The story
Look, we’re not throwing shade at Brisbane’s restaurant scene as a whole, but sometimes it seems as if some eateries treat dessert as an afterthought. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth would justifiably scoff at the sight of the same four desserts that commonly appear at the end of every menu, which is why Cowch Dessert Bar has endured as a go-to haven for those seeking some depth in their sugary splurges. Since 2014, Cowch’s South Bank location has given diners the option of capping their night off on a sweet note or to base their entire evening around Instagrammable indulgence. Either way, diners responded en masse, and 2016 saw the booming brand expand to Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast to much fanfare. In order to satisfy growing demand within Brisbane, the Cowch crew started to field offers from groups interested in delivering the concept to other pockets, with Westfield Chermside being one of the most ardent suitors. Seeking a space where he could construct the most complete version of the Cowch concept to date, Cowch’s owner Arif Memis initially turned down offers to take on some of the mid-size tenancies in Chermside’s outdoor dining precinct, preferring a spot with more room to move. Finally, the perfect space (formerly home to American barbecue joint Bootlegger) became available, offering an ideal position at the entrance to the centre, wide dimensions that could accomodate a sizeable dessert counter and bar, and an outdoor space to expand Cowch’s functions potential. After a complete overhaul, Cowch at Westfield Chermside opened to the public last week, immediately luring sweet seekers in with a beacon of pink neon.

The space
Cowch’s Chermside location is its largest to date, boasting 270 seats across both its indoor and al fresco dining areas. Bathed in a palette of pink, white, red and timber, Cowch looks every bit of a dairy-fuelled dessert haven – udder and milk bottle-shaped light fixtures hang from the ceiling, cushy cowhide ottomans add pops of patterned texture, and a lengthy dessert bar plays home to all manner of colourful treats. Looking to prove that the urge to party isn’t confined to any particular age bracket, the space has been consciously designed to be accomodating to dessert lovers of all maturity levels (although there is a dedicated space for littlies in the Cowch Calves area). Neon signs proclaim that ‘happiness is best shared’, and the Cowch team follow through with sizeable booths and banquettes ringing the interior. Smaller tables dot the floorspace, while stools at the bar offer a perch for those looking to get up close with their cocktail experience. In a first for Cowch, there’s also a secluded courtyard with a custom-built fire pit for private DIY smores parties.

The sweets
Fans of Cowch’s sizeable menu will be thrilled to know that the Chermside location features the same dreamy treats as its sibling locations. Although designed to be dynamic and experimental (doubly so when it comes to the specials – Caramilk pancake stack, anyone?), Cowch’s menu retains its greatest hits, including the dessert pizzas, crepes, naked pops, sundae bowls, super shakes, waffle sandwiches and two full pages of Nutella-infused items – and that’s not even including the DIY portion of Cowch’s range. New to the offering is a selection of boozy cereals, with goblets of cereal goodness blended with a naughty liquor hit. Speaking of decadent and boozy mixtures, Cowch’s bar is also hawking its famed array of guilty pleasure drinks, from Irish coffee and Baileys-infused affogatos to its colourful mocktails, cocktails and shared-cocktail options. Think decadence is only for the evening? Think again, pal – sweet-breakfast lovers can pop in early for Cowch’s breakfast service, which includes pancakes, Nutella crepes, French toast, and even some savoury options.

Cowch is now open at Westfield Chermside. For operating hours and contact details, seek out Cowch in our Stumble Guide.