Nestled right between Cantina and The Raspberry Room tattoo studio in Mermaid Beach, Relaxed Espresso is the intimate new coffee nook from Gold Coast hospo identity Josh Key. Housed in the former Zeppelin Barbers space (which has since moved across the road), the petite venue has been transformed into a minimalist, caffeine-centric retreat with a long concrete bench running one wall, two cosy booths and a curated display of Josh’s own black-and-white film prints. Hip-hop beats drift through the space, giving the room a lived-in, personal warmth that mirrors Josh’s laidback approach to hospitality.
On the machine, you’ll find Therefore Coffee Roasters, poured with precision and a whole lot of heart. The food offering is intentionally simple – a tight selection of pastries from The Bread Social and, soon, a rotating lineup of toasties such as ham-and-cheese, chorizo and cheese with basil and chilli jam, and shredded chicken with avo and cheese.