Since opening in May 2012, Southside Tea Room has become a hub for much more than just coffee and breakfast eats. Opened by local heroes Patience Hodgson and John Patterson of The Grates, the beloved suburban venue has housed numerous musical performances, art shows, karaoke nights and trivia evenings – becoming a pioneer of Brisbane’s now-booming suburban hospitality scene. A few months removed from transforming the space into a dedicated barbecue joint and bar, the duo has announced that Southside Tea Room would close for good after the final service on Sunday November 4.

Patience and John shared the news via social media (and a heartfelt notice on the cafe’s front window) on Saturday October 27, giving thanks to those that had supported the venue over the years. The closure marks both a departure and a return for Patience and John, as they leave the hospitality scene to focus on music and family (John and Patience have two young children). The couple has reunited with The Grates’ original drummer Alana Skyring for a run of dates kicking off in November, including a show at The Tivoli on Saturday December 15.