August 25, 2020

City Guide 02: Brisbane

Travel seems like a distant memory of late, with international (and even some domestic) travel on hold indefinitely. Although the travel ban is low on the list of the issues surrounding the current global pandemic, we're using this time to plan where we will be spending our first weekend away once the restrictions lift and are finding comfort in daydreaming about our next escape. It's safe to say when the day comes, we will be appreciating every single moment of it.

In the second edition of our City Guides, we're exploring Brisbane. Our newly renovated Brisbane boutique is located in the inner-city suburb of Fortitude Valley, a district where you can find a buzz as well as a little peace and quiet. Our James Street store staff, Ellie and Carla, are both locals to the area and have shared a few of their favourite places to shop, eat, drink and unwind.

Silk Laundry Brisbane

Our Brisbane boutique is our first retail location with overarching themes of abstract curvature, functionality and elegance. Working with architect Hooman Jafar, the store features a versatile layout for hosting events and a refreshed customer journey.

Saturday Shopping

Ellie's pick for Saturday morning shopping is the Power House Markets between 6am - 12pm for an early morning coffee, fresh produce and the best Portuguese tarts. Carla recommends dropping into the New Farm Antique Centre on Commercial Road for second-hand treasure hunting and the cheapest coffee in Brisbane. Then cross the road to check out the Bib 'n' Brace Plant Bazaar run by the local gallery and shared studio space.

Skincare

You'll find the locally produced make-up and skincare brand Dunkle Authentic in their studio in nearby California Lane. The ethically produced lipsticks, foundation and face oil are created on-site by owner Molly Dunkle from carefully sourced raw materials, organic where possible and vegan friendly.

Gallery

Brisbane is home to lots of great galleries and a favourite of ours is Artisan, located on King Street. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing and promoting contemporary craft and design including local, national and international artisans. The excellent gallery store is also worth a browse, with a curated selection of jewellery, ceramics and textiles.

Drinks

An intimate hole-in-the-wall wine bar; Carl's, in Wyandra Street, is a short stroll from the store and a lovely place to stop by on the way home. Named after Carl Gerler, one of Brisbane's first winemakers who had a vineyard a few suburbs away in the 1800s. Carl's is a cellar door, wine bar and bistro with an open kitchen, a friendly community and informative sommelier and community atmosphere.

Fine Dining

joy. is an intimate narrow restaurant in Bakery Lane seating only 10 guests along a bar where you interact with other guests and passionate husband and wife owner chefs, Tim & Sarah, who prepare each course while you watch, discuss the meals and answer questions. joy. is a genuine, personal, unpretentious and special experience. The menu which uses local Australian produce is always changing and combines an interesting Japanese and Nordic influence.

Sunday Afternoon

Carla recommends catching the bus over to Wandering Cooks in South Brisbane. From 4-6pm it is an ambient warehouse and garden bar, with shared kitchens supporting local, sustainable farmers and producers, and hosts ‘Hot Club’ - an excellent live gypsy jazz band performed on the best dressed stage. With great music, mesmerising swing dancers, a curated selection of craft beers and small batch wines, and the aroma of an outdoor wood fired Argentinian Asador - it’s the perfect end to a Sunday.

Ellie’s favourite end to the weekend is a picnic at the top of Wilson Outlook Reserve for its stunning view of Brisbane City and the Story Bridge. Gather a few friends, some good snacks, a dog (and if you don’t have a dog - invite a friend who does) and simply chill. This gem of a location is within walking distance from the Silk Laundry store.