Spend a morning in the light-filled suburban haven of Abode Cafe and not only will you bless the belly with some delightful nosh, but you’re also likely to walk out with a few new friendly chums. Abode began its life as a coffee cart parked out the front of the historic Hillsdon Road Centre, with owners Bronwyn and Peter Jukes getting to know the locals as the renovations kicked on inside. The beautiful old building has been serving the surrounding community for the past eight decades, and the current incarnation is a calm oasis begging for lazy coffee dates and leisurely daytime feasting – certainly the kind of local you’d move suburbs for.

After juggling a day job in financial planning and weekend gigs baking cakes and brewing coffees at venues around town, Bronwyn finally decided to follow her passion and open her first cafe. Abode is clearly a family affair, with Bronwyn’s mother Rae helping out on baking duties and her father David completing much of the fit-out himself. The result is a welcoming space, with tabletops treated to dainty bouquets of flowers and the walls graced with sketches from talented Brisbane artist Shane Willmett.

The new venture is also on a mission to make everything from scratch, from the unique blend of chai to the house almond butter and nutella spread. Take a pot of Bronwyn’s famous Love and Provisions spiced plum or quince and apple jam home with you, or ask for the strawberry and vanilla concoction to be turned into a deliciously indulgent milkshake. This food philosophy also extends to the all-day menu, with repasts like slow-cooked savoury mince on toast and eggs en cocotte, as well as treats including apple and sour cream cake and caramel slice. Coffee fiends will detect hints of chocolate in the special blend from local boutique roasters Black Sheep Coffee, which can be paired with your choice of Zymil or Scenic Rim 4Real Milk.

Abode Cafe
Shop 2, 30 Hillsdon Road, Taringa
Ph: 07 3371 9874
Open: Wednesday to Monday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm