Elementary Coffee is a gorgeous coffee shop settled down a little side street in Adelaide’s city centre. The unassuming front is easy to walk past. Only a small sign hanging above its door and delicate writing in the window gives itself away. The front looks small and it’s a surprise to walk into a lofty, bright space filled with the sound of coffee grinding and chatter from diners filling the tables down the sides.
Primarily coffee roasters, Elementary Coffee expanded to include a retail shop and cafe in the city centre. Their coffee is highly rated, but it was their notorious and varied selection of donuts that I was excited to try. We had been aiming to get to Elementary Coffee for a while, and several attempts had been made to go, but every time we wandered down the little street where the cafe resides they’d been closed. I had nearly forgotten about the bakery until a friend, who lives close to Elementary, praised their impressive donut range, particularly their Gin and Tonic donut.
At the word “gin” I was sold and settled to return within the week to try it out. I arrived, slightly puffed, after lunch one day to find a small donut selection remaining – the majority having been sold throughout the morning and lunchtime rush. Sadly, no G&T donuts, but there was still an interesting selection and I settled on a Rocky Road donut instead. The bright, smiling girl behind the counter was patient and helpful as I quizzed her on the flavours they offer. Every Friday they choose a new donut flavour with previous “Fryday” donuts including maple and bacon, PB&J, or the luxurious sounding “Roasted Almond praline with salted caramel glaze” – be still my donut heart! Even from the day-to-day they provide a selection of creative and delicious-sounding donuts, made in-store and fresh every morning.
The Rocky Road donut didn’t disappoint and I really appreciate the uniqueness that they bring to the donut market. I would love to return to try some of their more unique flavours one day and encourage anyone after a more artisan donut to try them out.
