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Annerley: A Suburb Brimming With History

Annerley used to be regarded as a suburb that needed some “facelifting.” The good news is that after gentrification, plenty of Queenslanders have been restored thus giving the suburb an uplifted, eclectic touch. Unbeknownst to some, the suburb also has plenty of heritage-listed places, aside from the social housing in the area.

Hefferan Park Air Raid Shelter
260 Annerley Rd.

During World War II, the United States of America used Queensland as their support base for the Pacific War and Brisbane, being the major city in the state, had lots of people pouring into the city at the time. The Brisbane City Council then took over the responsibility of building air raid shelters and this particular one in Annerley is one of the few surviving air raid shelters out of 17 built in Brisbane.

Digby Denham’s Residence
391 Annerley Rd.

Mr Digby Denham was the Premier of Queensland and Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. His house on Annerley Rd is a landmark residence in the area.

Annerley Army Reserve Depot
158 Dudley St.

A barracks built from 1914-1954, this place was set up to accommodate military men during their militia and cadet training. However, the site is no longer owned by the Department of Defence. In 2004, the Queensland Heritage Council allowed the site to be used for residential purposes.

Stephens Shire Office
15 Ealing St.

The Shire of Stephens was a local government area in the inner southern suburbs of Brisbane. It has eight localities including the one in Annerley, along with the ones located in Fairfield, Greenslopes, Holland Park West, Moorooka, Tarragindi, Yeerongpilly and Yeronga. In 1925, the Shire of Stephens was abolished and it became part of Brisbane. Today, the site has been altered for use as a residence.

These are just some of the historic places in the suburb that is worth a visit. Although some of these may have evolved, knowing that they hold so much history adds more value and interest to the suburb. There are also plenty of period homes that contribute to the aesthetics of the suburb.

Snag & Brown in Annerley Will Really ‘Snag’ Your Attention

Snag & Brown is a quaint cottage turned into a cafe on Ekibin Road in Annerley. Offering all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a great spot to satisfy your hunger with hearty meals and a good cup of coffee.

Perfectly situated in the midst of Queenslanders with beautiful gardens, the cafe is the epitome of cosy relaxation. Looking like something straight out of a story book, the picturesque cottage is surrounded by beautiful flowers, with al fresco seating if you want to soak in some sun and breathe some fresh air. It is also the perfect place to lounge with your four-legged buddy with you.

Seats are also available inside, where there is a room decked out with cushions scattered all over the place, a vintage stereo and a bookshelf stocked with books.

There are more seats at the backyard. The backyard is decked with wooden tables and chairs and huge umbrellas in case it gets too hot and customers want a little shade.

If you’re dropping by for breakfast, which is highly recommended, try out their Brekky burger that comes with bacon, egg, rocket, tomato, cheese and their homemade relish on ciabatta.

There is also avo on toast coated in rocket pistou & sesame seeds with beetroot labna, green pease & lemon snow. Vegan option for this is also available.

Your kids and even you will also love their Potato Twirl.

For lunch and if you want something healthier and refreshing, try their Summer Stunner, which consists of cured salmon with shallot mousse, grilled asparagus and two poached eggs.

Seared Tuna on poppadoms with strawberry & mango salsa & wasabi oil also sounds good for dinner!

They source their espresso from Bear Bones espresso whilst tea is from an organic West End Tea Company. Freshly squeezed juices are also available as well as milkshakes and smoothies.

Aye For Good Irish Meat at Annerley Meats!

Residents looking for the best meat in Annerley all somehow make their way down to Annerley Meats. Locals all know Paul the Butcher, fondly calling him the Sausage King.

This butcher shop offers a range of Irish meats and other grocery items imported from Eire. On weekends, the store can get pretty busy and you may need to line up outside. St Patrick’s Day also sends the shop into a frenzy, with an influx of customers all eager to get their hands on good, quality Irish meat, in keeping with the Irish holiday.

The shop is adorned with Blarney paraphernalia and an interesting collection of bank notes of different denominations across the world.

Fresh sausages, black pudding, cornish pasties, and pork pies are lined up in rows, looking very appetising and very tempting indeed. There is also an array of smoked beef ribs and smoked hams to choose from.

For a daily dose of carnivorous fare, Annerley Meats seems to have it all.

Asian Restaurant Invasion in Annerley: Pho Queue Joins In the Fun

Pho Queue is a new Vietnamese spot meant to soothe and warm the insides especially during cool weather has joined sibling restaurants Cafe O Mai and Red Lotus, the Pho Queue in Annerley.

The exterior of the place screams minimalist and once you take a step inside, a mix of modern and minimalist furniture complements the almost nautical white and navy theme inside. There are tables and chairs to accommodate large and small groups. People can also choose to sit on stools that overlook the kitchen.

What’s so special about the place especially if you’re a fan of pho is that you can build your own bowl of pho. There are five broths to choose from. Once you have selected the perfect broth, you can choose your additions such as rare beef, cooked beef, beef brisket, meatballs, special beef and chicken combination or wagyu eye fillet.

There is also a selection of other Vietnamese soups such as bun bo hue, a spicy beef and pork soup.

Pho Queue also serves Vietnamese slow drip coffee, along with bubble tea.

By December, the restaurant will serve Asian and French-inspired desserts.

Address: Cracknell Rd

Third Time’s the Charm: Taco Bell Finally Opens in Annerley, Draws Positive Reactions

After 17 years, Taco Bell is back in Australia. With the opening of their store in Annerley, their first in Queensland, Taco Bell is making some major noise as their comeback draws mixed reactions from locals. However, most of the locals still seem to be fans of the fast food chain.

Last week, over 50 people camped outside the restaurant ahead of its 9:00 a.m. ribbon-cutting. You might think that locals have it easy considering that they live within the area. However, you will be surprised that a fan from Melbourne even flew to Annerley for this opening.

This is Taco Bell’s third shot at cracking the Australian market for Mexican fastfood. The restaurant encountered some hiccups during its construction. It even reached the point where a possible delay was seen due to the Queensland storms. Luckily, the restaurant managed to push through with their plans with only minor hitches to their timetable.

The first 62 customers during the opening got some free Taco Bell merchandise, while the first 1000 customers were eligible to join the draw for a chance to win free Taco Bell for an entire year.

Judging from the majority of the reactions from the people who have waited and visited the opening of the American fast food chain, it looks like the third time will finally be the charm.

Annerley & Other Metro South Areas Warned To Avoid Bats As Breeding Season Begins

The bat breeding season has begun. Metro South Health region residents, such as the residents of Annerley and other southern suburbs, are being warned to avoid contact with bats.

Each year, around 40% of South Brisbane residents are exposed to bites or scratches from bats. Although bats don’t usually approach humans, it is best to stay vigilant at all times. Bats attack when humans try to rescue or pick up distressed bats. Although this seems unavoidable for some people, Metro South Health reminds residents that only vaccinated people who are trained to take care of bats are the ones allowed to handle them.

Bats carry a lyssavirus which belongs to the same group of viruses as rabies and can transmitted from the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Three Australians have died from the virus since 1996. Although this virus is commonly found in injured and sick bats, even healthy bats can be carriers of the virus.

If you come across a sick or injured bat do not touch it. Instead, please contact the RSPCA right away.

Annerley Community Calls for a Town Hall Meeting To Improve Ipswich Road

A Town Hall meeting has been called, to discuss Annerley’s Ipswich Road, which a recent study by AAMI has revealed to be the worst accident hotspot in Brisbane.

Concerned residents are asked to attend the meeting which will be held on the 28th of October from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Junction Park State School.

Locals are urging other Annerley residents to speak up and share their insights on the state of the road and what can be done about it. The meeting will discuss how they can improve the road and recommendations will be taken to the Brisbane City Council once complete.

Also read: Ipswich Road in Annerley is Brisbane’s Worst Accident Prone Area

The growing population in the southwest suburbs has contributed to worsening traffic in the area due to the perceived failure of infrastructure to keep up with the significant increase of vehicles. The road serves as the main thoroughfare used by southwest residents on their way to the CBD. It also has been pointed out that one of the reasons of traffic is that multiple entry points and traffic lights that make motorists stop and go frequently, whilst accidents are usually caused by motorists on their phones especially when stationary at traffic lights.

To find out more about the meeting, click here.

Ipswich Road In Annerley is Brisbane’s Accident-Prone Area

A study by AAMI, an insurance company, has revealed that Ipswich Road in Annerley is Brisbane’s worst accident hotspot. The study covers January to July 2017.

The study has revealed that Ipswich Road in Annerley has risen from sixth place and now has snagged the top spot as Brisbane’s worst road. The road is the main thoroughfare for commuters that come from the southwest suburbs to the CBD. Due to the growing population in those areas, traffic on this road has gotten worse with the significant increase of vehicles.

An AAMI spokesman Michael Mills pointed out that another reason for the traffic is the road has several entry points and traffic lights that make motorists stop and go more frequently.

In light of this, Mr Mills has advised motorists to be very mindful when travelling in accident-prone areas such as Ipswich Road. AAMI has also found that there is a huge percentage of motorists that check their phones whilst driving on the road, thus contributing to accidents. Reports show that one in five drivers would check their mobile phones to reply to or send an SMS whilst stationary at traffic lights.

Claiming the second and third spots on the list are Mains Road in Sunnybank and Gympie Rd at Chermside. New entries to this year’s list are Waterworks Road in Ashgrove and Moggill Road in Indooroopilly.

Annerley Welcomes Taco Bell, Aims To Open Before Christmas

After a 17-year absence, American fast-food chain Taco Bell is set to return to Australia. It’s about to replace the original Sizzler building which stood at the same site for 30 years in Annerley.

The original Sizzler restaurant has closed its doors in July following a number of restaurant shutdowns in various locations across Australia. Now, the site is about to prove the adage true that “When something good leaves, something better is to come.”

Plans for the new Taco Bell restaurant were first submitted to the Brisbane City Council in May, and that’s when speculation began. At the time, however, Colin Foods Limited, the holder of the license for Taco Bell in Australia remained mum amidst the widespread rumors of their impending return.

This time around, they no longer need to answer any questions because the job posting on their Taco Bell website stating their need for people who can provide “service of champions” has given them away.

Taco Bell is looking for people with happy and enthusiastic personalities who have a passion to provide excellent customer service. They also require applicants to have a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate, which only means one thing – they will be serving alcohol.

After the revealing job post, CFL finally confirmed that they will be occupying the former Sizzler site. Taco Bell spokeswoman also said that they plan to have the restaurant open before Christmas.

This marks Taco Bell’s third attempt to enter the Australian food industry. The most recent effort was during the nineties, but they pulled out by mid-2000s. This time around, hopes run high that the rollout will be a success.

Are you ready for some Tex-Mex grubbin’ in the South?

Lucky Cat Cafe in Annerley Is the Perfect Chill Spot For Cat Cuddles & Coffee

Food or coffee may not be top of mind when you come to the first ever cat cafe in the South of Brisbane. Seeing the cats at the Lucky Cat Cafe and interacting with them. Tucked in a cul-de-sac in Annerley, this cafe isn’t just for cats. Dogs are very much welcome as well.

Split over two levels, the lower level has all the cafe facilities that you can find along with pet supplies for sale. The second level is the “cattic” where the cafe’s resident cats are located.

Cat and dog owners are allowed to bring their pets in but they are not allowed at the upper level because this may upset their resident cats.

You can enjoy an excellent cup of their Dancing Bean coffee or choose from their selection of teas, smoothies and other cold beverages. They only offer light snacks, so don’t expect to have a full meal when you come.

Their dining tables are extremely kid-friendly. There are coloring pencils, pens, and doodle books on the table. Enough to keep the little ones entertained when they get bored playing with the felines.

Upstairs is a perfect place to chill especially for the cat lovers. The attic is adorned with comfy couches, mats, cat toys and other equipment for cat play. You can book sessions to enjoy the attic with the cats online.

The resident cats are rescue cats that have been chosen from Brisbane Cat Valley Rescue. Although their resident cats aren’t up for adoption, the cafe does hold several adoption events in partnership with various organizations.

The cafe also hosts cat yoga at the second level. Yes, yoga. With the cats. Book a sessions for a different yoga experience. Namaste!