Muse Espresso

Chris Quinn is the brains behind the operation at Muse Espresso, a small café and takeaway at

98 Patrick Street

on the outskirts of the city. I popped in there earlier this week following a few months of wondering about the business, and how they survived, and who their clientele was.

It’s a small space easily managed by a sole staff member all week, but come the traditional Hobart-brekky-eating-out days of Saturday and Sunday mornings, requires one person solely in the kitchen, and another to man (or woman) the coffee machine out front, and care for the customers.

Chris is a refugee from working at such well-known brekky spots as Macquarie Food Store, Lansdowne Café, and Zum Café, so now is fulfilling his dream of working hard for himself and producing food to be proud of. He keeps a watchful eye on what the trends are interstate, and blends suggestions of what is happening there with what our own locals prefer to eat. For instance, he says you rarely find an Eggs Benedict on a menu in Melbourne, but here in Hobart there would be a revolution if that particular menu item was not to be found.

Everything on Chris’ menu is of top quality, featuring Villino coffee, Jackman and McRoss sourdough bread, free range eggs etc. He does his own beans which are elegantly served too, by the way. I very much enjoyed what I ate there, as well as the general buzz of the place. His chief clientele are staff from nearby schools, businesses and the RACT, which is down the block further. While I was there, the cafe was continually turning over customers at most tables, which was good to see.

Chris started up his business having bought most of his required equipment outright, so not owing anyone anything - which is a huge advantage for a small business. Only having to pay a rent payment out of your weekly profits is the most sensible and responsible way to trade, after you've paid your food and staffing costs. With negligible staffing required for this small business, Chris' costs are indeed minimal.

The average prices for breakfast range from $5 - $14, with lunches ranging from $10 - $13.50.

The hours of operation are:

Mon – Fri, 7.30 – 4.00

Sat, 8 – 3

Sun, 9 - 2

 Pictured above, Poached eggs with smashed peas and basil ($11)