Something big is brewing in Brisbane’s north-east suburb of Albion, and we’re being lured in by the scent of coffee and the promise of cheese. Opening in May 2021, Craft’d Grounds will shine a light on the city’s artisanal food and drink producers in one expansive mecca. 

If a gourmand were to design the ultimate leisurely Saturday, they might start with a visit to a coffee roastery and a patisserie, followed by a stroll through their local farmers market, a mid-morning trip to a fromagerie and boutique bottle store (to acquire all-important weekend picnic provisions) before stopping in for a quenching afternoon ale at a craft brewery and, come nightfall, settle in for dinner at an exciting new restaurant. 

This itinerary might read as though our epicurean would be running from one eatery to another at a less-than-relaxed pace, but at Brisbane’s new food-forward precinct, this delicious journey can be made in one (albeit sprawling) spot. 

Encompassing a farmer’s market, a selection of street foods, a 500-sqm brewery, a coffee roaster, a specialty espresso bar and coffee shop, a patisserie, a fromagerie, a charcuterie purveyor, a wine and cocktail bar, a live music venue, a pop-up restaurant and more, Albion’s Craft’d Grounds will open in May 2021. The 2,600-sqm site will occupy an assemblage of industrial and warehouse buildings, including a previously neglected 100-year-old timber mill that’s been brought to life once more.

A collaboration between the teams behind locally loved The Black Market, Collingwood Black Espresso & Bar and The Black Brisbane Event Hosts, Craft’d Grounds has seen Conrad Gargett, John Flynn and James Rennell enlisted to recreate the space, which includes street-art-swathed laneways.

“It’s about a destination that’s humble and gives an appreciation and experience of everything handcrafted, including beer, coffee, modern comfort food, fresh farmers markets, live music, all made in Brisbane,” Rennell says. 

He adds, “It’s about feeling dwarfed and in awe watching the brewer at work, tasting Australia’s freshest produce, experiencing the crafts of incredible artisans, and live musicians, or celebrate your most special life moments.”

The founder hopes the site will also foster an appreciation of a slower pace of life catalysed by the pandemic.

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