Food Wine Sleep

Jamie Woolcott, owner of Little Ethel’s in Balmain, long held an infatuation with great coffee and fine food. This passion was heightened when he stumbled across Single Origin Roasters during a lunch break.

“I would walk 15 minutes from the office to get their coffee- it changed my entire respect and outlook for true espresso. I worked my way down from flat whites, to macchiato to short blacks- I was hooked!” tells Woolcott.

After 8 years working the corporate circle, Woolcott left it all behind to follow his passion. He landed a job at a bustling north shore cafe, working with some of the best in the area, developing his skills in coffee making and food knowledge.

In April 2010, he set up Little Ethel’s, named after his Grandma. “Grandma’s of Burmese heritage, and told me stories of her life growing up- how she rode into a pond full of books when she was learning to ride a bike, tigers in her backyard... she is so little and unassuming, but such a character. I wanted this to be reflected in the shop.”

Opening Little Ethel’s has also allowed Woolcott to demonstrate his love of great food. He has worked closely with key suppliers and selected only the best produce- heirloom tomatoes showcase themselves, Adriano Zumbo supplies some bread, and Single Origin Roasters deliver the Little Ethel’s Blend.

“Setting up Little Ethel’s is an amazing opportunity to integrate so many elements that mean so much to me- my Grandmother’s personality, my passion for excellent coffee, and my love of simple delicious produce. Seeing it all come together, and our customers enjoying it makes it all worthwhile”.