Caffeine, toasties and hip-hop vibes – meet Relaxed Espresso, Mermaid Beach’s new minimalist coffee nook
A new pocket-sized caffeine haven has quietly opened in Mermaid Beach – and despite its minimalist footprint, Relaxed Espresso is already making a big impression. Nestled in between Cantina and The Raspberry Room tattoo studio, the new coffee hub marks the first solo venture from well-loved Gold Coast hospitality identity Josh Key, whose resume reads like a who’s who of the Gold Coast’s cafe culture – Paddock Bakery, Bam Bam Bakehouse, Stone Studio, Palm Springs, Junior’s Deli, Mylk Well and Elk Espresso, to name just a few.
As the name suggests, Relaxed Espresso is intentionally small, stripped back and deeply personal – a reflection of Josh himself. Once home to Zeppelin Barbers (which has since moved across the road), the space had long been a familiar spot for Josh. When it suddenly became available, the timing felt serendipitous. After years of dreaming about opening a place that truly felt like his own, he jumped at the chance. The footprint may be tiny, but the bones were perfect – a blank canvas ready to be shaped into the soulful, minimalist nook he’d imagined.
Inside, a long concrete bench runs the length of one wall, facing two compact booths on the other. Striking black-and-white framed film prints line the space – all shot by Josh – while hip-hop beats drift through the room, giving the cafe a warm, lived-in energy that feels effortless rather than designed. What was once the buzz of clippers now hums with steaming milk, low-fi beats and a growing crowd of locals dropping in for their daily fix.
“I just wanted it to feel like my house,” Josh says. “People walk in, see me and immediately feel like they’re in my space. I want to give them a genuinely good experience.”
The name Relaxed Espresso was born from a sentiment Josh heard repeatedly throughout his years behind the machine – that even during the peak of the morning rush, he never looked flustered. “People always said, ‘You’re so relaxed,’” he laughs, admitting he’s often paddling furiously beneath the surface. “So I decided that if I ever opened my own place, that’s what I’d call it.”
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On the machine, Josh pours blends by Therefore Coffee Roasters, crafted by long-time friend Hunter – a choice rooted in loyalty and genuine admiration. “I always knew I’d use his beans,” he says. “It’s good coffee and supporting your mates just feels right.”
Food-wise, the offering is intentionally tight. There’s a small but excellent selection of pastries from The Bread Social and, from next week, a line-up of toasties in flavours such as ham and cheese, chorizo and cheese with basil and chilli jam, or shredded chicken, avo and cheese – simple, comforting and crafted for grab-and-go ease.
Despite having only just opened, Relaxed Espresso is already humming with regulars who appreciate its simplicity – nothing overthought or overworked, just good coffee, good tunes and genuine hospitality.
Head to The Directory for opening times.