I was recently deliberating with a friend about where to go for coffee but upon suggesting Auction Rooms I was confronted with her blank stare. I was baffled by her apparent ignorance. I couldn’t believe that anyone in Melbourne who claims to love coffee could possibly have overlooked Auction Rooms.

Then I remembered that although those who live near North Melbourne think it’s the best place in the world and never want to leave, there are plenty of people who wouldn’t think to venture that way, and therefore would never have stumbled across the king of coffee houses, Auction Rooms.

Auction rooms is an image of serenity with its sky blue exterior and huge windows. The large space has been modernised but elements of its industrial beginnings still remain. The spacious outlay is reminiscent of an art gallery with different levels, cylindrical light hangings and a crate installation in the courtyard, which acts as a sunshade. But all this well-planned interior architecture fades pleasantly into the background the minute you taste their house-roasted beans.

There are a few institutions in Melbourne that are boldly paving the way to the bright future of caffeine, and Auction Rooms is one of them. It's way up there with St. Ali, Brother Baba Budan and Dukes Coffee Roasters. So if you think you've been living a fulfilled, perfectly caffeinated life without Auction Rooms, think again. One taste and you'll be sold.