Stories Espresso Bar is unique in more ways than one. First of all, you’ll find the café itself in a charming, re-purposed shipping container outside the Rockshop on Cuba Street.

It has a delicate, crafty design, with white walls, wooden furniture and a large floor to ceiling window. However, the operation behind this little café is what really breaks the mould. Stories Espresso Bar is a social enterprise that provides training and work opportunities for the next generation of baristas.

The Ministry of Youth Development has supported the venture; and Stories Espresso Bar’s profits are injected back into the development of youth in Wellington. To top it all off, their young barista’s are super talented! They’re cool and friendly, they make great coffee and there are plenty of options in terms of bean origin and brewing method. If you like tall black coffee, try their AeroPress with a good single-origin. It’s great.