Inside Stafford’s new Byron Bay-style all-day eatery

An industrial estate in Stafford has been turned into a culinary mecca, with the arrival of a cool new cafe and artisan hub.

Who would have thought an industrial estate in Stafford would become the cool place to go for foodies? In among a Tetris of factories in this north Brisbane suburb, a little culinary hub is emerging.

There’s the headquarters and cafe for the hugely popular Elixir Coffee, and just an almond milk latte spill away is fellow caffeine wholesaler Q Roasters. Opposite sits another new addition to Brisbane’s overflowing craft brewing scene, Happy Valley Brewing Co and its associated tuckshop. But stealing prime position is the recently launched Soul Pantry.

The bar and counter at Soul Pantry, Stafford. Picture: David Kelly

Boasting its own carpark, this cafe and restaurant is part of a millennial-chic artisan collective where a florist and plant shop come together with homewares, children’s clothing, fashion and horticulture workshops all under one big tin roof. The whole place oozes with that effortlessly cool, boho Byron Bay vibe, especially the eatery with peach, white and aqua tones and glowing bar built around a shipping container.

The cafe gives off relaxed Byron Bay vibes. Picture: David Kelly

The vision of hospo hot-shot Justin Kong (Melt Brothers, Ling Ling, Cindy Chows), the venue is only small, doubling as an event space from 2-4pm every weekend, when it closes to the public. That means if you want lunch on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have to get in before the kitchen closes at 1.15pm, despite no mention of this on their social media or the website.

Early birds will find breakfast served from 6.30am daily, with a fairly straightforward menu lifted by cheffy touches, such as eggs Benny served in a croissant with sriracha hollandaise or mushrooms on toast with salsa verde.

The lunch menu is then introduced at 11am and continues into the evenings, designed to complement the bar offering which keeps things light and bright with margarita and spritz-style cocktails, plus a crowd-pleasing array of wines and local and international beers.

The lobster roll at Soul Pantry. Picture: David Kelly

Think plenty of burgers, cheese boards and charcuterie. A lobster roll ($26.50) is Soul Pantry’s signature and it’s a good one. Despite the soft milk bun falling apart, the generous chunks of meat are liberally coated in a finger-licking lemony mayo dotted with chives and capers and well seasoned. A sprinkle of sumac on top adds more citrusy hints, while a single cos lettuce leaf provides crunch. The only thing to make it better would have been a $12 glass of prosecco, as recommended on the menu. The well-made Fonzie Abbott coffee and mango, coconut and banana smoothie though, also hit the spot. As for the beef burger ($17.50 or $22.50 with bacon) it’s a little on the pricey side for a plain burger, but those pickles ensure it’s worth the extra few dollars. Service is friendly but not without its mistakes, though the young team is certainly trying hard. And with a quality kitchen crew to back them up, minor errors can be forgiven, making Soul Pantry a worthwhile visit.

For more reviews visit delicious.com.au/eatout

31 Wolverhampton St, Stafford

3352 7777

Soulpantry.com.au

Open Mon-Thu 6.30am-2pm, Fri 6.30am-5pm; Sat-Sun 6.30am-1.30pm, 4-7pm

Verdict - Scores out of 5

Food 4

Service 3

Ambience 3.5

Value 3

Overall 3.5