Speed Dial
Newstead is cementing its status as Brisbane’s coffee nexus, with new top-notch caffeine dispensary Speed Dial set to open early next month. The venue is owned and operated by Jayden, Tim and Hal – a trio of industry veterans with experience in roasting, wholesaling and pouring – who tout Speed Dial as an inclusive and accessible place where the community can get consistently great coffee in a jiffy. The gang is currently converting a 30-sqm shipping container (located in the laneway next to the carpark entrance of Bunnings Newstead on Ross Street) into a sleek dispensary, with a layout geared towards facilitating high speed and output. Though designed as a takeaway spot, Speed Dial will also boast some bench seating under a large awning, as well as a few stools positioned along a glass window on the container’s street-facing short side. Speed Dial’s fully equipped coffee counter will be dispensing an assortment of brews, with a multi-roaster offering incorporating beans from some of Australia’s best coffee suppliers. Under a time crunch? Speed Dial will pump out expressly (and expertly) made flat whites. Meanwhile, those looking to linger and nerd out over something more complex will be able to savour some mighty fine filter pours. A small on-site kitchen will be turning out a tight list of toasties, which will be available alongside a selection of pastries from Sprout Artisan Bakery. Keep your eyes peeled for more on Speed Dial when it opens in October.

Brooki Bakehouse
In addition to being a regular pit stop for Brisbane-based confection cravers, Brooki Bakehouse has also evolved into a must-visit institution for visiting out-of-towners. In good news for those that don’t have time to join the ever-present queue at the famous Fortitude Valley bakehouse, the Brooki team will soon cut the ribbon on a brand-new location at Brisbane Airport’s domestic terminal. Set to open this month, the pink-hued outpost will be located near gate 25 (halfway between the Virgin and Jetstar gates) and will be amply stocked with Brooki’s signature best-selling flavours – all conveniently packaged in heat-sealed, travel-safe bags. Whether you’re picking up a bunch of cookies to gift to interstate friends and family, or simply stocking up on cookies to take home after touching down, Brooki’s arrival at Brisbane Airport is going to revolutionise your pre- and post-flight shopping.

Stan’s
If you’ve visited esteemed Howard Smith Wharves dining destination Stanley lately, you may have noticed that the Cantonese-inspired restaurant’s second floor has been undergoing some renovations. Well, we can reveal that the works have transformed the space into brand-new lounge bar Stan’s, which will open to the public in early October. Drawing inspiration from old-world Hong Kong, Stan’s will be a character-filled joint boasting a moody aesthetic and a luxe design. While details on Stan’s offering is still being kept under wraps, we’ve been told to expect a new menu of sophisticated Cantonese-style bites from executive chef Louis Tikaram, as well as a back bar filled with rare spirits and cocktails boasting a fresh twist. Stan’s will also be a great spot for a late-night boogie, with an eclectic selection of tunes blasting from a newly installed vintage bespoke JBL sound system.

Paddock Bakery x Justin Lane
Good news for Fortitude Valley-based fans of sweets, slices and sandwiches – esteemed Gold Coast bakery Paddock Bakery has just launched a brand-new pop-up store at Justin Lane. Taking over Justin Lane’s takeaway shop on Alfred Street, the Paddock crew will be serving a tight range of its crowd-pleasing confections (including its creme brulee doughnuts and Nutella cookies), flaky pastries and a range of sandwiches. Swing through in the morning for a slice of carrot cake and a silky Single O coffee to go, or saunter in at launch for a bagel filled with New Zealand king smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, spinach, pickled onion and capers – the choice is yours. Paddock Bakery’s Fortitude Valley pop-up will be running every Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. Be sure to mark Wednesday September 25 on your calendars – the crew will be hosting a free coffee day from 6:00 am onwards!

Central
Last week, we broke the news that the crew behind two of Southeast Queensland’s most beloved restaurants – Burleigh’s Rick Shores and Fish Lane favourite Southside – was making a move into Brisbane’s inner city. In October the team will open dumpling bar and restaurant Central in the basement level of the old Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street. The subterranean space, once the home of Brisbane’s first jazz bar Primitif Cafe, is currently in the midst of a transformation, with Jared Webb of J.AR OFFICE and Lowry Group orchestrating a slick tiered fit-out that will look to create an immersive dining environment. Here, Southside’s executive chef Benny Lam will be showcasing a menu influenced by central Hong Kong’s melting-pot restaurant scene, which championing dumplings (including prawn har gao, Peking duck potstickers and ‘Old Hong Kong’ chicken steam buns) but also showcase cold and raw plates, wok-tossed dishes and barbecued morsels. On the drinks front, expect a wine list that mixed big-name regions with exciting new-school gear from Australia and abroad, as well as a tight list of subtropical-inspired cocktails. Click here to read more about the team’s plans for Central.

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