All content created by: Mariam Salem
Black Rock Coffee
Black Rock Coffee is not your typical café.
One feature that makes it so unique is a window overlooking Basecamp Climbing, the newest rock climbing gym in Toronto.
Owner of the climbing gym Matthew Languay said he partnered with friends Zohar Berlyand and Mike Svechnikar to create an extension for the climbing community.
“When we found out the space was available, we started talking and we thought building a coffee shop would be a great way for climbers to relax and wind down after such a challenging sport. The idea is to enhance the climbers experience.”
Since opening 3 months ago, Black Rock Coffee has grown into a community hub people go to discuss their wanderlust while enjoying a cup of specialty coffee.
“You’ll notice the atmosphere and design we went with is all in the theme of the outdoors. The bar is made from used climbing ropes. The chalk board menu has mountains hand-drawn on it, the maps on the walls and tables… Everything’s purpose is to inspire people to conquer the outdoors,” said Berlyand.
Black Rocks’ coffee is supplied by Pig Iron Roasters. Svechnikar said the method that the supplier goes through to source his beans is a very detailed procedure.
“Our supplier travels the world with a team of coffee tasters to make sure that the bean is up to par and that the taste is where it should be. It’s a very thorough screening process to make sure that we do get the best coffee. It really shows in the flavor.”
Along with the specialty coffee, Black Rock offers an exclusive selection of Tea that comes from Bampot, a Bohemian Tea House that blends over 100 different Teas in Toronto.
“It’s very unique. We’re actually the only other location in Toronto that sells that tea,” said Languay.
Berlyand said the coffee shop’s ultimate goal is to be a place for people to plan their next adventure.
Black Rock Coffee’s future plans involve acquiring a liquor license so that they can host many different events from open mics to game nights.
“Black Rock Coffee is a place where you get really good quality coffee, but it’s also a place to get inspired. So whether you’re sitting at a table that shows you the map of Algonquin Park or another Park in Ontario or a hiking trail somewhere in South America, you’re sipping on your coffee and thinking: what’s next? That’s the spirit that we want to embody here.” - Zohar Berlyand
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