Popular laneway cafe shuts its doors

ONE of Cairns’ favourite coffee haunts has closed, much to the sadness of its loyal customers.

Richard Mindenhall decided to shut Sing Sing Espresso and Friday marked his last day behind the coffee machine.

The cafe was tucked down the end of the Lake St laneway near Woolworths.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Mindenhall said he could not “express enough how much I will miss the beautiful community of friends and family that walked down the laneway every day for the last four years to help create a lifetime of memories”.

“I want to honour my parents John and Jane who have been the backbone of my business and who allowed me to live the cafe dream, nothing would have happened without your love and support,” he also wrote.

“I want to thank @vinniepap for being the most supportive and generous landlord I could have ever had for a first time business owner, I truly can’t thank you enough for being a champion of Sing Sing.

“Thank you to @lilmarionette and your team for giving me opportunity after opportunity to keep the dream alive and work with one of the most exemplary coffee products and businesses in Australia.

“To my friends and customers who many have become like family, thank you again for your conversations, laughter, tears and endless gossip. You guys are the biggest takeaway of the Sing Sing experience.”

Sue-Ellen Beaven said the cafe made “the best” velvet latte and was a “most favourite space to hang”, while David Ashby said he “loved popping in and catching up from time to time” and getting “the best chai I’ve had to date”.

“I’m so sad to hear this news. This place has been so important to me and the whole family. So many great memories and great coffees. I will miss it,” said Peter Davies.

“With all your talent I’m sure whatever you decide to do next will be a success.”

Elizabeth Reeves loved ordering avocado on sourdough which she rated as “the best in Cairns”.