Tucked away behind QUT on a grassy knoll in the City Botanic Gardens, this quaint cafe and event space buzzes with families and students seven days a week. The 1909 heritage-listed Curator’s Cottage maintains its vintage charm, with a few new additions from profit-for-purpose venture, the Wise Foundation. As a social enterprise, 100% of The Gardens Club’s profits are funnelled straight back into the community to help support charities and organisations around the country. Greenery envelops the cottage, while the front deck offers views across the gardens and city skyline. The kiosk window dishes up a range of refreshments, from Toby’s Estate coffee, thickshakes and ice-creams to cooked breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, salads and sweet treats. Picnic baskets are available to take into the gardens; choose from the family pack loaded with sandwiches, fruit salads, cookies and poppers for the kids, or an antipasto pack for two. The cottage is also available for hire as an events space, with a well-stocked bar, audio system and gourmet nosh prepared by Brisbane celebrity chef Alastair McLeod and the Al’FreshCo team. The venue can host up to 80 people seated or 150 standing, offering a unique location for weddings, celebrations and corporate events in Brisbane City. Hands On Brisbane classes as well as local community events also find a home within the cottage.