialty coffee beans sourced from our favourite coffee producers, this collaboration brings together the expertise of two of the best in the biz. TRY MOKA PREMIUM BLEND

Drink it black, with milk, over ice - no matter how you take it, this coffee is guaranteed to be a standout. So get ready to taste the epic results of this dynamic duo, and experience the epitome of coffee bliss. Flirty notes of dark chocolate, raisin and maraschino cherry pop to mind. Mecca and Alberto’s Lounge have got you covered.

MOKA fresh coffee beans are available online or you can head into either King Street, CBD or Alexandria to pick up a bag or two. When dining at Alberto’s Lounge, MOKA will be served as espresso or indulge in the signature coffee cocktail —Affogato Punch— especially created by Antonello Arzedi. Treat yourself and book to dine at Alberto’s Lounge.

‍And the crema on top…the original label art created by Sydney-based artist, Allie Webb, a hand-cut, a graphic ode to the great, black, cup of camaraderie. This art will not just feature on the coffee bags; this has also been printed onto a very limited run of locally produced, handwoven tee shirts from Pseushi. Each tee is sustainably produced, of the absolute highest quality, and silkscreen-printed in Marrickville by Ssweatshop Studios. Tee shirts purchased will receive a complimentary bag of MOKA. Be quick so you don’t miss out.

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT - ALLIE WEBB

Allie Webb sitting on couch in front of artwork

Allie Webb is not just one of our #meccamates but wears many creative hats in the hospo scene: Co-Owner of Swillhouse & Art director of Swill Magazine, you can see her work at multiple venues beyond Alberto’s Lounge; Hubert’s Restaurant, The Baxter Inn, Shady Pines and up and coming Le Foote.

Her linocut prints are simple: black and white —no colour— opting to portray objects to their most basic form. Simple yet dynamic and bold, primarily featuring dining scenes. In 2022 she was presented by The Olsen Gallery showcasing her work.
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“The artist has found great inspiration in the experiments of the Cubists, painters once keen to deconstruct the very object of looking by any means necessary. Her works too, distil elements to their most basic forms, relying often on a mere silhouette to generate pictorial interest in her prints and drawings. These resulting tableaux celebrate the character of their subjects, whether a meal, conversation or streetscape and conjure the particular essence of a moment in time rather than its minor details. Webb’s obsession with the culture of dining out is made tangible in every bustling composition” - Olsen Gallery

It is an incredible honour to have Allie do the main artwork for MOKA and remember there is a limited release of tee shirts with this eye-catching print that will indeed become a treasured keepsake for the wardrobe.

Follow on IG @alliewebb