At only 20 years of age, Jack Schilg was excited to bring something new to the Corowa coffee scene when he took over Doc Yarrum Café a year and a half ago.
“I wanted to put a fresh modern café spin on it,” Jack says. “We’ve just finished pretty extensive renovations with some new architects in town. The new Docs has a contemporary feel to it, and the exterior looks really nice and inviting.”
Despite his youth, Jack has gathered a wealth of hospitality experience both behind an espresso machine and in the kitchen.
“I started off as a cook at the local whiskey factory and moved into coffee,” Jack says. “The opportunity to take over the café came up and it was something my business partner and I had always wanted to do.”
Docs’ modernisation isn’t only in the revised name and furnishings. Jack got in touch with Josh Pederick of Direct Hospitality to discuss his options in terms of offering specialty coffee. Josh recommended Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, who now supplies the café with Belaroma Octavia as its house blend.
Octavia is a light to medium roast characterised by milk-chocolate sweetness and clean acidity, combined with notes of creamy malt.
“[Direct] tells us everything we need to know and Seven Miles have been really good to us. They and Josh come in often to see the café and ask how everything is going,” Jack says.
As well as the Belaroma blend, Docs serves The Cat’s Pyjamas as its “boutique coffee”.
The Cat’s Pyjamas features Latin American coffees that deliver a rich, chocolatey depth, while the spicy allure of a wet-hulled Sumatran coffee adds an indulgent finish.
“I really like the name and absolutely love the taste. The regulars also appreciate how unique it is,” Jack says.
During weekdays, Corowa’s older community makes up a large part of Docs’ customers, with an influx of younger people on weekends. However, with Corowa located along the Murray River and surrounded by wineries, a large number of tourists visit the area.
“Seeing people happy with what you serve them is pretty rewarding, and we will keep improving our offering into the future,” Jack says. “We’d like to really cement ourselves as the place to go in Corowa for coffee.”
Docs Corowa
83 Sanger St, Corowa, New South Wales, 2646
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 2pm
0459 844 377
