Pavement Whispers: Volume 518 July 29

Naga Thai
The redevelopment of Eagle Street Pier back in 2022 prompted a number of beloved eateries to close their doors. Among them, Naga Thai – Andrew and Jaimee Baturo’s bold Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant – was, perhaps, mourned the loudest. If you’re one of the many that have been missing Naga’s house-made massaman milk buns and royal flower dim sims, you’re in luck. This Friday August 1, Naga Thai will be reopening in new digs at River Quay in South Bank. Taking over the site previously home to Aquitaine Brasserie, Naga is imparting its signature retro design scheme across the venue, brightening up the space with 60s and 70s fabrics, vintage objets d’art, a vivid colour palette and glowing lanterns. Roughly 120 seats will be spread across bar, interior dining space and terrace, with curves and corners mirroring the Brisbane River and Naga’s namesake, the mythical serpent-spirit. Head chef Suwisa Phoonsang (ex-Libertine and Tillerman) is back helming the Naga kitchen, once again drawing inspiration from Bangkok and Thailand’s northern provinces to shape a menu boasting modern-Thai signatures and classic street foods. Expect to find the likes of Moreton Bay bug pad Thai, 180-day ‘Jack’s Creek’ black Angus pad see ew and DIY green-papaya salad, plus drinks like the popular plum negroni, frosty glasses of Naga lager, wines and low- and no-alc options. Bookings are now open from 5:00 pm on Friday, after which Naga will trade seven nights a week and for lunch six days a week.

The Thistle is now open on Moray Street in New Farm | Credit: James Frostick

The Thistle
An iconic cafe space nestled in a leafy pocket of New Farm is being reborn today under a new name. The Thistle New Farm has taken over the space previously home to The Moray Cafe – a long-running coffee and brunch haven located on the corner of Moray Street and Merthyr Road. Operated by hospitality veteran Les Rice, The Thistle is envisioned as a community-focused nosh spot where guests can slow down and savour the beauty of the everyday. “I wanted to create a space that feels like a pause, somewhere people feel taken care of from the moment they walk in,” says Les in a statement. “It’s not loud or flashy. It’s intentional, warm and human.” A makeover of the space has resulted in a refreshed aesthetic that blends classic charm with modern elements – think olive-green tones, vintage light fixtures, green glass wine vases overflowing with floral arrangements and soft timber textures. The menu will feature honest food made fresh and with care – expect everything from brekkie plates to oven-fresh muffins, plus plenty of coffee. The Thistle is now open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

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The John Mills Himself team has taken over Anytime Coffee in The City | Credit: image supplied

Anytime Coffee
Anytime Coffee, one of Brisbane City’s best coffee spots, has changed hands. The lauded nook, located just off Mary Street, is now under the custodianship of Marcus and Matthew from esteemed caffeine dealers John Mills Himself and Bunker Coffee. The duo has acquired Anytime from its original owners Tom Cooney and Jack Wakefield, who are currently putting their attention towards their anticipated new Scarborough project, Landing Bakery. Anytime Coffee’s regulars can rest easy knowing there’s steady hands at the helm, with Marcus and Matthew eager to maintain the laneway latte slinger’s high standards of service and product. Expect the John Mills Himself’s full drinks menu to come across – including caffeine from Sample Coffee and hot chocolate from Heirloom – with Anytime’s menu of sandwiches and toasties still available.

And in case you missed last week’s news …

Ollie Hansford and Fanda Group director David Flynn at Marlowe in Fish Lane | Credit: James Frostick

Marlowe
Over the past year, Fanda Group – the operators behind renowned restaurants Southside and Rick Shores – has expanded its hospitality portfolio with the launch of Central, Norté and Sueño, and is now preparing to unveil Marlowe, an Australian-inspired bistro opening this September. Located in the heritage-listed Merivale Flats building on Fish Lane, Marlowe will occupy a series of character-filled units transformed into intimate dining and bar spaces. A project two-and-a-half years in the making, Marlowe comes to life under the guidance of chef and co-owner Ollie Hansford, who brings experience from Michelin-starred kitchens and acclaimed Brisbane venues. Ollie’s menu, steeped in nostalgia, will reinterpret Australian classics using hyper-seasonal produce from local suppliers, with dishes like coral trout Wellington, prawn-cocktail tartlets and braised-duck pie all touched by flame from a custom-built woodfire hearth. Complementing the food is a curated Australian wine list led by beverage director Peter Marchant, featuring 150 labels and deep-dive verticals. With a thoughtful fit-out by J.AR Office and Lowry Group that highlights the building’s unique architecture, Marlowe aims to offer a dining experience rich in character, comfort and a strong sense of time and place. Read more about Marlowe here.

A render of Aunty’s facade | Credit: Clui Design

Aunty
Tassis Group, the surging hospitality empire behind Fatcow on James St, Stilts, FOSH and Dark Shepherd (among many others) is set to open its 12th Brisbane venue later this year. Aunty is taking over the former City Winery site on Wandoo Street near James Street’s bustling epicentre. The restaurant will offer a refined take on modern Asian cuisine, guided by head chef Salvatore de Ponte and inspired by lessons learned from Longwang, another Tassis Group standout. The 130-seat restaurant will feature a lively yet elegant design, a tight seafood-forward menu and a drinks offering curated to complement Asian flavours. With a warehouse-style fit-out (envisioned by Clui Design) that includes a lounge, open kitchen, and private dining, Aunty aims to bring a fresh, elevated energy to the precinct while remaining a hidden gem just off the main drag – a perfect blend of cool, creativity and James Street charm. Get all of the important info here.

If you’ve heard something that’s worth mentioning in The Weekend Edition’s Pavement Whispers, email [email protected].