The Tree House

I’ve seen this café undergo some changes and I really love the latest layout. For a small coffee spot like this, it takes three staff members to handle the coffee orders, which shows just how busy they are. I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right outside its neighbor, San Kai Japanese Restaurant. I took advantage of the free 15 minutes of parking to grab a quick coffee here. The service is attentive and efficient. I intentionally took my takeaway coffee upstairs so I could enjoy a broader view while sipping my morning flat white. It was a great decision! Haha!

The Tree House is a charming cafe located in a cozy corner of South Bank, offering excellent quality at reasonable prices. The staff are genuine and friendly, making it a wonderful place to start your morning. The cafe features a quirky seating area both beside the coffee and ordering station and upstairs, where there's a balcony that overlooks Grey St. With fantastic customer service and delicious coffee, this cafe is truly a delight!

After meeting a friend for lunch, he mentioned wanting a coffee, and I remembered the Tree House among a few choices I had in mind. Upon walking in, the place had a good vibe, but that was about all there was to it. The service model here is unique: you place your order at the counter, and then your drinks are brought to you. The name "Tree House" fits the ambiance, especially the cozy upstairs area that overlooks Grey Street. While there are a few tables on the pavement, we opted for the upstairs seating to enjoy the breeze. The barista who served us was friendly and efficient. Given its whimsical name, the decor feels a bit mismatched with the plain steel aesthetic. It's somewhat bland, and the indie music posters leave the target audience unclear. While there are cute touches, like a treasure chest for sugar alternatives, adding more quirky decor would enhance the atmosphere. Embracing a distinct character could help the place stand out. The menu is primarily focused on coffee and tea, along with various frappes and hot chocolates for those who prefer something different. Basic beverages, such as water and sodas, are also available from the fridge. The food selection is limited to a few pastries, both sweet and savory, plus a ham and cheese toasted sandwich—keeping things simple for this straightforward setting. Their coffee comes from Supreme Roasters, which is known for being one of the best in town. This makes me optimistic about the quality of the coffee, and it certainly lived up to that expectation. I ordered a doppio, and it was smooth, strong, and served at the perfect drinking temperature—slightly sweet with a delightful aroma and a velvety texture, without any residue at the bottom. On the side, I picked what seemed to be the best sweet treat available at the moment—a marble melting moment cookie. It consisted of two marble-patterned cookies with a layer of rich dark chocolate in between. These cookies were crumbly and delicious, with hints of chocolate, and the filling added a thick richness. Overall, the Tree House leans more into its concept than it does into being a standout coffee shop. While the idea is undeniably cute, the unique service model—ordering downstairs and enjoying your coffee upstairs—might not be enough to set it apart from the competition down the road. Despite its charm, the Tree House may need to put in more effort to truly distinguish itself in a vibrant coffee scene.