New Farm’s cafe scene is evolving. While stalwarts like The Moray Cafe, Joedy’s, Dicki’s and Savour continue to keep the weekend brunch crowd satiated, recent months have seen long-running mainstays like The Little Larder, Pablo and Miss Jones shutter. Though closures are an unavoidable facet of a heaving hospitality scene, so are new openings. Hey Mr., a slick new eatery that has taken over The Little Larder’s corner locale on Moray Street has quietly become a dark-horse contender for New Farm’s best brunch. Owner Jay Seo has built up quite a following since quietly taking over and converting the space in late May, with the hospitality veteran (who previously owned King Arthur, off James Street) ensnaring the support of locals with a casual and community-focused approach to cafe operations. After receiving the keys to the space, Jay initiated some substantial renovations that have resulted in a airy and bright interior design, with blonde timber tables and banquettes, while tiles and hanging pendant lights instilling Hey Mr. with an aesthetic that is accessibly modern.

The words ‘accessibly modern’ can also be used to describe Hey Mr.’s seasonal, all-day menu, which utilises produce and protein from local farms and butchers. Taking broad influence from modern-Australian brunch staples and bending them with Asian-inspired tangents, Jay and the kitchen team have hit upon a slick blend of eye-pleasing presentation and salivation-inducing creativity. Those on the hunt for healthy chow will likely zero in on Hey Mr.’s nourish bowl (filled with good stuff like pickled red cabbage, broccolini, sauteed kale, pickled beetroot, pumpkin hummus and crispy chickpeas) while those throwing caution to the wind are encouraged to opt for the croffle, which bends under the weight of southern fried-chicken breast, fried egg, bacon jam, sriracha aioli and a hearty drizzle of Canadian maple syrup. Chicken congee, chilli beef mince and Little Acre mushrooms with caponata, poached eggs and leek puree are other stand-out options. If you’ve got room for more, a cabinet is filled to the brim with sandwiches, cookies, slices, baked croissants and muffins, all of which pair perfectly with a cup of strong and rich Fonzie Abbott coffee (or a smoothie or juice, if preferred).

Hey Mr. is now open to the public. Opening hours and other tasty details can be found in the Stumble Guide.