We’ve been following Eddie Cho’s story since the beginning. From a single café on Adelaide Street to a second on Edward Street, The Hideout Specialty Coffee has quietly become one of Brisbane’s most considered coffee operations. Last Wednesday, Eddie opened his third location — 515 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley — and did it in a way that’s entirely on brand: generously, without fuss, and with the 2025 World Barista Champion behind the brew bar.
Jack Simpson won the World Barista Championship in Milan last October, representing Axil Coffee Roasters — the Melbourne roaster now supplying The Hideout’s beans. On opening morning, Jack served the same Colombian natural coffee he used in his winning routine: a Finca Zaza lot of around 100 kilograms, of which Axil bought 80. Much of it went to competitions. Some of it made it to Fortitude Valley, poured into cups handed to Brisbane coffee lovers who, by and large, had never tasted anything like it.
“Most people say — I didn’t know coffee could taste like that. That’s exactly what I want to hear.”
Jack Simpson, 2025 World Barista Champion
The ground floor of 515 St Pauls Terrace was packed from opening, people queuing with free coffee vouchers while Karl Lee — the 2026 Australian National Cup Tasters Champion — ran a pour-over bar and senior barista Tate handled the latte station out front.
Eddie didn’t go looking for this location. After the Adelaide Street renovation, the education programme, catering and mobile carts, he was focused on consolidating. He turned down plenty of approaches. Then one persistent contact found the St Pauls Terrace site and insisted he come look. He did. “I was focusing on the vibe,” he said of the fitout. “Warm and welcoming. The previous one was very cold and dry.” He demolished the bar section and opened the whole space up.
The coffee programme features three house blends — Four Trees, Blue Sanctuary, and Red Arena — each paired with a specific pastry by head pastry chef Tony and senior pastry chef Jairo. Food pairing is next on the roadmap.
Every shop is the main shop. That’s Eddie’s approach, and it shows.
“To see the trends and what customers like, what specialty coffee we can show to the general public — that’s what keeps us evolving.”
Eddie Cho, Founder, The Hideout Specialty Coffee
The Hideout Specialty Coffee, 515 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley. Open Monday–Friday (weekends during Ekka season). thehideoutspecialtycoffee.com
