There's something new brewing at Georgetown Market Place.
Black Creek Coffee, which has a roastery in downtown Acton, has opened its first espresso bar inside the local mall.
“Georgetown seemed like the next big step for us,” said co-founder Rob Smith. “We’re keeping the roastery in Acton. Hopefully next year we’re going to put an espresso bar in the front section of the roastery as well.”
At Georgetown Market Place, customers are immediately greeted with a cool, calming and modern aesthetic. Like any good bar, stools line the outside of the establishment for those who don’t want their espresso to go. Anyone looking for a bit more privacy with a friend, two cozy sitting spaces are available at either end of the espresso bar.
In addition to espresso-based drinks, the new local establishment is serving up iced coffees, specialty teas, regular drip coffee and baked goods. Freshly roasted beans and brewing hardware for home can also be purchased.
Black Creek Coffee started as a solely online business. Customers were able to order from a diverse selection of beans from around the world for home delivery. Smith is grateful he and wife Aly - his business partner - started virtually because the pandemic landed shortly after.
“As COVID began to ramp down, we knew having a cafe environment for the roastery is pretty important,” he explained. “Ideally we wanted somewhere that people can sit down and enjoy a coffee."
Light to medium roast beans are the specialty of Black Creek as “that's the profile that brings out the most flavour,” Smith said.
“The more you roast them, the darker they get, the more they tend to taste the same; until you get to that burnt, bitter, Tim Hortons ashy coffee.”
The darkest coffee on the menu is called Halton House.
“We have a huge amount feedback from people when they buy coffee from us that they're amazed they can drink it black.”
They also have a coffee named Sanctuary in honour of Smith's chosen cause, helping dog rescues. The idea to start the roastery began to take shape after he and Aly adopted their dog, Bentley. Following a visit to Costa Rica and tasting the coffee there, they hit upon a strategy: 20 per cent of the profits from the business go to dog rescue charities.
For more information, visit blackcreekcoffee.com.
