As Brisbane worker bees returned to their offices this week, a vibrant new cafe and bar opened its doors in Fortitude Valley, bringing much-needed liquid respite to the city’s cubicle captives. Just a skip down the road from the Valley Pool, Battery Station serves up all-day breakfast, lunch and shared tapas. The former service station still carries the original sign out the front, but inside you’ll find a refreshed space carrying colourful splashes of paint and the scent of Brother Espresso coffee beans. Revered street artists Sofles and Drapl have cast their cans across the rear courtyard, creating the perfect setting for an afternoon drink in summer.

The breakfast menu meanders from brioche French toast with banana, hazelnut and creme fraiche, to Benedict bagels and savoury mince with roasted tomato, poached egg, mustard leaf and chilli jam, while the lunch offerings include fresh mango, coconut and macadamia salad and steak sandwiches with onion jam. Head in after work on a Friday and kick back with shared nibble plates like Moroccan popcorn or warm sourdough with smoked salmon butter, as well as a cooling glass of draught beer or wine.

The new venue also plans to play host to community-driven events in the future, including art exhibitions, live-music sessions and an official launch in February. Keep watch on the Facebook page for updates.

Battery Station
Shop 1, 608 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
Ph: 07 3252 7036
Open: Monday to Thursday 7:00 am to 2:00pm, Friday 7:00 am to late