Sketchbook Coffee

At Wellington’s Sketchbook Coffee, things don’t need to be complicated to be great - they just need to be done with heart. This warm, playful cafe is built around the idea that everyone has their own story to add to the mix, whether it’s a quick morning ritual, a favourite corner for journaling, or a spot where two friends reconnect over great coffee. Founded by a crew of passionate baristas - Logan Collinge, Nico Nozaki, Honoka Kawashima, and Long Nguyen - who met through coffee competitions, Sketchbook is a celebration of community, creativity, and of course, a deep love for the bean.

Inside, the fitout is a reflection of the cafe’s ethos - stylish and practical, yet just enough of a blank canvas for punters to let their own stories shine. The striking design is a testament to the quartet’s creative flair, resembling the corner coffee shops you’d find in a trendy Scandinavian or East Asian city. Clean lines add a subtle framing around a diverse mix of textures, from the cool matte black equipment to warm wood and rich green ceramics. It’s minimalist, without being boring.

The team at Sketchbook takes the craft seriously, without any pretension, offering everything from your everyday flat white to more adventurous pours. Honoka’s signature drinks are a standout; one that showcases a rotating guest coffee and another that skips the caffeine altogether but not the flavour. Pair your brew with a cheese scoffin (yes, that’s a scone-muffin hybrid and yes, you want one) for the perfect recipe to a good morning.

Sketchbook Coffee isn’t just about great brews - it’s about making people feel seen, welcomed, and inspired. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and maybe even start your own Sketchbook story.