Overview
This one goes out to the multi-taskers among us. Do you find there aren't enough hours in the day? Do you wish you could grab a coffee and tick off your chores at the same time? You're in luck. There are a number of great businesses in Brisbane that offer more than one service, meaning you can kill two birds with one stone. Because everyone is a little time-poor these days, we've rounded up the seven best fusion businesses in Brisbane, where you can cross off two or more points on your to-do list in one hit.
FRANCESCA'S FLOWERS
There is nothing quainter than a florist/tearoom that lets you drink tea, eat cake and learn the tricks of the trade with floristry workshops. Francesca's Flowers in Paddington fits the bill and is even located in a glorious old Queenslander cottage to make it even more charming. If you don't have the time to stop by the shop to grab a pocket full of posies, you can still send a little lovin' and order flowers over the phone. The team of passionate designers can help put together anything from a simple arrangement to say thanks to opulent wedding and event flowers.
46 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
MALT TRADERS
Malt Traders is a one-stop shop for all your fine food and craft beverage needs. The Brisbane-born business is focused on delivering unique and sustainable offerings such as craft beers, biodynamic and organic wines, and single malt whiskey. Pair your aperitifs with a delectable selection of produce and indulge a little the next time you entertain.
10 Market St, Brisbane and Little Stanley Street, South Bank
WILD CANARY
Wild Canary is best described as a 'botanical bistro' nestled inside Brookfield Garden Centre in Brisbane's west. The cafe is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, and is even licensed. The chefs harvest fragrant herbs, edible flowers and seasonal produce from the onsite kitchen garden so you're guaranteed fresh and flavoursome fare. If you find yourself inspired to grow your own produce, pop in to the garden centre and the friendly staff will assist you in choosing the best vegetable garden supplies. You can even organise landscape and maintenance services to help tame or tidy your garden if your thumb ain't as green as you thought.
2371 Moggill Road, Brookfield
NEWMARKET HARDWARE
Newmarket True Value Hardware throws a spanner in the works when you step inside and discover Gallery B hidden in its depths. And although the insinuation on their website that only boys enjoy hardware and girls art is a somewhat off-putting, a hardware store/boutique gallery does make for the perfect weekend outing. Whether you make the visit to pick up some paint and power tools for your next DIY project, or to peruse the art, jewellery and fashion finds, be sure to grab a cup of coffee and a piece of quality cake or an exotic delicacy from the cafe.
178 Enoggera Road, Newmarket
RIVERBEND BOOKS
Good literature and great coffee are a match made in heaven, and the folk at Riverbend Books in Bulimba are happy to oblige with both. The store is warm and friendly, as all good bookstores should be, and the deck out front is a prime position on Oxford street to enjoy a coffee, a light meal or a glass of great Australia wine. Indulge your inner bookworm and join a book chat, book club or simply browse the large inventory of books, magazines and journals.
193 Oxford Street, Bulimba
SOURCED GROCER
Sourced Grocer is all about celebrating locally sourced food and eating thoughtfully. The cafe-slash-grocer quickly established a cult following in the Brisbane food community, and there is seldom a spare milk crate to perch your drawers on and enjoy the delicious, largely organic menu. Inside the roller doors, you'll find some of Brisbane's finest fresh produce and culinary provisions.
11 Florence Street, Teneriffe
CHEVEAUX DESIGN AND ESPRESSO
When things get busy, we tend to neglect our tresses, because booking a haircut can be hard. Get yo' hair did, have a cup of Allpress Espresso, and grab a jar of choc peanut butter protein balls for the road all in one visit to Cheveux Design and Espresso in Auchenflower. The sister duo behind the salon-slash-cafe combined their passions and experience to bring a unique, and charming boutique offering to Brisbanites.
37A Bangalla Street, Auchenflower