Balmoral’s brunch scene received an extra dash of coastal charm with the opening of Willow Cafe. This beach-inspired eatery is the brainchild of Adam Dartnall, who also owns popular Stones Corner locale Stones Throw Cafe. Looking to bring a taste of the salt-licked, sun-soaked and stress-free energy of Noosa to Brisbane, Adam drew influence from the beachside mecca, giving Willow’s 55-seater space a relaxed coastal retreat vibe coupled with a menu packed with flavour and colour. Crisp white walls, sky-blue tiles along the coffee bar and blonde-timber furniture will have guests feeling like they’ve stepped off the sand into a breezy beachside shack, with footpath dining and a light-dappled deck at the rear of the space giving vitamin D-deprived guests the chance to catch some much-needed rays. Head chef Matt Roman has crafted a menu that is the opposite of boring – think dishes such as oxtail shakshuka, pan-seared salmon laksa with green-tea noodles and Willow’s own dragon fruit and vanilla panna cotta with probiotic granola, figs and mascarpone. Coffee is being supplied by Seven Miles, with its The Cat’s Pyjamas blend on deck alongside bottomless mimosas and other tasty tipples.