The Loose Caboose

It’s 1856 and the morning begins when the sta ff open the doors to the train station. People arrive, take a seat and relax before taking on the day ahead. There are sounds of machinery mixed with steam, as the station gets busier by the minute. Fast forward to 2015 and little has changed. In 2012, Katie and husband Kim came across this abandoned and rundown train station that hadn’t been open since 1979. It was derelict and covered in graffiti. On first sight they knew it was the home for a dream they both had. They were concerned about it being in a backstreet and didn’t think it would be more than a small, humble cafe run by the two of them. Little did they know within two weeks of opening they would need more staff due to line-ups out the front door. Katie tells me that when she’s not pouring espresso shots, her hobby is interior design, and it de finitely shows in all the renovations and attention to detail. She kept the original feel of an old train station but with splashes of contemporary style mixed throughout. There’s a water fountain with lush greenery either side. It looks like you’ve stumbled across a natural spring to drink from. With her appreciation for heritage, Katie found the antique lights that sit above the bar in an old movie theatre in Amsterdam, and the old Gaggia espresso machine on display is a classic from 1952. It sits opposite the current espresso machine, which is called a Spirit Triplette and looks like a modern sports car. You will be guaranteed a treat if you happen to come by when Kim is roasting the coffee in the Probat 5kg boutique roaster. He goes by the name Cast Iron Coffee Roasters and the word around the station is that both Kim and Katie are planning on opening up a roastery in the city very soon. They offer their very own house blend and a single origin bean, which changes weekly to keep things exciting. While there, I try an espresso of the single origin on offer called Rwanda Remera. It has sparkling apricot and cinnamon notes with a full body. Katie explains that Kim roasts everything manually, so he is free to experiment with each roast to produce the best flavours from that bean. The food menu changes seasonally and is well priced for the amazing quality that is served. It clearly shows pride from the kitchen when you see the colours and presentation on the plate. The heritage-listed Bowden Railway Station is the oldest train station in Australia and that alone is a good reason to really soak up the surroundings when you visit. The Loose Caboose 21 First St, Hindmarsh theloosecaboose.com.au