Art and food collide at Spring Hill’s Tumbling Stone
Let’s get something straight first up – this is a restaurant, not a typical hotel restaurant. Despite the fact that it adjoins Spring Hill’s soon-to-be-opened The Johnson Art Series Hotel, Tumbling Stone holds its own as a stand-alone eatery and bar, which can often be a difficult feat to achieve. Ahead of The Johnson’s official opening on Friday September 16 (we’ll have more details on that next week), Tumbling Stone has opened its doors early to offer graze-style dining in a laid-back setting.
The space
One key reason Tumbling Stone stands alone from The Johnson is the simple fact that it’s not inside the hotel. The restaurant is a new addition to the property, a long corrugated structure that sits in front of the iconic ex-Department of Main Roads building, somewhat resembling an open shipping container. Inside, light floods into the space, with copper hanging planters and chain curtains casting shadows over the timber, leather and felt finishes. And of course, in true Art Series Hotel style – the art. The Johnson is named after contemporary Australian artist Michael Johnson, and Tumbling Stone is the name of one of his most recognised works, a large print of which sits pride of place in the bar area. Want to see more of the space? Follow through to The Street Photographer.
The food and drink
Tumbling Stones’s seasonally changing menu has been designed by executive chef Gavin Lewis, with a strong focus on local produce, including herbs from the restaurant’s own garden and eggs delivered straight from the farmer at Eggcettera each week. Breakfast and brunch are served all day every day, with the likes of gruyere cheese tart with wild mushroom and poached egg, spiced-pumpkin hotcakes with candied pecans, and ham-hock terrine with piccalilli and butter featuring on the menu. Lunch and dinner sees the dining style switch to grazing – think sauteed brussels sprouts with salumi sobrassada, blackened pork belly with chilli and kimchi, and confit Murray cod with leeks, blue cheese and prosciutto. Time to wipe that drool from your chin, guys.
The details
Tumbling Stone is now open, as well as its grab-and-go sister cafe Stepping Stone, which is open weekdays for takeaway eats and coffee. The Johnson, Queensland’s first Arts Series Hotel, will officially open to the public on Friday September 16. For opening hours and contact details, head to our Stumble Guide.
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