John Mills Himself Cafe Bar

John Mills Himself would no doubt have happily patronized the tiny café bar nestled in the base of the curiously titled heritage listed building that bears his name.

The early 20th century printer and stationer had John Mills Himself carved onto the top of the building - one of the Charlotte St Group of warehouses - after splitting from his business partner and proceeded to rent out its nooks and crannies to a variety of occupants. Today the Charlotte St frontage is home to iconic city bookshop Archives Books while the charming brick walled café bar, a joint effort between Street Food Australia and Bunker, is accessed via Elizabeth St.

Take the driveway under the ATO building to find this city gem, and pull up a stool at the bar or by the piano for one of the best coffees ( currently on rotation from Brisbane stalwarts like Cup Coffee and Uncle Joe’s) in the CBD, tea, hot chocolate or cool drink and a delicious friand, muffin or cookie.

Later in the day the bar side kicks on into the evening, with a range of 6 local craft tap beers on tap, south east QLD wines and Oz spirits with hot nuts and charcuterie plate nibbles.

And on Friday afternoons join the happy players at the keyboards for The Piano Club.

And this is just the beginning – look out for a future lawn and theatre performances in the adjacent lane amongst the many ideas being formulated as we write.

Nice to know – John Mills Himself Café Bar is not just a cool space, but one with high green and ethical cred -  everything here is sourced locally or as nearby as possible and no person, animal or tree was harmed in the process.  And in a rare and happy coincidence the building’s current owner is into both heritage building and wildlife protection (she happens to be head of the Koala Foundation whose offices are in the building).