Keelan Bijker might be familiar to some as the bearded drummer of beloved Brisbane indie rockers The Jungle Giants, but the musician has recently stepped outside of his comfort zone and turned cafe owner with the opening of Two Donkeys in Spring Hill. Located at the base of Novotel Brisbane, Keelan took the opportunity to try his hand at hospitality when word reached him that the hotel was looking to update the cafe space, which had been underused in the past. While technically operating as a part of the hotel, Keelan was given free reign to overhaul the space, curate a menu of his choosing and source his own suppliers. The interior was gutted and fitted out with a new bar, table tops, bar tops and light fixtures with assistance from Sam Sargent, who skilfully crafted the furniture at Fortitude Valley’s Barbara. Recycled materials were used to create a warm and worn-in feel, though the space retains a clean and airy vibe.

Reflecting the simple aesthetic of the furniture and interior, Keelan and head chef Mia Park created a menu that would be concise and direct with excellent dishes that satisfy. The menu features a noticeable Asian influence, evident in the use of pickled vegetables and greens throughout the menu. Swing by early in the morning and sit down to a breakfast options such as toasted coconut porridge with cranberry and orange compote, sweet potato rostie with fried egg and pickled vegetables and French toast with a brioche sourced from Crust & Co, espresso marscapone and poached fruit. If you are hungry at lunch time, Two Donkeys have you covered with a selection of bao buns featuring delicious fillings such as karaage chicken, Chinese-style barbecue pork, soft shell crab and sesame crusted tofu. Two Donkeys have brought on board Blackboard Coffee for its java, and also stock a range of baked goods and takeaway items such as chia bircher muesli, bagels, sandwiches and fritters. Those seeking a tipple or two at lunch can sip on Cake Wines, beer from Newstead Brewing Co. as well as a forthcoming house brew made in partnership with Brews Brothers.

For contact information and opening hours, head to the Stumble Guide.