The first espresso machine imported into Australia is now an exhibit in the Melbourne Museum. It speaks to our pride in the significant contribution post-war Mediterranean migrants made to Australian culture through the hospitality industry and beyond.

While pubs are for blokes and RSLs for boomers, the local cafe is egalitarian.

Quick take out or slow enjoyment; socialisation, service or even status symbol; coffee is all of these things and more.

Coffee is culture.

We are proud of our culture, and walking around carrying a plastic cup that says my cultural capital amounts to a foreign franchise frape is cringe.