Between South Bank’s frenzied cafe scene and West End’s glut of killer coffee haunts, South Brisbane is too often overlooked as a haven for local caffeine cravers. Newport’s is looking to add a splash of boutique flair to the burgeoning inner-south suburb – opening its smartly appointed haunt next to Entrepreneur House on Merivale Street. The brainchild of the team from Oliver James Coffee in Newstead, Newport’s occupies the space once home to Two Trees and, more recently, the site of Single O’s Brisbane training centre. The Woodsters crew took charge of the minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired fit-out, installing new bench seating and a communal table inside, while also adding new outward-opening windows overlooking Merivale Street.

The concept is simple – to create an uncomplicated and convenient spot to grab specialty coffee with a bolstered food component, a handy one-stop shop for locals and workers. Although Single O is shifting its training centre to new digs, it remains as Newport’s brew of choice. Loose-leaf teas, juices and espresso-based coffees are already available, while batch-brew goodness will be added shortly. As drinking coffee is only a one-handed task, the other hand is free to clasp onto a fancy croissant filled with leg ham, tomato and provolone cheese, or a gourmet toastie boasting the likes of spiced pulled lamb, butter mushrooms and caramelised onion, or sliced leg ham, pickles and cheese (complete with dipping sauce, of course). Rounding out Newport’s snack selection are freshly made brownies, banana breads and cookies, as well as a daily rotation of muffins and salads to chomp on site or on the move.

Newport’s is now open. For opening hours and more information, click on over to the Stumble Guide.