openings
Diamond in the Rough So how do I get there again? Wait, what … keep an eye out for all the graffiti? Okay, if you say so. As it turns out, this proved to be a pretty accurate description. Nestled within what was once considered a dodgy run down area that people would steer away from at night; Batu Satu now plays base to the urban, hip, go-to coffee specialty providers going by the label Batches Coffee. Arriving on the scene in 2016 and whipping up cold brews for a thirsty public at pop-up events on hot days, the main duo behind this increasingly popular locale moved into the hood some 8 months ago. Commissioning the resident graffiti professionals that Brunei has come to know and love – The Guerilla Artchitects – the entire walkway to the rough concrete coffee house is splashed with vibrancy, which has drawn young working professionals and the youth like moths to the flame. Heck, people in my age group who
22
Borneo.Insider’s.Guide
wished we had these sort of features available to us in the mid-90s also make up part of the crowd. The pillars of a stretch of walkway, along with the shutters of long unused units play host to the rainbow in the form of artwork from popular Western and Eastern pop culture. Godzilla vs King Kong, Apu from the Simpsons who points the way, the simian better known to the NFT community as The Bored Ape, and an array of designs has turned the area into an urban oasis of colour that breathes life into its surroundings. There’s more. Two lengthy sections of wall are home to yet more artwork. A large centerpiece exists around the corner from the coffee house’s entrance, featuring the street artists’ logo, while Charlie Brown and the gang are presented with a slight Malay twist as they cruise down Jalan Bapaku.
After your eyes finish feasting on the visuals, head on inside. This is where the glorious coffee is after all. With specialty roasts sourced from Malaysia, Australia, and the UK – who in turn source their beans from Panama, Columbia, Brazil, Kenya, and Indonesia – it is a safe bet that a great cup of Joe awaits consumption right here. A grey laid back interior promotes a physical body cool-down from the heat outdoors, and while an outdoor section seats roughly 6 people, another 15 or so people are afforded a good amount of space inside. Everyone here is
friendly, the vibe is chilled, and Cushion the Cat comes and goes as he pleases. Final thought? It is about darn time we had an area like this to frequent. Well played Batches, well played. •• Unit 6, Ground Floor, Block C, Cenderawaseh Seri Sufri Complex, Batu Satu (Look for the street art!) Open: 7:30am-5pm (Mon-Thurs) 7:30am-8pm (Fri-Sat) Tel: 673-7142900 IG: @batchescoffee FB: Batches Coffee
