Complete with fake wood wallpaper and a fake fireplace, there’s vintage knick knacks and a crocheted tablecloth that would make Nanna proud. Takeaway is currently the only option, but they don’t mind you staying for a gander and a chinwag. Post a liquor licence approval in a few months, the cavernous space behind the curtain will become home to a bar.

While the culture here in Brisbane is to open a venue when it’s 110% finished, the twosome took a leaf out of New York’s book and have opened before perfection has arrived. Beginning as a little worm of an idea nibbling away within the pair’s subconscious while living in New York, Southside Tea Room has brought a comforting and cosy coffee nook to the bayside.

Southsiders at heart, they’ve embraced their local community, sourcing sandcake, neenish tarts, cupcakes and cookies from Patience’s two favourite bakeries – Coralie’s Cake and Cappucino and Perriot’s Pies, both in Wynnum. A hefty variety of tea comes from Sydney’s Tea Craft and smooth, rich coffee beans from Dramanti Artisan Roaster, which opened its Wynnum roastery doors this week as well. An American influence of Seltzer, Dr Pepper and Chili Cola sneaks into the mix too, alongside Perth-based Margaret River beverages – the adult soft drink of the west. And the front counter is from the now-closed cycle shop on Riding Road, where it had been housed since the 1970s, the previous owner originally sourcing the now tiny-town-filled cabinet from a jewellery shop in Ipswich.

Keeping it all in the family, Patience has even poached sister Raven – formerly of Flamingo Cafe and Sunday Social– to helm the coffee machine.

Southside Tea Room
639 Wynnum Road, Morningside
Open: Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday 8:30 am to 2:00 pm