Welcome to Our Coffee Group
A Great Pour of Caffeinated; Fun, Friendship and Laughter!
Out at Coffee began, quite simply, with a group of friends meeting up regularly for coffee — chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. We’re accepting, diverse and a little quirky, but above all, we value connection and showing up for one another.
For me, that sense of belonging didn’t come easily at first. When I came out in my early forties, community and friendship felt unfamiliar, even elusive. It wasn’t until I met my partner Stephen in 2015 — and was welcomed into his long-standing coffee group — that something shifted. Weekly coffee catch-ups became a constant in my life, grounding, joyful, and quietly life-affirming.
Back then, the “Coffee Guy” at Wooloowin was a favourite haunt. And while caffeine certainly played its part, I’m told there were other reasons hearts raced a little faster too…
What started as a casual ritual has become something more meaningful. Meeting for coffee each week — often at a new café — adds a sense of adventure to our weekends and a rhythm to our lives. It’s a reminder that while life is busy and often demanding, it’s also meant to be shared.
There’s a saying: “You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends.”
I like to think you can also choose who you enjoy coffee with.
Out at Coffee isn’t a program, a service, or a group you have to join. It’s simply a celebration of connection — an encouragement to make time for people, conversation, and laughter. Whether that’s with friends, family, colleagues, or someone you haven’t yet had coffee with.
And if you don’t have someone to meet just yet? Be brave. Reach out. Invite someone. It might be the best coffee you ever have.
Here, I share stories and moments from our coffee catch-ups. If you enjoy them, you’re welcome to follow along on Facebook. And if you know a great café in the Brisbane area, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to add it to the caffeine calendar.
Out at Coffee is one of the ways I stay connected to community and the values that also inform my professional work.Allan
Coffee and Friends make the perfect blend!
— Unknown
ALLAN
The quiet analyser of the group, Allan loves writing and is the creator of this friend's blog. Always looking on the bright side of life, he loves the positivity of all things rainbow! Allan's a dad to two grownup daughters and has three wonderful grandkids. His caffeine tipple is a medium skinny flat white. He's also partial to a good glass of wine with tasty, mature cheddar cheese. By the way, if he visits, hide the peanuts... he's addicted to them!
stephen
Known for his signature phrases; 'Welcome!' and 'Thank you so much!' Stephen loves all things hotel and travel. When they met, one of the first things he asked Allan was; "What's your frequent flyer status?" This set the tone for a relationship where points are maximised at every opportunity! He's dad to two adult kids, has two lovely granddaughters, and his coffee fix is a small, full cream flat white. Always on the go, you know he's around by his raucous laugh!
LEE
An expert organiser, Lee's a whizz at planning anything and everything. The leader of our travel group, he keeps us in check, on time, and never lost! He takes fabulous iPhone photos and co-parent's a spoilt, rescue greyhound called Coco. Lee's versatile in his coffee choice, flipping between full cream flat white or cappuccino. A lover of all things pastry, Lee can't order without returning with a sweet treat... usually a big, yummy, almond croissant!
PETE
The tech savvy one of the group, Pete loves all things technology. He's a kind hearted guy and is always sought after for advice and to repair things. Known to be a little OCD at times, he has a tendency towards excessive bathroom grooming that's made us late on more than one occasion. Pete co-parent's Coco, and like Lee, he loves a full cream flat white or cappuccino, although he's been known to try a piccolo or two! Easily excited, Pete loves fine red wine!
Out at Coffee is a personal blog about connection and community. My professional work as a clarity coach lives separately at Manage My Rainbow.