The Canberra Southern Cross Club has always held a special place in Alastair Evans’ heart.

As a child he came to the Club with his parents and grandparents for dinner and as a teenager he came back for a beer or two.

Now the Lonsdale Street Roasters (LSR) owner has returned, this time bringing with him an exclusive coffee blend, aptly named the Griffin, for members and guests to enjoy.

With its full body and chocolate and caramel flavours, the Griffin blend is already available at Snapper, the Yacht Club and Jamison. Soon it will be found at all Club venues.

“I see the Club as an iconic institution, somewhere I’ve been going since I was a kid.”

“To be able to bring really good coffee to the Club is a great feeling.

“It’s very nostalgic so I wanted to create a very iconic and nostalgic blend of coffee for the Club.”

A former TV news cameraman, Alastair developed his love of coffee waiting for news to break.

Switching careers, he learnt his craft from top coffee roasters in Sydney before opening cafes, bars and roasters in Newcastle.

“I’ve been roasting coffee for the past 10 years.”

Always a Canberra boy at heart, Alastair returned and opened Lonsdale Street Roasters in 2010.

“I wanted to start a new generation of coffee roasting and make really good coffee in Canberra because I know people in Canberra appreciate good products.”

Then known for its garages and bike shops, Alastair said many people questioned his decision to start the coffee roasting house in Lonsdale Street.

“But the vibe in Lonsdale Street just felt right.”

“I wanted to create an industry where people could see the roasting taking place, talk to the roaster and see the process of it being poured into the cup.”

His decision paid off with the business expanding to number 23 Lonsdale Street and then five garages at the rear of that property.

“We’ve just got a brand new 50kg roaster in from America to keep up with demand.”

Club chief Executive Officer Ian Mackay said it was fabulous to have Alastair and Lonsdale Street Roasters partner with the Club.

“We’re thrilled to be launching the Lonsdale Street Roasters Griffin blend across all our venues. We want to be
famous for serving great coffee and the first step is having a really great coffee brand.”

The Lonsdale Street Roasters team will be training Southern Cross Club staff in the art of grinding and pouring great coffee. We look forward to serving and sharing a great cup of coffee with you very soon!