Queensland’s top restaurateurs open Brisbane bakery, bottle shop and deli

Bucking the trend of restaurants - and even entire precincts - closing due to the coronavirus lockdown, some of Queensland’s best restaurateurs are taking the opposite approach.

AS BARS and eateries across the state close in droves as a result of coronavirus lockdowns, some of Queensland’s best restaurateurs are fighting back, coming together to launch an exciting new project.

Former Gerard’s Bistro chef Ben Williamson and the team behind the hugely popular Brisbane restaurants Same Same and Honto are opening a European wood-fired bakery, deli and bottle shop today in Fortitude Valley.

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Taking over the site that was supposed to be their brand new restaurant, Agnes, which has had its opening postponed, Agnes Pop Up Bakery and Bottle Shop will offer exclusive restaurant wines you can’t find at liquor stores at bottle shop prices, alongside wood-fired breads, pizzettas and baked sweet treats like doughnuts and basque cheesecake, plus handmade cheeses, cured meats, and more.

Co-owners Ty Simon and Ben Williamson at their new foodie project Agnes Pop Up Bakery and Bottle Shop in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“Given how much adversity the world is facing, it just forced us to pivot and work out how can we keep what we’re doing alive and keep people employed,” co-owner Ty Simon said.

Agnes (named after its street address) had poached big name chefs from top interstate dining establishments (Franklin in Hobart and Igni in Melbourne) who will now use their culinary skills to create a brilliant array of take-home deli goods and wood-fired fare.

“It’s been really positive just to see how adaptable our staff has been,” Mr Simon said.

“It’s very hard to attract the level of chefs that we’ve got, so we thought to keep them we’ve got to do something. This has forced us to trial a different business model and depending on how it’s received, if people enjoy it, it might exist down the track.”

The bakery, bottle shop and deli will run Wednesday to Sunday from 7am, and Mr Simon hoped it would gain similar support to his other venue, contemporary Thai eatery Same Same, which has been selling out of its popular takeaway offering.