June 01, 2025
You know them, you love them – we’re drinking Proud Mary Coffee all month long and are pretty darn excited about it!
Proud Mary is considered a Melbourne institution and rightfully so. Their café, located in the heart of Collingwood, has been slinging amazing coffee and food for the past 15 years. It even placed 4th in the world in the 100 Best Coffee Shops this year and 1st in Melbourne… but more on that massive achievement later! All this recognition is well deserved – they’ve absolutely mastered the art of roasting and hospitality over the years.
Just a short stroll down the road from their world renowned café is Aunty Peg’s, situated inside Proud Mary’s roastery. Here they showcase their coffee and host regular cuppings and tasting events – essentially a coffee cellar door vibe. Anyone can pop in, sit down at the bar, and have one of their baristas treat them to a truly special cup of coffee.
THE INTERVIEW
This month we met with Proud Mary’s very own Callum Gregori and asked him all about their big 100 Best Coffee Shops win, how they keep things fresh, and what’s in store for the future.
Best café in Melbourne and fourth in the world – how does that feel? Did you see it coming?
Honestly, it’s been amazing, and we feel incredibly humbled. We’ve always poured our hearts into what we do, so to be recognised on a global stage like that is pretty magical. Did we see it coming? Not at all really, it’s such special recognition for everyone who has contributed to PMC over the years.
How did you find out? Were there celebrations, or was it just another day making great coffee?
We were messaging back and forth with the organisers in Spain who’d invited us to attend. The timeframe was just too tight to get someone over from Australia, so we asked our mate Morgan Eckroth (@morgandrinkscoffee) to represent us. The ceremony happened overnight, so we actually woke up to the news via an Instagram DM! Since then, the response from our community has been unreal – and dare I say, the vibes in the café are at an all-time high. The staff took a moment the other week to raise a glass in celebration of the achievement and we’re all feeling very proud.
What do you think sets Proud Mary apart? What do you reckon made you stand out to the judges?
We build long-term relationships with producers, obsess over quality, and give our team the freedom to push boundaries. Whether it’s sourcing rare coffees, exploring new tech, or creating standout dishes, we’re always chasing what’s next. That curiosity and care flows through everything. From the coffee to the food, the service, and the vibe in the space. We’re not just consistent; we’re heartfelt, intentional, and always evolving. That’s what sets us apart.
You guys have been doing this for years—how do you keep things fresh and exciting in the café scene?
At Proud Mary, staying fresh isn’t just a strategy, it’s in our DNA. We live by our FIRE values: Fun, Innovation, Relationships, and Education. Whether it’s pushing boundaries with new brew gear, creating wild seasonal dishes, or reimagining the customer experience, we’re always chasing what’s next. But it’s not just about what we do, it’s about how we do it. Our team brings the energy, the heart, and a genuine sense of care to every cup and every interaction. That heartfelt, cared-for service is what keeps people coming back. We’re here to make people feel something.
What’s next? Any big plans, new locations, or wild ideas in the works?
We’re always dreaming big, and we’ve got a special project brewing right now – bringing our relentless commitment to quality to more people through more retail stores. We’re on a mission to transform the industry – blowing minds with quality, changing lives through real relationships with producers, and paying more to ensure sustainability in a volatile coffee market. For the first time we’re opening up to our community to get involved in supporting our growth journey through Crowdfunding.
THE COFFEE![]()
Filter Coffee:
Deep Thinker
This month’s featured filter coffee is from the El Morito farm, run by Roberto Monterroso, in Guatemala. El Morito produces a wide range of high quality coffees due to its unique combination of climate, altitude, and size. The one you’ll be sipping on this month showcases orange blossom, white peach, and a creamy finish. Roasted gently to preserve its elegance.
Coffee Origins: Guatemala
Tasting Notes: Notes of orange blossom and white peach.
Suggested Recipe for Filter:
- Dose: 15g
- Bloom: 80g for 40 seconds
- Water: 240g
- Time: 2:30 – 2:50 minutes
- Ratio: 1:16
- Temp: 96°C
Espresso Coffee:
Humbler
Introducing your June go-to espresso roast, Humbler, made for the people, by the people. This big-bodied seasonal blend is designed to cut through milk and create a chocolatey latte or a rich and syrupy espresso. It is sweet, approachable, and easy to brew, making great coffee accessible to everyone.
Coffee Origin: El Salvador & Brazil
Tasting Notes: Notes of chocolate fudge, caramel and dates.
Suggested Recipe for Espresso:
- Dose: 18g
- Yield: 36g
- Time: 26–30 seconds
- Ratio: 1:2
- Temp: 96°C
