August

You won’t find a dining spot more unique than this historic church turned elegant diner, a welcoming addition to the mélange of eateries in Brisbane’s West End. Opening its doors just earlier this month, August is brought to us by two hospitality veterans who also happen to be a couple—Brad Cooper, the chef formerly leading establishments Bar Francine and Florence, and wine-enthusiast FOH superstar Matilda Rick. 

The old Hill End Methodist Church on Dornoch Terrace was love at first sight for the duo (well for Rick, at least), who decided it was where they were going to bring their dream restaurant to life. Despite the lack of electricity, water, sewerage, and a functioning kitchen in the heritage-listed site, they were undettered, and set about transforming the empty but character-filled shell, focusing on highlighting the building's stunning features at every turn.

Diners will be embraced by a luminous interior setting where sunlight dances through stained glass windows, casting colourful patterns across the polished timber floorboards. The walls feature an ever-changing gallery of art—some available for purchase—while a stunning dark wood bar serves as the room's elegant centrepiece. Also ever-changing is the menu, altering a little almost every day depending on what's fresh and in season. The August aesthetic is elegance with no fuss–which extends from the setting through to the innovative-yet-classic European eats and the refined wine and cocktail list.

You won't quite know what you're ordering with dishes like foie gras stuffed chicken crown, asparagus vinaigrette with hazelnut and sauce hollandaise, and mud crab omelette Arnold Bennett—but that just makes the whole experience even more unique. The dessert options do not disappoint either—if the blue cheese chesecake with Pedro Ximenez jelly and fruit toast doesn't catch your eye, the chocolate rum and raisin parfait just might. To pair, choose from a curated mix of classic vinos, some funkier orange wines and chilled reds (or go a classic cocktail if that’s your buzz).

Image credit: Ranyhyn Laine | Urban List