John Mills Himself — Restaurant in Brisbane City

You know how when you hunt for something that is feels better than just gathering? Hunting for this coffee was my mission.

Walking along singing to the tune of the children's ditty "We're going on a bear hunt" ..... I sang "Going on a coffee hunt, we're going to catch a good one. We're not scared..."

I survived my journey but I daresay that's because back alleyways and alleyways in general have always appealed to me. I even combated with the hordes of mindless millennials and office workers to get my much needed caffeine.

The journey, varieties, the philosophy, the ambience of the venue, the staff (prostrated, frustrated but still smiling), the divine pastries and of course the coffee were worth the wait (and weight).

Beautiful and adoringly decorated venue. Shame I didn't take my camera on the day in question and a place like this one deserves a really a photo not taken on a phone. #HeritagePhotographyBliss

Absolutely adore the bar miles (although think should be bar kilometres as we are Australian) philosophy they have.... especially as it's how I buy my own produce. Good on them for shouting proudly "live local, buy local" and actually following through with the buy local concept.

" All measurements are taken ‘as the car/truck drives’ to the cellar door of each label. The portfolio of brands has been hand-selected for quality, integrity and uniqueness." .....

"Beers are sourced from within a 200km drive, wines from not more than 250km and spirits from Australian made and owned distilleries. The only exception: a tequila, made in Mexico, which is 48% Australian owned." - from their lovely simply menu.

Definitely have to come back later one Friday to try one of their...

I sit here on my day off, absorbing the click clack of cup on saucer, lounge chilled beats and squeal of the steamer as it delicately warms the milk. JMH is in full swing, orders are being taken and espresso machine is humming. While waiting for my 6oz Flat white I have time to observe and savour how professional and attentive the staff are. What I really love is to see someone who really loves their craft and is natural and brilliant at it. I didn't even have to see the coffee to know it was going to be amazing. As with a chef a bartender or a barista it's the way they move or don't move that let's you know that they know their craft and are very competent at it. The orders are backing up but the Barista never moves, his body movement is slow but his hands are moving at the speed of light. It's like a choreographed performance of speed, accuracy, deft touch and gentle attention to detail. It's really beautiful to watch his appreciation and love for pouring the perfect cup every single time. As in all good service industry professions what happens behind the bar sets the tone for what is actually placed on the bar/table/coffee cup. These guys are neat, clean and damn organised. JMH is a wonderful spot to come enjoy a slow coffee in a wonderful...

Probably the best coffee you can get in Brisbane city. Head to the John Mills building next to the police station on Charlotte street then descend into the building's basement. After walking along a corridor you will be greeted by the fragrance of freshly ground coffee coupled with the steamy sounds of the machine.

The staff are an absolute delight. They're chatty but not too talkative to be annoying. They will make your coffee as you like it and won't charge extra to pay on card or have it lactose free.

The down side is the toilets are very aged and the cistern wouldn't fill for me to flush. Fortunately, the staff sprang into action as soon as I let them know.

On a particularly hot and muggy day, it can get quite uncomfortable sitting inside the cafe itself as the air circulation is quite poor.

I want to give 4.5 stars because the service and the coffee is 5 star but they are let down by the idiosyncrasies of a heritage building. Will update my review when it...