The Gresham Head Barista on Brisbane’s Best Coffee Scene

Ever wonder who makes your morning coffee—and what goes into crafting a truly reliable cup day after day? In Brisbane’s bustling café scene, where competition is fierce and standards are high, one barista stands out for his dedication to consistency, skill, and passion. We sat down with Ryan Goody, head barista at The Gresham, located on vibrant Queen Street in the CBD, to find out what makes his coffee routine tick.

Ryan’s go-to drink is a double Flat White in a 7oz ceramic cup every morning, and he also loves a straight double espresso for its pure, unfiltered flavor. His top coffee beans come from Toby’s Estate—specifically the Broadway and La Trinidad blends—which he credits for the consistent quality behind The Gresham’s signature cups.

Ryan Goody’s Daily Coffee Routine

When asked what coffee he drinks most often, Ryan doesn’t hesitate: “I love a double Flat White,” he says. “Every morning, I have one in a 7oz ceramic cup.” He also has a strong preference for a double espresso, which he describes as the purest expression of coffee flavor. That straightforward shot, with no milk to soften the edges, reveals the core characteristics of the beans—something Ryan clearly appreciates.

His Favorite Cafés and Coffee Culture in Brisbane

Brisbane’s café scene is competitive, and Ryan has clear favorites. “I’d pick our own coffee shop first,” he admits, praising his colleague Bernadette, another talented barista. For an outside option, he heads to Merriweather Café in the south for its consistent quality and excellent blends, and to Anthology Café in the city center, where he singles out barista Adam Wang as a “coffee scientist” for his precision and creativity. These spots reflect the high bar that Brisbane’s third wave coffee culture has set.

What Makes The Gresham’s Coffee Stand Out

“I don’t think my coffee is better than anyone else’s,” Ryan says humbly, “but we use Toby’s Estate’s Broadway blend, and it’s unmatched—consistent and reliable.” The Gresham also rotates in the La Trinidad blend, which Ryan calls “one of the most practical and highest-quality coffees” he’s used. While Brisbane has many roasters, Ryan notes that quality can be inconsistent, which is why finding a dependable roaster like Toby’s Estate has been key. He emphasizes that while great beans are essential, so is technique: “We train our baristas rigorously to ensure the same taste every day.”

The Role of Milk Temperature and Equipment Hygiene

To maintain consistency, Ryan highlights several technical essentials: “Milk temperature is incredibly important,” he says, adding that baristas must constantly monitor the espresso pour and regularly clean their portafilters. “Don’t use chemicals—just take out the filter basket and scrub it thoroughly. You’d be shocked how dirty it can get if you’ve never cleaned it properly.” Clean equipment and precise technique, he stresses, are just as crucial as the beans themselves.

Why Coffee Matters to Ryan

“It’s my income, my passion, and my joy,” Ryan says simply. “It’s how I start my day. Coffee is magical. I love it.” Beyond the craft, coffee connects him to people, especially his girlfriend Rebecca, who shares his love for the drink. “If you gave me two cups of coffee, I’d choose to share them with her,” he says. “There’s no one like her. We always have something to talk about over coffee.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ryan Goody’s favorite coffee drink?

Ryan’s favorite coffee is a double Flat White served in a 7oz ceramic cup, which he drinks every morning. He also loves a straight double espresso for its pure, unadulterated coffee flavor.

Which coffee blends does The Gresham use?

The Gresham primarily uses Toby’s Estate’s Broadway blend for its consistency and quality. They also regularly serve the La Trinidad blend, which Ryan describes as highly practical and one of the best he’s used.

What makes The Gresham’s coffee consistent?

Consistency comes from using high-quality, dependable blends like Toby’s Estate, but also from rigorous barista training and strict attention to detail in every step of the brewing process.

How does Ryan maintain espresso quality?

Ryan ensures quality by carefully controlling milk temperature, monitoring the espresso pour, and keeping equipment scrupulously clean—especially portafilter baskets, which he cleans by hand without chemicals.

Which cafés does Ryan recommend in Brisbane?

Ryan recommends The Gresham first, followed by Merriweather Café in the south for its consistent blends, and Anthology Café in the CBD, where he praises barista Adam Wang for his scientific approach to coffee.

What role does coffee play in Ryan’s life?

Coffee is Ryan’s career, passion, and daily ritual. He especially values sharing coffee with his girlfriend Rebecca, who shares his enthusiasm for the drink.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Café Quality

For coffee lovers inspired by The Gresham’s approach, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a balanced espresso roast with notes of dark chocolate and caramel, ideal for milk drinks like flat whites. For a more intense profile, the Black Cocoa Blend offers deep cocoa and roasted almond tones, perfect for straight espresso. Both blends emphasize consistency and quality, much like the Toby’s Estate coffees Ryan Goody relies on. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.