Anstead is a quiet suburb located in the far west of Brisbane, tucked between Moggill and Pullenvale. While one might be forgiven in thinking that Anstead doesn’t boast much in the way of fine dining, Hawkes & Crosby has arrived to officially dispel those aspersions. The brainchild of Anstead local Matt Sharrock, Hawkes & Crosby is a vibrant breakfast and lunch destination that gives the far western suburbs a hip spot for a weekend meal without having to head in to town. Matt was offered the space after operating a small cafe outside his stockfeed animal supply business, and decided to turn his love of cooking into a full-blown venture. 12 months later and the Queenslander housing the restaurant has been overhauled with a new kitchen, garden and internal fit-out. Chic country-style decorations such as leather horse collars and provincial farming gear is juxtaposed with metal tables, copper finishes and hard thrown stoneware and ACME cups.

The menu has come together with the assistance of head chef Emlyn Thorrington of The Bounty in Rosalie. The all-day breakfast and lunch menus feature recognisable meals with a unique twist. Breakfast diners can munch on some H&C macadamia granola topped with lemon sorbet and coconut panna cotta, waffles with peppered strawberries, balsamic, basil and mascarpone or eggs benedict with a choice of pulled pork, in-house cured trout or smoked ham. Stroll in later for lunch and make the hard decision between meals such as crispy squid with green papaya salad and crunchy peanut dressing, grilled lamb loin with a 12 hour slow braised lamb shoulder parcel, onion puree and spring vegetables or some Cone Bay barramundi with clams, chorizo, squid and crushed potatoes. Hawkes & Crosby will soon boast a liquor license, opening the doors for dinner trading in the future. For more information including contact details and opening hours, head to the Stumble Guide.