Coffee culture: Aaron Parke

Aaron Parke says listening to music is one of the secrets behind the perfect coffee. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Aaron Parke has been serving up great coffee and friendly banter from The Hole In The Wall, a tiny space dedicated to coffee only, in Vulcan Lane for about two years. Before that, he made coffee at Atlas, One Tree Grill and Rakinos.

What's the best thing about your job?

I get to make coffee all day - which I love - and be around good, fun people. It's very one-on-one, and I get to finish at 3pm, leaving enough time to play.

The secret to making the perfect latte?

So many factors, such as temperature and flavour, but playing music really helps me. I listen to the Beastie Boys a bit.

Your idea of coffee hell?

Starbucks straight up.

What's your favourite cafe?

Rakinos on High St. It has cool staff, friends, music, coffee and a balcony with view of High St.

Any guidelines for when to drink coffee and what to drink it with?

Usually in the morning helps and sometimes with whisky or in a cocktail.

Your most memorable coffee experience?

Drinking 25 shots of coffee by lunch time. I'm still laughing about that. I was running around talking to everyone.

Your favourite restaurant?

Bella. It has the most valuable memories for me.

Your favourite bar?

The Corner Bar, on the corner of High and Shortland Sts.

Favourite drink?

The perfect Manhattan, made by Damien Pennington at The Corner Bar.

What do you always have in your fridge and cupboards?

Boston shakers, glasses and coffee cups.

Who would you most like to make coffee for you?

My sensei [teacher] Simon Reid, formerly of Atlas in Ponsonby, who's overseas at the moment. Ben Adam from Rakinos makes a wicked latte.

What would you be doing if you weren't doing this?

Working in a bar - my other choice - or a lot of sleeping.