Every Cup Tells A Story
A new Hyde Park cafe on King William Road, built around coffee, connection and bringing people together.
Vines frame the entrance to Stories and More.
I was walking my dog past the cafe when Francine spotted me and simply said "hello". I hadn’t planned to stop, let alone write about the place, but there was something warm and genuine about the greeting. Before long, we were chatting, and a few minutes later I was inside having a proper look.
A look across the main dining space.
A PLACE THAT FEELS EASY
Francine Saab is the owner of Stories & More, and that brief exchange says plenty about what she has created. It’s relaxed, welcoming and built around people and conversations.
The decor is a fresh sage green, with exposed red brick, light timber and distinctive lighting. It’s modern, bright and airy. The open front door adds to that feeling, making the cafe seem immediately inviting from the street. It gives the space an easy connection to the outside.
Two first-time visitors I spoke to felt much the same, with one commenting on the relaxed atmosphere.
The name Stories & More reflects Francine’s thinking. Every cup tells a story, and she wants people to leave with one of their own.
Francine Saab with one of the cafe’s takeaway cups.
THE PERSON AT THE HEART OF IT
Francine grew up around customers at her mum’s clothing boutique, so being with people came naturally.
She worked as a physio for 10 years and was seeking a change. The work often meant dealing with people’s pain, and she wanted to focus more on their pleasure. She found that in hospitality.
It wasn’t a direction she expected to take, but she soon fell in love with it.
Chef Tom assembling a bagel in the kitchen.
WHAT’S ON THE MENU
The menu was designed to offer something distinctive on King William Road, with bagels giving Stories & More its own point of difference rather than duplicating what was already nearby.
I’d normally go for a roll or baguette, but the Chicken Caesar Schnitzel Bagel caught my eye. It was a winner. I’d never eaten a bagel before and expected it to be quite firm, but this was fresh and soft. The chicken was tender and tasty, with a tangy, creamy dressing. Well presented, easy to eat and something I’d gladly order again.
The Chicken Caesar Schnitzel Bagel.
The drinks were just as memorable. The Iced Blue Sky Latte was cleverly layered, changing from sweet to coffee and then creamy as the straw moved through the glass. But it was the Ube Latte that really caught my attention.
Iced Blue Sky Latte and Ube Latte.
Its bold purple colour drew me in. Ube is a purple yam popular in the Philippines, and Francine discovered it through a friend. It eventually found its way onto her drinks menu. The Ube Latte was silky smooth, with a wonderful aftertaste. But it was the warmth and comfort that won me over.
“A hug in a glass.”
Both drinks came with a small shortbread biscuit on the side, a nice touch. Another customer favourite is the Iced Tiramisu Latte, which is pencilled in for my next visit.
Coffee is clearly important here too. Zoe, one of the cafe’s baristas, has developed a loyal following, with many regulars coming specifically for her coffee.
Stories & More also keeps prices reasonable, helping make the cafe accessible to a broad mix of people.
Later, I spoke with two other customers as they left the cafe, and both were impressed with their visit, particularly the different food and drink combinations.
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
One of the cafe’s quirkier ideas has become part of its character. A photo wall invites customers to add a snap and a few words about their visit, creating a growing collection of everyday moments, celebrations and familiar faces.
Molly the dog’s second birthday even made the collection.
The friendly team at Stories and More.
There’s also a selfie mirror to tempt the younger crowd into an Instagram snap. It’s another small touch that encourages customers to interact with the space rather than simply sit, eat and leave.
The mirror gives customers a ready-made photo stop.
GIVE IT A GO
For any new cafe, one of the toughest challenges is encouraging people through the door for the first time. Once they do, she hopes they’ll find a reason to come back.
I’m a good example. A simple "hello" got me through the door, I tried a few things I’d never had before and left with a new favourite drink. Apparently, I’m a bagel convert too.
Sometimes being a little daring and changing things up is all it takes.
Photography Credits: Brett Partington & Kate Needs
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