I am a sucker for ambience. Well who isn’t? But it has to be the right kind of ambience and I like the brand that the Hoi Polloi Townsville Cafe dishes up.
Where is Hoi Polloi Townsville?
You will find this hidden gem of a coffee shop in Denham Lane Townsville at the back entrance of Agora House (1910).
Agora House fronts Flinders Street East and backs on to Denham Lane.
If you took our table and the ex-storage room it sits in at face value, you would say the ambience here was industrial. But then your eye might be drawn to the back corner of this not large space, where it becomes more like your (eccentric) uncle’s library, with a collection of books of microscopes…
They were a bit under the pump when we arrived about 10.30 a.m. on Saturday and while I waited for our order to be taken my eyes wandered around the space.
Our industrial finished table was wobbly, but our goodies arrived just as we were about to jump ship, so we stayed put.
The next table looked interesting too.
After eating I took a hike upstairs and along the hallway, past the hairdressers and a gift shop, to check out the seating area on Flinders Street East.
As we drove by the Denham Lane entrance, Hoi Polloi was spilling over with a young Uni crowd, but by the time we were seated a mix of customers had accumulated. The vibe led by the staff was very friendly and relaxed.
Hoi Polloi Townsville Street Art
The urban wall murals outside are a mix of Melbourne’s HAHA and local Kennie Deaner, all of whom were commissioned by the TCC to add life to Denham Lane. Read this post all about Townsville Street Art, artists and works.
Townsville Street Art by HAHA
Townsville Street Art by Kennie Deaner.
Meanwhile if you find a huge rat skulking on your vehicle – don’t freak – it is just a sugar glider painting by Belgian street artist ROA – also responsible for the Big Croc and Goanna.
Townsville Street Art by ROA
I love this addition to the Townsville Coffee Scene. Check the Hoi Polloi Facebook page for opening times, especially during Covid 19 Restrictions.
Hoi Polloi Townsville Food
The cake range has recently been expanded and although I forgot to ask I didn’t see any sign of Gluten Free options.
In 2020 Hoi Polloi have added a great range of Vegan delights which is very appreciated after the closing of Eden Cafe, a stalwart of the Townsville Vegan scene.
Check the Hoi Polloi facebook page for daily food offerings. Their Scones look superb.
What is your favourite Townsville Coffee Shop? Is it surrounded by street art?
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I love these types of quirky and trendy coffee shops that are popping up all over the place here on the Gold Coast too. They normally serve great organic coffees and healthy fare. My fave is Commune at Burleigh Heads just around the corner from where I live.
Commune is my favourite too remember (I claimed it in the post I did) fantastic.
This is definitely right up my alley! Like you I love the combination of art and ambience, so add in all those quirky accoutrements to catch the eye while sipping on one’s drink of choice – perfection 🙂
I agree Linda. I can’t wait to go back!
What a fabulous cafe and area! I would definitely have the American cheesecake…i’m a sucker for American cheesecake!
I don’t think I’ve ever had American Cheesecake before Alison!
I love the look of this place – with all the collection of bits and pieces. Looks like it suits all generations. Have a great week.
I was so happy when we weren’t the only Elders there lol.
Looks great, I love somewhere that’s a little different. We’ll give it a try when we make it up that far. Oh and that is the cutest rat I’ve ever seen!
Make sure you let me know when you are coming Toni – I hope I will be here.
OMG! We drove past this little coffee shop last year before it opened and thought we were in a different dimension. It’s soooo Melbourne! We stopped and asked the guys there about it. We MUST get there asap!
Definitely – such a great space. I only found out about it a couple of months ago and procrastinated!
I also love quirky cafes, or retro joints with great ambience. Hoi Polloi would definitely be a go too cafe for us in Townsville.
I’m on the trail hunting out good coffee in Townsville 🙂
I so enjoyed this post. The images that illustrate the post are absolutely ginormous and one can see so much detail. The street art is just fabulous. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you could see all the details Wanda – they were so captivating.
Wow, would love to drink coffee there. We have great coffee down here but that place is one of a kind.
Where are you located Kooky Chic? I love a good coffee shop. 🙂
Delicious…