Pavement Whispers: Volume 545 February 17
From news of a Toowong cage’s after-dark evolution to a new coffee spot inside a Hamilton art space, The Weekend Edition is always on the search for the latest food news in Brisbane, dedicated to ensuring its readers are in the know. When we put our ears to the pavement this week, this is what we found out …
Nowhere Espresso
A cherished Toowong cafe is set to evolve over the coming weeks, with Nowhere Espresso announcing an expansion into nighttime trade. The team behind the Bent Street mainstay recently revealed on social media that the cafe would soon transform into a cafe, pizzeria and wine bar hybrid, bolstering its daytime menu with an after-dark offering featuring small bites, pizzas, pastas and vino. Work has been going on behind the scenes, with the team informing us that a new kitchen (built inside one of the street-facing rooms of its home in the partially heritage-listed Bell’s General Store building) has been equipped to handle the menu upgrades. Nowhere Espresso will officially debut its new offering in eight to ten weeks, after which guests will be able to tuck into traditional Italian-style pizzas alongside bowls of hearty pasta with flavoursome twists – think pasta with prawn, chorizo and romesco sauce. As for wines, expect a clutch of heralded Australian drops anchoring Nowhere Espresso’s list. Keep your eyes on Nowhere Espresso’s socials for updates, and be sure to check back here for a closer look at the new offering soon.
Warehouse Cafe
Something new has been taking shape inside Hamilton-based multifaceted arts and events space Superordinary recently. No, it’s not another one of its incredible exhibitions – the MacArthur Avenue hub is cutting the ribbon on its own nosh spot, Warehouse Cafe. Taking over Superordinary’s bar and kitchen space, Warehouse Cafe is looking to give locals a handy respite to grab a snack, catch up with friends and get work done. The cafe quietly opened on Monday, debuting with a tight menu of toasties, pastries and smashed avocado, as well as specialty coffee from Allpress Espresso. Guests can settle in surrounded by ever-changing street-art murals, with ultra-fast Wi-Fi for free co-working. The dog-friendly venue also boasts a community library and board games – everything one needs to create, play and relax. Warehouse Cafe is open Monday to Saturday, between 7:00 am and 12:30 pm.
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Kosta’s Takeaway
Brisbane’s sandwich renaissance is set to continue, with chef-driven Sydney sandwich concept Kosta’s Takeaway coming to Gasworks Plaza in Newstead. Founded in 2021 in the front office of a Rockdale panel beater, Kosta’s reimagines the humble sandwich with restaurant-level technique and generosity, focusing on refined yet abundant offerings served between bread. The Brisbane outpost will feature classics like the fish sandwich, schnitty sanger and tuna melt, alongside exclusive menu items created with consultant Adam Wolfers, plus coffee from Canberra’s ONA and specialty drinks such as watermelon juice with salty halloumi. Designed as a small, personality-packed grab-and-go spot with limited seating, the opening will be celebrated with three days of giveaways, including free sandwiches, galaktoboureko doughnuts and coffee. Click here to read more about this exciting arrival.
Bar Hugo
In sad news for martini lovers across Brisbane, West End-based vermouth and wine bar, Bar Hugo, has closed its doors. Opened by Nick Sebar and Shaun Kelly in 2024, Bar Hugo made waves early for its beverage list laden with artisanal vermouths and creative low-ABV cocktails, as well as its approachable timber-clad interior. In an announcement posted to social media, the crew behind the Hardgrave Road haunt revealed that the decision had been manifesting for a while, with a desire to spend more time with family a deciding factor behind the closure. The Bar Hugo team thanked the West End community for its support before signing off.
If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].