Dornoch Terrace Archives - West End Today

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.

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.

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

Historic West End ‘Toonarbin’ Faces Significant Renovations

Photo Credit: Development.i / A006575180

The owners of Toonarbin, one of West End’s oldest heritage-listed homes, have submitted plans to Brisbane City Council for significant renovations aimed at updating and protecting the historic structure.

Located on Dornoch Terrace, Toonarbin dates back to the 1860s and is believed to be the work of English designer Benjamin Backhouse. The property has a rich history, having served as a private residence, a convent, and now again as a private home.

Key elements of the proposed renovations include a new copper barrel vault awning with a domed edge at the front of the building, a new balcony at the rear hidden from street view, and replacing upper floor windows with doors. The rear balcony is specifically designed to protect the vulnerable south-western corner from water infiltration.

The owners have engaged Mark Williams Architects to design the additions, which are primarily intended to address ongoing weather-related issues threatening the building’s structural integrity. Documents filed with the council reveal that despite the owners’ best efforts, water infiltration continues to pose a significant risk, particularly to timber components in the south-western corner.

A heritage assessor’s report included in the application acknowledges that the proposed changes are partly designed to protect the building from the elements and could be reversed in the future. The report states that the new copper dome “will not be conspicuous, yet will be clearly legible as a later addition,” while the new balconies are described as “light and open” and will not obscure the facade.

The property, which was sold for $4.1 million in 2007, currently features nine bedrooms and three bathrooms. The proposed renovations aim to modernise the structure while preserving its historical significance.

As the plans are now before Brisbane City Council, it remains to be seen how these proposed changes to one of the city’s most significant heritage properties will be received.

Published 28-July-2024