The People Behind Vacation Coffee

Ti Phan

 

Head Barista (Richmond & Cremorne)

Drink of choice: Single-origin espresso

Ti Phan’s passion for coffee grew out of his love for photography. In his home country of Vietnam, he spent time with coffee farmers and producers — capturing their work, their land, and their stories. Through these experiences, Ti developed a deep respect for coffee in all its forms, from soil to cup.

Driven by curiosity, Ti has continued to refine his craft across multiple areas of coffee, from brewing and extraction to the nuances of processing and roasting. He sees coffee as a deeply personal and evolving experience — something to be explored, appreciated, and enjoyed in whatever way feels right.

 

Luis Covarrubias

 

Roastery Coordinator & Production Roaster

Drink of choice: V60 filter at home, double espresso or batch brew out and about

Luis Covarrubias brings over two decades of hospitality experience, with a journey that’s taken him from the kitchen to the bar and now into the roastery. Since stepping into coffee in 2022, he’s been drawn to its constant evolution — how small changes in origin, processing, or brewing can shape entirely different experiences. Thoughtful and intuitive, Luis approaches coffee with a deep respect for flavour, balance, and the rhythm of service.

Having lived and worked across Australia, from Wollongong to Brisbane, Luis has now settled in Melbourne and proudly calls it home. A true Melburnian, he spends his time digging for records, visiting local cafés, and exploring the city’s food and culture. Outside of coffee, his creativity runs wide — painting in a quirky style, playing music, cycling, and most recently, getting into rock climbing.