Innovative Sydney-based coffee roaster Single O continues its expansion in Japan, with the launch of its new Shibuya coffee bar. The unique takeaway-only model combines high quality coffee with convenience, featuring its innovative Freepour-Coffee-On-Tap system, alongside espresso service. This launch, following the April opening of its new Ryogoku Roastworks, marks a decade of presence in the region, as Single O’s third Tokyo location.
The new Shibuya coffee bar features four self-serve coffee batch taps pouring rotating blends and origins. Single O’s signature blend, Reservoir, also features on the menu alongside rotating single origins specially selected for espresso and long black. On the food front, there’s a selection of grab-and-go options influenced by traditional Japanese food culture, with nods to Single O’s Australian roots. The Tokyo BAE roll weaves Japan’s favourite egg salad into a classic Aussie bacon & egg roll, complete with pickled onion and Shokupan bread. The Ham It Up Toastie features Parklet sourdough, ham, provolone, vintage cheddar cheese, and a curried tomato sauce, and the house-made Espresso Butter Banana Bread with espresso-infused local artisan butter rivals the original served in Single O’s flagship Surry Hills cafe.
“After a decade in Japan, we’ve come to appreciate more than ever the thriving coffee scene across Tokyo and Japan,” says Mike Brabant, CEO of Single O. “Our clients are testament to this, with cafes such as Dandelion Chocolate Japan, Hey Oval Welcome, Tone, and Bills brewing our beans to the highest standard here in Tokyo.”
“We’re excited to open our first Single O location in West Tokyo, and push the envelope with our most compact Single O store yet. Our new coffee bar brings a unique takeaway-only coffee experience that combines Japan’s love of convenience and high quality coffee to the bustling heart of Shibuya.”
Single O legends and Heads of Japan Yu and Mamiko Yamamoto have spearheaded the launch. Yu, the brand’s Japan general manager, is a Roaster, Q Grader, Cup Of Excellence judge and Brewers Cup place winner, who has been with Single O for over 15 years, joining the team on overseas exchange through Single O’s Surry Hills cafe.
In line with Single O’s commitment to sustainability, the cafe is introducing a two-pronged approach to responsible takeaway service. To encourage the use of reusable cups, coffee served in reusable cups starts at 400yen. For those opting for single-use takeaway cups, a surcharge of 30yen will apply. Single O Shibuya also offers a number of reusable cup options for purchase, including their low-impact “Cheap N Cheerful Reusable” bamboo cup, and the Kinto reusable coffee cup, featuring a double-walled body ideal for both hot filter and cold brew. Ceramic cups will also be available free of charge for customers looking to enjoy their coffee on-site. This initiative is part of a broader effort for Single O to achieve and maintain over 50% reusable cup usage.
A striking awning artwork, ‘In Awe of Coffee’, has been created by Sydney-based Japanese artist Kentaro Yoshida, inspired by the key stages of coffee, from growing, to picking and processing, to roasting and brewing. The venue features a fit out by Sydney-based architecture and interior design firm Luchetti Krelle, as an homage to the brand’s roots, with sustainable materials also used throughout.
Single O Shibuya is located in the new developing building called – “AXSH”, created as a place for people of diverse backgrounds to meet and connect, adding value by sharing experiences and creating community.
The venue spills out onto a large triangle forecourt with concrete steps, as a place to savour a coffee. Single O Shibuya’s ‘takeaway only’ model promises to blend the quality and craftsmanship that have become synonymous with the brand, with convenience, allowing the brand to better service Japan’s bustling capital.
Single O’s Shibuya coffee bar is open now, opening 7 days a week (8am – 7pm on weekdays, 9am – 7pn on weekends). The coffee bar is located at 2-17-1 Shibuya, shibuya-ku, Tokyo SHIBUYA AXSH (close to Shibuya Station). More information can be found at https://singleo.com.au/pages/single-o-japan
