Martha Street mainstay Picnic Cafe has long been a dependable pit-stop for coffee-loving Camp Hill locals – many of whom visit regularly for a perky potable and bang-on all-day breakfast bites like quinoa nasi goreng and Belgian waffle sandwiches. The team behind the eatery, which also owns and operates suburban stand-out Goodness Gracious in Graceville, has been looking for a new challenge to take on – one that involves pushing its pleasing style of hospitality in new and invigorating directions. Earlier this year the Picnic crew linked up with the team behind West Village, the blossoming retail, dining and lifestyle precinct at the heart of West End, signing on to bring its fresh-faced venture to the development’s newest structure, The Eaves. After much anticipation, Picnic West End made its grand debut earlier this week. The high-ceilinged Boundary Street-fronting space, which overlooks The Common next to other recent arrival Italian Street Kitchen, is spacious and modern, with interior and alfresco dining areas offering room for roughly 95 seated guests. Clui Design has orchestrated the interior look (Tonic Projects undertook the fit-out), which is light and bright so as to create an effortlessly comfortable experience for groups of all sizes. A crisp sea blue and white cream colour scheme is accentuated by crazy-pave stone floors, white-marble bench tops, blonde timber furnishings, khaki-coloured leather banquettes, and lush greenery beds.

Much like the construction opportunity allowed the Picnic team to envision and execute the new cafe’s look from scratch, the kitchen team is also relishing the chance to build the menu from a clean slate. While Picnic regulars might be sad to hear that none of Camp Hill’s specialties are available at West End, they’ll quickly become enamoured with a whole new set of dishes. Picnic is blending elements of Asian cuisine in with its menu of familiar brunch and lunch fare, starting with the pork bulgogi Benedict with mushroom, leek and potato croquettes, the Pasta Imposter (udon noodles served with thinly sliced brisket, tiger prawns, chorizo and rose sauce), and the Spice Bae chicken burger. The early stand-out of the menu is the wagyu scotch egg, which comes with bearnaise sauce, avocado, hash browns, kimchi-inspired dressing and truffle oil. Paradox Coffee Roasters is Picnic’s caffeine supplier, with espresso, batch brew and cold-drip coffee available alongside MOMO peach tea from Lupicia, milkshakes, cold-pressed juices and fruit-loaded smoothies. Picnic’s West Village outpost is also venturing into late-afternoon trade, with a clutch of snacks (popcorn chicken, fried halloumi sticks and salt-and-pepper squid) on offer alongside beer, wine and cocktails like the Biscoff Martini (milk, Irish cream, coffee liqueur, Biscoff spread, Lotus crumbs and whipped cream), Pretty In Pink (pink gin, rose prosecco, pomegranate and lemonade) and Lychee Crush (lychee, vodka, guava, mango, coconut, passionfruit and ice).

Picnic is now open to the public – head to the Stumble Guide for operating hours.