Meet Our Partners: EEF, Sydney

Published on

12 Aug, 2026

EEF is a café and urban camping supply store in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Owners Eunseok Lee, Junsoo Park and Taeho Kang have breathed elegant new life into the iconic London Chambers building, with an eye to preserving its stunning curved façade and high-ceilinged interior.

Since opening in March 2026, EEF has drawn a crowd with its carefully-chosen array of teas, pastries, goods – and Market Lane coffee!
We sat down with Eunseok to discuss the values guiding their development of calming, curated shared spaces, and the worth of maintaining moments of peace, even in the middle of bustling Oxford St.

Market Lane: What does the name EEF stand for?

Eunseok: People often ask what EEF stands for. The answer is that it doesn't stand for a phrase, it stands for a feeling. We intentionally chose a name that was open to interpretation rather than defining it through an acronym. For us, EEF represents slowing down, everyday rituals, thoughtful design, good coffee and meaningful connections. Rather than explaining the name, we'd rather people experience it for themselves.

For those who haven't visited yet, tell us about EEF. How did the concept come about?

EEF is a café-meets-retail space inspired by the idea of urban camping. Not camping as a destination, but as a feeling: a slower pace, and simpler rituals. We wanted to translate those qualities into everyday city life. Coffee sits at the heart of the experience, surrounded by carefully curated objects, thoughtful design and a space where people genuinely want to spend time.

EEF describes itself as bringing a little slower pace, and a place to reduce overstimulation. Where did that thinking come from, and why does Sydney need it?

Sydney has incredible cafés, restaurants and bars, but there are surprisingly few places where people simply want to stay. Life has become increasingly fast and overstimulating. We felt there was room for a space that doesn't ask anything from you. Whether you're working, reading, catching up with a friend or doing absolutely nothing, EEF is designed to help you slow down and feel a little more grounded before stepping back into the city.

Your home at 52 Oxford Street started life in 1912 as the London Chambers, purpose built for a bank. What drew you to the building, and how did its history shape the space?

We fell in love with the character of the building before we thought about the business. Rather than stripping everything out, we wanted to preserve what made the space special. The marble tables and benchtops, the proportions, and the heritage details already carried so much character. Our role was simply to reinterpret the space: to make it lighter, calmer and more welcoming while respecting its history.

Your spaces are all about slowing down. What do you each do to slow down?

For us, it's usually the simple things. Making coffee at home, spending time outdoors, going camping, taking a walk without a destination, or sharing a meal with friends. EEF really came from those moments, not from a business idea, but from the everyday rituals we personally value.

For someone visiting EEF for the first time, what should they order, and where should they sit?

I'd recommend starting with a Marimbus flat white or filter coffee, depending on how you enjoy coffee. Then take your time. Sit by the front windows if you'd like to watch Oxford Street pass by or settle further into the space with a tea and stay a little longer. EEF isn't really designed to be rushed.

What made Marimbus feel right as the house coffee for EEF?

We wanted a coffee that reflected how we wanted the space to feel. Marimbus is approachable and beautifully balanced, while still offering depth and character. It's equally enjoyable as a quick takeaway espresso or as something you can sit with for an hour. It felt like the perfect foundation for EEF. At the same time, EEF is designed as a place where people can discover different coffees and roasting philosophies. Alongside Market Lane, we'll continue showcasing Australian and international roasters while gradually developing our own roasting program at our Campsie warehouse.

What's next?

We're still very much at the beginning. We're excited to continue building EEF as both a café and a roastery, introducing more Australian and international coffees while gradually developing our own roasting identity. More than anything, we hope EEF becomes a place people naturally return to.

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