West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre, best known as the home of Queensland Ballet, is now welcoming visitors for more than just performances.
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Tom’s Kitchen, the precinct’s new daytime café, has officially opened, offering a fresh and inviting space for locals, dancers, and visitors to enjoy high-quality coffee and delicious, produce-driven meals.
Operating from 6:30 am to 4:00 pm daily, Tom’s Kitchen puts an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and approachable, flavourful dishes. The menu features a variety of options catering to both leisurely brunch-goers and those looking for a quick but satisfying bite.
Highlights include market mushrooms with ‘nduja, salted ricotta, and a poached egg on sourdough; a cheeseburger with smashed beef patties, provolone, and pickles; and a potato hash plate with smoked salmon and tomato béarnaise. To complement the food, Tom’s Kitchen serves ST ALi coffee and fresh bread from Sprout Bakery.
Daryl Kerry, CEO of VenuesLive, the hospitality partner for the precinct, describes Tom’s Kitchen as a place that will “fuel creativity, community, and conversation.” The café aims to become a hub for the West End neighbourhood, offering a welcoming space to enjoy great food and coffee while fostering connections.
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Layla Set to Open on March 28
While Tom’s Kitchen has already begun delighting visitors, excitement is reaching new heights for the highly anticipated opening of Layla, the Thomas Dixon Centre’s flagship premium dining restaurant. This marks the first Queensland venture for celebrated Melbourne-based chef Shane Delia, renowned for his modern Middle Eastern restaurants and innovative, spice-driven cuisine.
Layla is set to open its doors on Friday, 28 March, bringing an elegant, carefully curated menu to West End. While full details remain under wraps, diners can expect a sophisticated take on contemporary cuisine, infused with Delia’s signature bold and spice-forward approach. The menu will feature a Middle Eastern influence, enriched by inspiration from global flavours and Queensland’s exceptional local produce.
The restaurant will also housed within the Thomas Dixon Centre, the home of Queensland Ballet, and will serve as the centre’s crown jewel eatery. It is a key part of a broader vision to transform the venue into a leading dining and cultural precinct, thanks to a partnership between the Delia Group and Queensland Ballet’s hospitality partner, VenuesLive.
Joining Delia at Layla is head chef Simon Palmer, who brings an impressive résumé, having previously worked at Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro, and e’cco Bistro. Together, Delia and Palmer will craft an ever-evolving menu that highlights bold, herbaceous flavours and premium seasonal ingredients.
The venue itself is designed to cater to a variety of dining experiences, whether guests are enjoying a pre-show meal, celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in an intimate dining experience. Layla will offer both a moody indoor dining room and a sunlit outdoor courtyard, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for all occasions.
With Tom’s Kitchen now open and Layla’s debut just weeks away, the Thomas Dixon Centre is fast emerging as both a cultural and culinary landmark. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, a relaxed brunch, or a luxurious evening of fine dining, Brisbane’s West End precinct is set to offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
Published 20-March-2025
