Industry Beans: The Science of Specialty Coffee

If there is one name that represents the cutting edge of Australia’s global coffee reputation, it’s Industry Beans. Founded in 2013 by brothers Trevor and Steve Simmons in the backstreets of Fitzroy, this powerhouse roaster has spent over a decade redefining what it means to source, roast, and brew the perfect bean.

As a premier destination on our Coffee Lovers Walking Tour, a visit to Industry Beans is an education in the "crop-to-cup" journey. It is the perfect place for our small groups to experience the meticulous science behind Melbourne's daily obsession.

Precision Roasting & High-Tech Design

While Industry Beans operates state-of-the-art open warehouse roasteries, our walking tour zeroes in on their incredibly striking city outposts, such as the minimalist, modern space tucked onto Little Collins Street.

• The Modbar Revolution: When you step inside with your guide, the first thing you’ll notice is the distinct lack of a giant, bulky espresso machine blocking the counter. Instead, Industry Beans utilises the space-age La Marzocco Modbar system. The main machinery is hidden beneath the bench, leaving only sleek, minimalist taps protruding from the counter. This design creates a completely open, transparent interaction between the barista, the guest, and the brew.

• Seasonal Curation: Rather than sticking to one static flavor profile, they roast a brand-new Seasonal Espresso Blend every three months. This approach allows them to showcase the absolute best beans available from global harvest cycles at that exact moment.

• Ethical Sourcing: Traceability is at the core of what they do. They work transparently with farmers across the world's premier coffee-growing regions, ensuring every batch is ethically traded and expertly evaluated.

What to Sip: From Espresso to Innovations

On our specialised coffee itineraries, we don't just drink a standard flat white—we explore how different brewing methods manipulate flavor.

• The Roaster's Pick Single Origin: For the purists, their single-origin filter and espresso options highlight individual regional characteristics, ranging from citrusy Ethiopian heirlooms to rich, chocolatey Colombian varieties.

• The Fitzroy Iced: A signature creation that has become a Melbourne cult favorite. It features cold brew coffee infused with native Australian wattleseed and organic panela, offering a uniquely local twist on chilled caffeine.

• The Bubble Coffee: Proving that coffee can still be playful, this creation combines single-origin cold drip with con-soy milk and coffee-soaked tapioca pearls that burst in your mouth.

Travel Tips for Your Visit

• Test Your Knowledge: Our Coffee Lovers Tour finishes in this sophisticated neighborhood precisely so you can put your newly acquired coffee vocabulary to use with their extensive, multi-layered menu.

• The Coffee-Spiced Brunch: If you return on your own for breakfast, don't miss their sophisticated food menu. They are famous for integrating coffee into their culinary dishes, like their egg and bacon muffins served with a signature coffee-spiced hollandaise.

• Take the Beans Home: They sell their iconic retail bags on-site, including the Fitzroy Street and Rose Street signature blends, which make for the ultimate premium souvenir for the coffee enthusiast in your life.

Decode the Menu Like a Local

Ready to step past the standard cafe counter and understand the art and architecture behind Melbourne’s liquid gold? Join us on the Coffee Lovers Walking Tour, where our passionate local guides take you behind the scenes at world-class venues like Industry Beans. You'll sample different styles, meet expert baristas, and learn exactly how to order like a seasoned local.

Winter Foodie Weekend in Melbourne

Friday night 

Arrive in Melbourne. You must be hungry after your journey!  

If you haven’t already made a reservation for dinner, head to Flinders Lane - between Swanston and Spring Streets - for dozens of great dining experiences. Have a bit of fun walking the three blocks, reading menus and deciding where you’d like to eat. Or perhaps create your own degustation by having some snacks at a few venues.  Prefer solid recommendations? Try Lucy Liu for pan-Asian fusion or Cumulus Inc for euro-inspired modern Australian.

Try an after dinner night cap at one of the great bars in the neighbourhood such as Trinket (enter through the cupboard!) or The Apollo Inn. 

Photo: Lucy Liu

Saturday morning

You’re booked in for a late lunch food tour, so a mid-morning brunch is your best bet. Try Antara 128 at the eastern end of the CBD or the ever popular Higher Ground if you’re closer to Southern Cross/Docklands.   

Saturday afternoon

Meet your tour guide in Bourke St Mall for your Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walk. You’ll sample savoury, sweet, food and drink over 3 hours all while exploring Melbourne’s laneways and arcades. You definitely won’t be hungry afterwards!  

Saturday night

Make sure your booking for dinner is late, as your food tour only finishes at 4.30pm. Perhaps some light style food, such as sashimi. For a budget-blowing showstopper, book in at Minamashima. You’ll need to jump on the 48 or 75 tram to Richmond for this one. For something in the CBD, try Kisume. If you’re a bit more adventurous, try Japanese/Italian fusion at Alt.  

For an after dark tipple there are more cocktail bars in Melbourne than you could possible try, but Black Kite Commune, Whitehart, Yarra Falls and Caretaker's Cottage all have distinctly different vibes and are all worth a visit.  

Queen Victoria Market

Sunday brunch 

Coffee, a pastry and a wonder around one of Melbourne’s markets is a fabulous way to spend Sunday morning. At Queen Vic Market (1.5km*) try Publique and at South Melb Market (2km*) try Agathe. If cheese is more your taste, try a toastie from Maker & Monger at Prahran Market (6km*). Expect a queue at all of these places. *Distances from Southern Cross Station.  

Roll away to the airport to take your flight home - at least you’ll be too full to eat the plane food!