Bleached Coffee and Crystal Cylinder

Shimmy yourself into Bleached and Crystal Cylinder, an industrial coffee shop slash lifestyle store tucked behind Devon Street West that’s oh so sunny. Bleached serves hot coffees and bagels on repeat alongside their affable neighbours, Crystal Cylinder, who dabble in covetable getups and homewares.  

What began as a humble distribution model for owner Benny Connelly bringing in surf brands like Billabong wetsuits, Thrills and Deus Ex Machina, has metamorphosed into an achingly cool hybrid space bringing the best of surf culture, design and coffee together in harmonious splendour. Splashes of yellow inject lightness and energy into the space that houses statement objects like motorbikes and surfboards, adding edge and interest. Exposed concrete, a roll-up garage door and giant Yukkas out front, merely enhance the laid-back coastal aesthetic. 

To say the racks at Crystal Cylinder have been curated is probably a bit of an understatement, as the team are in hot pursuit of the best Antipodean brands including Baina, Marle and Beach Brains. You’ll also find a selection of excellent headwear, sunglasses and beauty products from Feel Good Inc. There’s much to pour over including an envy-inducing amount of coffee table books and, of course, surfboards. 

From the plethora of seating options, Bleached + Crystal Cylinder ask people to perch, hang out and soak up the vibe; friends having coffee, people grabbing a takeaway flattie and someone flicking through one of those magnificent coffee table books. It seems all is well in the yellow sunshine glow.