Overview
Brisbanites, if you've ever tried to stop for an impromptu brunch at Picnic Cafe, you'll have experienced the Camp Hill spot at its busiest. This eastside favourite is always jam-packed mid-morning, although its all-day breakfast and lunch menu repeatedly draws a crowd all day long. So, you've probably stood outside on Martha Street, chatting to your pals and scoping out the local dogs trotting past while you're waiting for a table. That's all part of the experience — but if you'd like to try your luck elsewhere instead, Picnic has just launched a sibling venue.
Meet Picnic West End, the newest addition to the inner-city suburb's growing West Village precinct. Opening its doors on Thursday, September 23, and operating seven days a week from 7am–5pm — so, staying open later each day than the OG Picnic — it's West End's new breakfast, brunch and lunch go-to; however, you won't find exactly the same menu on offer here.
On the brekkie lineup, which is served from 7am–2pm, highlights include haloumi, fried egg and spinach on a brioche bun; cream cheese pancakes topped with fresh fruit salsa, berry compote and salted caramel sauce; and the pork bulgogi benny, complete with a mushroom, leek and potato croquette, plus poached eggs. Or, there's the wagyu scotch egg, which is quite the eye-catching dish — and comes with a pickle salad and hash browns.
For lunch, you can opt for a chicken burger coated with 25 spices, or udon noodles done pasta-style with tiger prawns and chorizo. There's also a snack range that includes fried haloumi sticks, popcorn chicken, and salt and pepper squid, which you can tuck into from 2–4pm daily.
Here, drinks are a big focus, too — bringing over the Camp Hill cafe's lattes, chais, long blacks and mochas over ice, as well as the coffees and chocolates over ice cream and cream. A selection of cold press juices and smoothies have made the jump, but you can also pick from seven different cocktails. Obviously, the Biscoff martini stands out, given that it includes Irish cream, coffee liqueur, Biscoff spread, Lotus crumbs and whipped cream. The Toblerone does as well, thanks to its blend of Baileys, Kahlua, Frangelico, creme de cacoa, cream, honey and whipped cream — and two options, the Lady Lavender and Lychee Crush, both come in either boozy or alcohol-free versions.
Coffee fiends will be sipping Paradox Coffee Roasters' Paper Moon Blend, and everyone can take advantage of the light and airy look and feel. Think: pastel hues, timber tables, stone tiling, and big splashes of green both plant-wise and in the colour scheme.
Find Picnic Cafe at West Village, 45 Mollison Street, West End — open 7am–5pm seven days a week.