Ashgrove is up there in the list of suburbs to spend your weekend at.
Matt Swan has put his must-hit list together for you.
Wine & Larder (Pictured above)
Formerly the Local Larder, this establishment needs little introduction. Its seasonal food and wine delicacy offerings (charcuterie cheese boards and other snacks) from both the bar and restaurant are the toast of Ashgrove and make the perfect special evening with your significant other. Craft beer is also on tap if, like me, your palette hasn’t expanded into wine territory just yet.
Cakes by Judi C
This one is definitely a stop for those with a sweet tooth. Here you can enjoy cakes, speciality ‘Whoopie’ pies, and a wicked pot of coffee.
Junk Bar
Beyond the bamboo curtain separating it from the outside shops lies a cosy cocktail and lounge bar with the perfect vibes to chill out to. The advantage here is they allow food from outside – they’ll even serve it up for you.
Marche du Macaron
A speciality venue for anyone with a gluten intolerance, Marche du Macaron specialises in – you guessed it – Macarons. Their other delectable offerings include croissants, Rocky Road, Cheesecake, Brownies, and that’s not even the best of the lot.
Sunset Dog Park
What’s sure to be heaven for your furry friend is this huge fenced park for doggos to run to their heart’s content. It’s the perfect rest for you and play for them, but keep the beer or wine to yourself (BYO).
Rufus King Seafoods
With produce freshly sourced from Amity Point on Straddie, any day out in Ashgrove seems incomplete without a helping of fresh seafood at this quality retailer. Lunch or dinner sorted. However, if you’d prefer to cook at home, they do have delivery days: within Ashgrove on Thursdays and Brisbane-general on Fridays.
Osaka Japanese Dining Bar
A hearty Japanese eatery with all the expected goods on Dine In or take away menus. The speciality Osaka Special Rolls are a must. Best to head straight for the parking below.
Paper Boat Press
Founded in 2012, this store and gallery was set up by ceramic artist and poet Kylie Johnson, a QUT graduate of the early 90s. An Avid ceramic artist, poet & author, she has worked in over 80 stores across Australia, New Zealand, and the US. Her gallery at Ashgrove has hosted 17 exhibitions for many of her fellow artists. For an intoxicating dose of culture and art, this is a must for a day trip.
St John’s Wood Ashgrove
Here’s one for Royal enthusiasts: stroll or cycle your way through the eucalyptus meadows around St John’s Wood as you segway through to Dorrington Park. Descendants of Queen Victoria and the Duke and Duchess of York stayed here when opening the inaugural federal parliament.
Dorrington Park Enchanted Forest
Beneath a towering free sits a toadstool with a story to tell (be sure to press his button). This park is a delight for younger kids with a climbing web and House of Hex as part of the adventure playground with plenty of shade. Seating and BBQs are also within reach to ward off the hangries.
