On the ground floor of the Queen Victoria Tower in Launceston is the aptly titled Tower Café. The former hospital now privately-owned building holds memories for many Launceston locals, including café co-owner Richard Schindler who was born in the building. Now, he helps run the busy downstairs café.
Together with co-owner David Coull, who has spent 14 years in the hospitality industry, the pair have established a firm following since they opened Tower Café in 2014.
“I’ve always had a front-of-house background in cafés and restaurants and Richard has worked as a chef. We met each other at work, and eventually we decided it was time to work for ourselves and start our own business,” David says. “It’s hard work, but it definitely pays off when you get to work in such a social industry and meet new people – and most keep coming back.”
One of those reasons is the café’s all-day breakfast menu thanks to Richard’s hard work in the kitchen.
“We like to think we only put out what’s worth it, and our breakfast menu definitely is,” David says. “We wanted to create a place where you could still get your traditional eggs Benedict, and our customers love it.”
The second reason for the strong return rate of customers is to do with the café’s coffee, serving Mocopan Coffee’s Custom Blend for its milk-based orders on a Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II. David describes the blend as “strong enough to wake up all the office workers”.
“It’s got beautiful dark caramel and earthy flavours,” he says.
Rotating single origins are served only for black coffee, and go well in Tower Café’s house-made cold drip coffee.
“Cold drip isn’t particularly well known in Launceston but it picked up last year and more people are interesting in trying new things which is great,” David says.
Inside the Tower Café, the guys have opted for a ‘modern masculine feel’ with a colour palette mirroring white, dark greys, and hints of colour on the wall thanks to local artwork. Wooden tables and plywood benchtops are thanks to the handy efforts of Richard’s father, and a polished concrete bench completes the modern look.
“We love the atmosphere we’ve created, but we also love seeing how much our customers enjoy their experience, and making friendships along the way,” David says. “Knowing that you’ve contributed to somebody’s day is a nice feeling to have.”
11 High St, East Launceston
Tasmania, 7250
Open Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm
(03) 6331 4480
