Miss Jones cafe in New Farm gets bold revamp

After four years, this popular New Farm cafe had a major face lift, with a fresh new look and new menu.

I WAS speaking with a local restaurateur the other day who estimated the average lifespan of an eatery these days was just four years.

That’s four years until the concept needed to be redeveloped or the entire fit-out required refurbishment and reinvestment to encourage customers to keep returning.

The reason for the short time-frame, he believed, was our shrinking attention spans.

Inside the new-look Miss Jones cafe in New Farm.

But science has shown it’s not that our attention spans are shrinking, per se, it’s just that we now have more factors than ever competing for it – and that includes eateries.

In 2007 Australia had just over 15,000 restaurants, cafes and caterers, by last year that number had soared to more than 45,000.

That’s a lot of foodie haunts trying to tempt us.

So if the restaurateur is right with his four-year prediction, then New Farm cafe Miss Jones has picked the perfect time for a refresh.

After opening in 2017 along busy Brunswick St, the eatery has undergone a mini makeover.

The revamped counter and coffee station at Miss Jones.

A bold red wall has been installed along the back, grabbing the eye of passers-by, the artwork has changed, including swapping out the glowing neon “Excuse me, Miss” sign in favour of a simple, red, tenebrous option, and the previously grey counter has been panelled with pale pink tiles.

There’s also been some minor changes to the furniture and a few plants added, keeping the cafe on brand but giving it fresh appeal – perhaps for the next four years.

As well as the new look comes a new menu.

Like the decor, the changes are subtle rather than drastic – simply updating the list of modern classics Miss Jones has become known for.

The A$AP Burg with pulled pork and slaw.

Expect everything from mango Weiss granola or strawberries and cream hot cakes to eggs benny and mushrooms on toast among the dietary and allergy-friendly offering.

The acai bowl and vegan “fried chkyn burger” have sold out by our 11.30am arrival so it’s a burger dedicated to American rapper A$AP Ferg – the A$AP Burg ($18) – and the Greens Bowl ($19) that get our order.

One is the antithesis of the other.

The burger is an episode in gluttony with the sesame seed-crowned toasted milk bun bursting with Tennessee smoked barbecue pork as sweet as a KitKat, creamy dressed slaw and a ripple of chipotle-tinged aioli for the slightest of heat.

The new look is clean, modern and inviting.

While the Greens Bowl is positively virtuous with its bedding of quinoa topped with a tangle of kale, baby spinach, edamame, sprouts, zucchini, pickled radish and smoked almonds, strewn with specks of pesto for herbaceousness and a citrus dressing for acid and brightness.

A dukkah-crusted, runny-centred poached egg balances atop the vegetable tower, it’s yolk cascading when pierced with a knife.

While those ordering the optional extra of bacon ($4) can expect it to arrive on a separate plate.

The greens bown at Miss Jones.

Service is friendly and generous, with our lovely waitress even offering a fresh Single O Paradox blend coffee ($4-$5) after my friend spills it trying to capture the perfect Instagram snap.

But we’re content with the protein-loaded Bounty milkshake.

Miss Jones is a lovely little local lady.

Here’s hoping her nip and tuck will keep her around for more than just a few years.

MISS JONES

1/599 Brunswick St, New Farm

0413 630 012

missjonescafe.com

Open Mon-Fri 6am-1pm, Sat-Sum 7am-2pm

VERDICT - Scores out of five

Food 3.5

Ambience 3

Service 3.5

Value 3

OVERALL 3.5