1 / 2Flinch Coffee & Play
📍 Thornbury, VIC
Flinch Coffee & Play in Thornbury combines plaster painting of Pokemon, Sanrio, and anime characters with specialty coffee and Japanese soufflé pancakes. Table games, Nintendo Switch, and Pokemon card events round out the experience.
My boyfriend and I recently visited here for a fun painting activity for Valentine’s Day. The staff, food and atmosphere were amazing! I do recommend booking prior as there aren’t a lot of tables inside and you may not be guaranteed a time slot if you were to walk in There are lots of characters from different universes to pick from (One Piece, Sanrio, Pokemon + many more). My partner and I decided to both do Psyduck and I think they turned out super cute! I’d also like to point out that there are heaps of Pokemon related items here too which was the main reason we visited! Staff were fantastic and were always keeping busy. Food was also really good. We ordered the pandan & coconut pancakes as well as the crispy chicken soba noodles. We will be back again! (Especially if there is a Slowpoke figure next time) 😆
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for Pokemon and anime fans aged 5 and up who want a creative activity alongside quality food. The painting sessions work equally well for a family outing or a birthday party for a smaller group. Parents consistently rave about the matcha and pancakes, so adults are well catered for too.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →257 Google reviews
Mersa
a month ago
“My boyfriend and I recently visited here for a fun painting activity for Valentine’s Day. The staff, food and atmosphere were amazing! I do recommend booking prior as there aren’t a lot of tables inside and you may not be guaranteed a time slot if you were to walk in There are lots of characters from different universes to pick from (One Piece, Sanrio, Pokemon + many more). My partner and I decided to both do Psyduck and I think they turned out super cute! I’d also like to point out that there are heaps of Pokemon related items here too which was the main reason we visited! Staff were fantastic and were always keeping busy. Food was also really good. We ordered the pandan & coconut pancakes as well as the crispy chicken soba noodles. We will be back again! (Especially if there is a Slowpoke figure next time) 😆”
Taylor Leigh-Jones
4 months ago
“Saw this place on TikTok, being pokemon & matcha lovers it was a must visit. SO glad that we did! Best matcha l've had in a cafe for an extremely long time, it was beautifully presented and really really good. I had to get another one as the first was amazing. Everything was served super cute and perfect, the food was great and the service was even better, the girl who took care of our table was really sweet and kind :)) The painting was super fun, it's a calm vibe and we had a really great time. She went out of her way to check if all the ingredients in my drink were allergy safe. Thank you!”
Ella
4 months ago
“Such a cute little cafe with so many unique drinks! I tried their Coconut Matcha Cloud and Taro Twilight — they’re served in the cutest glasses and taste just as amazing as they look. The cafe also has fun touches like cards to play with, statues you can colour, and adorable dolls for sale. It’s very small but so lovely, and all the staff are incredibly polite. A hidden gem for anyone who loves creative drinks and a whimsical vibe!”
Bianca Mari Hatulan
6 months ago
“accidentally came across this adorable place while getting lost in the city. servers are extremely friendly and attentive. felt so welcomed and “accidentally” stayed for 4 hours 🥰 atmosphere is peaceful, food is great and i’m definitely coming back when i return to Melbourne again 😍 thank you for this experience and letting me buy all the emma figurines to collect 🤣”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Flinch pairs hands-on painting activities — figures include Pokemon, Sanrio, and superhero characters — with a full café menu of Japanese soufflé pancakes, matcha drinks, and specialty coffee. Private paint parties can be booked with themed decorations and catering. The venue also stocks Nintendo Switch games and hosts Pokemon TCG events. Seating is sparse; walk-ins often miss out.



