Follow Their Blue Dots to Coffee
Single o cafe
16 Austin Street, Newstead, Brisbane, QLD 4006
Ph: (02) 9693 2232
Web: www.singleo.com.au
'Out at Coffee'
10th August 2024
Welcome … I'm so excited to be sharing my coffee group with you in this, my first 'Out at Coffee' blog! Usually, the location of our coffee catchup is only agreed after a flurry of last-minute Messenger chat. And it was no different, when we settled on ‘Single O’ café in Newstead.
Lee and Pete share their live location, so we can find them easily. But when the map load’s in Messenger we look at each other and laugh as their blue dots jump around the screen erratically. One minute they’re together in Maud Street, then Pete’s alone on Halford Street, with Lee frozen smack bang in the heart of Newstead House.
‘Single O’ is located on Austin Street, an eclectic urban mix of low-level industrial chic units, giving way to modern apartment living at the far end. The Café’ is halfway down the road, revealed by the line of caffeine junkies queued patiently outside for their first fix of the day.
It’s clearly a popular place and the wooden stools and orange crates scattered on the pathway, give it a sophisticated, grungy, garage feel. As we stand outside waiting for the guys to arrive, a friendly hostess welcomes us. She says there’s no seating inside, but a table will open up soon. It’s dog friendly, so Coco, Lee and Pete’s rescue greyhound, is welcome too!
They all look relaxed; the frantic, blue dot onscreen shenanigans were clearly a technical issue with Messenger. We smile at each other as they approach and exchange ‘Welcomes’... there’s no hugs needed in this group of long-standing middle-aged friends.
We forgo the internal table and sit outside on wooden stools, Coco sprawled out on the path oblivious to patrons navigating their way around her. Lee, who’s the expert planner of our group and takes fantastic iPhone photos, is first up to the counter to order coffee and it’s no surprise to see him return with an almond croissant... he and Pete can’t go anywhere without ordering something to eat!
We love our weekend morning ritual and as we drink coffee and chat, our conversation skips between our recent European trip together, the US election, and it’s interjected by funny takes on our current ailments and medication … oh the joys of getting older!
And Steve, who at the age 43 achieved his lifelong dream to be an Airline Steward and joins us when his flight schedule allows, lights up telling stories about his recent long-haul trip to Rome, and he’s off to Tokyo soon too!
Suddenly, Coco rises, nuzzles her face in Lee’s lap and barks. We all jump at her timely signal for a walk, so we stroll back to our cars along the Brisbane River.
It’s a perfect morning and as we skirt the edge of Newstead House and walk by the futuristic, high rise Mercedes showroom, there’s an underlying sense that our bubble of caffeinated; fun, friendship and laughter, will soon burst, overtaken by household chores, shopping and family commitments.
As our weekend ritual draws to a close, Stephen announces that we’re heading into Bunnings to buy a length of dowel to put in our patio door tracks for added home security. Pete, who’s our guru on all thing’s maintenance and techie, gives ‘tongue in cheek’ advice about the length and girth of the rod we’ll need.
He also thinks he’s got something at home to meet our needs, which makes me very happy.
I can't think of anything worse than walking around Bunnings on my day off… the last time Stephen took me in there, it was early afternoon and we didn’t emerge until after dark, with little to show for the experience!
We say our goodbyes and as Stephen and I drive home to South Brisbane, I turn to him and say: “We’re blessed to have the friends we have!” He smiles and responds; “Yes, we are… I wonder where next week’s coffee will be!”
Our coffee group’s special! We’re accepting, diverse and quirky! But above all, we laugh and have fun, as we chat each week over coffee! So, this weekend I encourage you to meet with your friends, family, work colleagues or someone in your community. Connect with people you want to share time with and spread a little; fun, friendship and laughter … and if you can’t think of anyone to invite, be spontaneous and reach out to someone! It may just be the best thing you could do for yourself and them.
I love sharing our coffee escapades with you, so please help me share the joy of coffee and friendships. Like, follow and share the ‘Out at Coffee’ Facebook page. And if you have suggestions for a great coffee venue in or around Brisbane, please drop us a line via the Contact page, we’d love to add it to our caffeine calendar.Allan
I'm proud to state that all content on this Blog is written by me and all photos are originals taken by our group.