Tag: August

Inside August in West End: The Delicious Rebirth of a Heritage-Listed Church

August Restaurant is now open in West End, transforming a piece of local history into a dining destination. Formerly a heritage-listed church on Dornoch Terrace, the space has been reimagined as a restaurant that seamlessly blends its storied past with modern culinary artistry.

Read: ‘August’ Restaurant to Open in Heritage-Listed Church in West End

The dining room at August retains much of the building’s original charm, with the pitched church ceiling and stained glass windows serving as striking reminders of its previous life. Surrounding diners are thoughtfully curated objects and art, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming.

Photo credit: Charlie Maycraft/Google Maps

August’s menu draws inspiration from the regional cuisines of France, Italy, and Spain, though it evolves with the seasons. For the summer, offerings include a range of dishes such as oysters, wagyu beef, asparagus vinaigrette, ox tongue, and caramelized brioche. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and each dish is designed to highlight the best of the season.

Photo credit: Jess J/Google Maps

Local diners have been quick to embrace the new venue. One described their experience with the Sunday lunch set menu as “a well-thought-out selection of dishes” and noted the relaxed yet stylish ambiance. Another praised the restaurant’s seamless execution despite being newly opened, commenting on “excellent food, wine, and service” and highlighting small touches like the lobster butter mold.

Photo credit: Jess J/Google Maps

At the helm of August is Brad Cooper, a seasoned chef with an impressive resume that includes leading the kitchen at Florence in Camp Hill and serving as chef at Bar Francine. Cooper’s expertise shines through in the thoughtful design of both the menu and the overall dining experience.

In addition to its regular service, August offers private dining experiences, accommodating up to 60 seated guests or 100 for reception-style events. Its carefully curated wine list features between 30 and 50 bottles, providing the perfect complement to the menu.

Read: Discover BY.Artisans, West End’s New Distillery and Bar

For those eager to visit, August opens its doors for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and for Sunday lunch from 12 p.m. With its blend of historic charm, sophisticated cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere, August is poised to become a favorite in the West End dining scene.

Published 14-December-2024

‘August’ Restaurant to Open in Heritage-Listed Church in West End

A heritage-listed church in West End is set to embark on its latest transformation. The 19th-century edifice, which recently housed a Pilates school, will soon open its doors as “August,” a promising new restaurant that’s already creating buzz in the city’s culinary circles.

Read: Bunker Barre in West End: From Bomb Shelter to Culinary Haven

At the helm of this exciting venture is Brad Cooper, a name familiar to Brisbane’s gastronomes. Cooper, who previously led the kitchen at Florence in Camp Hill and served as chef at Bar Francine, is no newcomer to the hospitality scene. For August, he has joined forces with his partner, Matilda Riek, bringing a wealth of experience and vision to this unique dining concept.

August promises a menu that traverses the best of European cuisine, drawing inspiration from Italian, French, and Spanish culinary traditions. Cooper and Riek are crafting a selection that will spotlight both meat and seafood, with tantalising draft dishes already in the works. 

Food enthusiasts can look forward to innovative creations such as a mud-crab omelette Arnold Bennett and butterflied blue mackerel served with pickled tomato and a mussel vinaigrette.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its drink selection, with plans for a carefully curated wine list featuring 30 to 50 bottles. This eclectic mix will showcase both local Australian wines and international varieties, promising perfect pairings for every dish.

A Storied Setting

Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The heritage-listed building housing August is a story unto itself. Originally constructed as a Methodist church in 1888 on Grey Street, it found a new home on Dornoch Terrace in 1914. This rich history presented both challenges and opportunities for Cooper and Riek as they set out to reinvent the space.

They shared that the transformation process was complex, requiring six months of planning and approvals, including consultations with heritage experts.

Read: Historic West End ‘Toonarbin’ Faces Significant Renovations

Despite the structural challenges inherent in repurposing such an old building, the duo’s perseverance is paying off. Once completed, August will accommodate around 60 guests, featuring a small, intimate bar in one corner. The space will be adorned with carefully selected artworks, creating an atmosphere that’s both reverent to its past and exciting for its future.

The culinary world of Brisbane is eagerly awaiting the grand opening of August, which is expected to take place this November. As the final touches are put in place and the menu is perfected, food enthusiasts and curious locals alike are marking their calendars for what promises to be a noteworthy addition to the city’s vibrant dining scene.

Published 29-August-2024