The Gresham’s Head Barista Ryan Goody on Brisbane Coffee Craft

Ever wondered who’s behind your morning coffee—especially when you’re grabbing a quick, reliable cup in Brisbane’s bustling CBD? With new cafes popping up all over, the city’s coffee scene is competitive, and quality can vary wildly. We sat down with Ryan Goody, head barista at The Gresham, a standout cafe nestled on the city’s vibrant nightlife-heavy Queen Street, to find out what makes his coffee routine stand out.

Ryan’s go-to is a double Flat White in a 7-ounce ceramic cup every morning, and he swears by a double espresso for its pure, unfiltered coffee flavor. He credits consistent quality to using Toby’s Estate’s Broadway and La Trinidad blends, rigorous barista training, and precise milk temperature control.

Ryan Goody’s Daily Coffee Ritual

When asked what coffee he drinks most, Ryan doesn’t hesitate: “I love a double Flat White,” he says. “Every morning, I have one in a 7-ounce ceramic cup.” For a more intense experience, he turns to a double espresso. “It shows off the purest, most essential flavors of coffee,” he explains. That daily habit reflects his preference for both comfort and clarity in his cup.

The Cafes Ryan Trusts—and Why

Ryan’s first choice for a coffee fix? His own shop, The Gresham. There, he often asks fellow barista Bernadette to make his drink. “She makes incredible coffee,” he says. Outside his workplace, he praises Merriweather Café in the south for its consistent quality and well-executed blends, and Anthology Café in the city center, where he singles out barista Adam Wang as “a coffee scientist.” These spots, he notes, share a commitment to skill and consistency that elevates the brew.

What Makes His Coffee Different?

“I don’t think my coffee is better than anyone else’s,” Ryan says humbly. The secret, he explains, lies in the beans: specifically, Toby’s Estate’s Broadway blend. “There’s nothing like it,” he says. “The quality is constant, the flavor profile is reliable.” They also use Toby’s La Trinidad blend, which he calls “one of the most practical, highest-quality blends I’ve used.” While the cafe occasionally serves single-origin coffees, blends dominate the menu—and for good reason. Ryan also points out that many Brisbane roasters offer inconsistent quality, making it all the more important to find a dependable source. Beyond the beans, he emphasizes rigorous staff training to ensure every cup tastes the same, every time.

The Tools and Techniques Behind Consistency

So how does The Gresham maintain such steady quality? “Milk temperature is incredibly important,” Ryan says. He also advises baristas to constantly monitor the espresso as it pours and to keep group heads meticulously clean. “Don’t use chemicals—just take out the filter basket and scrub it thoroughly,” he says. “You’d be shocked how dirty it can get if you’ve never cleaned it properly.” But above all, he stresses, “The technique is the most critical factor.” From precise pours to perfect temperature control, every step impacts the final cup.

Coffee as a Way of Life

“Coffee is how I make a living, what I’m passionate about, and my source of joy,” Ryan reflects. “It’s how my day starts. It’s magical. I love it.” Beyond the technical side, coffee fuels his personal life too. When asked who he’d choose to share a coffee with, he doesn’t hesitate: “My girlfriend, Rebecca. No one could replace her. She loves coffee as much as I do. We always wish we had more time together. I’d choose her every time—just us, talking over coffee.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ryan Goody’s favorite type of coffee to drink?

Ryan’s daily favorite is a double Flat White served in a 7-ounce ceramic cup. He also loves a double espresso for its pure, unadulterated coffee flavor.

Which coffee blends does The Gresham use?

The Gresham primarily uses Toby’s Estate’s Broadway and La Trinidad blends. Ryan describes Broadway as unmatched in consistency and flavor, and La Trinidad as one of the most practical and highest-quality blends he’s used.

How does The Gresham ensure consistent coffee quality?

Consistency comes from using high-quality blends, rigorous barista training, and precise techniques. Key steps include controlling milk temperature, monitoring the espresso pour, and thoroughly cleaning group heads without chemicals.

Which other Brisbane cafes does Ryan recommend?

Ryan recommends Merriweather Café in the south for its consistent quality and skilled baristas, and Anthology Café in the city center, where he praises barista Adam Wang as being exceptionally knowledgeable (“a coffee scientist”).

What does coffee mean to Ryan beyond work?

To Ryan, coffee is not just a job but a passion and a source of joy. It starts his day and brings him happiness. He also values sharing coffee with his girlfriend, Rebecca, who shares his love for coffee.

How should baristas clean their espresso equipment?

Ryan advises against chemicals. Instead, baristas should remove the filter basket and scrub it thoroughly. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and ensures better espresso extraction.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Blended Espresso

For fans of The Gresham’s approach to consistent, high-quality blends, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers a balanced, medium-bodied espresso with notes of dark chocolate and caramel—ideal for flat whites and milk drinks. Their Black Cocoa Blend delivers a richer, more intense profile with hints of dark cocoa and roasted nuts, perfect for those who prefer a bolder espresso base. Both blends reflect the same dedication to reliability and flavor that Ryan Goody champions at The Gresham. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.