Haven Espresso Stafford | Must Do Brisbane

HAVEN ESPRESSO IN STAFFORD HAS CLOSED.

Situated in a backstreet in Stafford Heights, Haven Espresso is a cafe with a chilled out vibe and a motto to keep it ‘simple and affordable’.

Perhaps it’s the cool and somewhat minimalist fitout, perhaps it’s the edgy art exhibits but there’s no doubt that prices here make for a stress free experience.

Barista making coffee behind coffee machine

Visitors to this café can choose to sip at timber tables and chairs, lounge on sofas, sit on milk crates topped with cushions or perch at the breakfast bar and watch the world go by. Each month the crisp white walls exhibit artworks by different local artists, providing a changing backdrop for the café. Artworks featured have included installations of quirky wedding photography, watercolours and tattoo art.

Stencil art on wall of a woman with a fly on her lip

Haven Espresso makes a great coffee, using Costa Noosa beans, roasted on the Sunshine Coast. Whilst the menu is not filled with gourmet options, the fare here is very tasty and affordable. Toasties (at old-fashioned canteen-like prices) are the order of the day, beginning with a cheese toastie, oozing with melted cheese. Add leg ham for a little extra cash and enjoy an old favourite – the ham and cheese toastie. The gourmet toastie changes weekly with offerings such as roast beef, chutney, rocket and vintage cheese on sourdough.

Seats and table made out of recycled wood

A small range of sweet treats is also available but the jewel in the crown at Haven is definitely the “Eeevil Brownie”. Very appropriately named, this brownie begins with a layer of partially cooked cookie dough, followed by layers of Oreo biscuit, caramel and chocolate brownie mix – totally decadent.

Stencil painting a woman crying with a crow

Soon to be added to the drinks menu is the “Eeevil Iced Coffee” with a secret ingredient that’s sure to make it a winner. Team one of these with the Eeevil Brownie for a sinful combination – there’s something to look forward to.

In a nutshell - Whether it’s a catch-up with friends, a quick coffee or a work meet-up, Haven Espresso is the place, with a relaxed atmosphere, changing art exhibits, great coffee, affordable and tasty food and decadent treats.

by Sandy Ludinski