Nook Coffee has quickly found its place in the morning routines of Northgate locals, offering specialty coffee, house-made jaffles and a space lined with handmade goods from local artisans, all pulled together by owner Suzanne and her daughter Bijoux.
The café sources its coffee from Tim Adams Specialty Coffee, a Sunshine Coast roaster known for quality single origins and blends, and its pastries from Danny’s Bread, keeping the food offering as local as the rest of the fit-out.
House-made jaffles are made fresh each day, bringing a nostalgic and satisfying edge to the menu that slots naturally alongside the morning coffee crowd.
A café that fills a particular gap
Northgate has long had limited options for a true neighbourhood café, often sitting in the shadow of nearby Nundah’s busier dining and coffee scene. Nook gives locals exactly the kind of venue many residents appreciate: somewhere that remembers your order, supports local makers and gives people a reason to walk rather than drive.
What sets Nook apart from a typical neighbourhood café is its support for local artisans. The shelves showcase ceramics, candles, books and fresh flowers alongside a rotating collection of handmade goods.
Jewellery, soft furnishings, artworks and children’s toys all feature in the display, turning the café into a small marketplace as much as a place to enjoy a flat white.
Community connection and local craft
The combination of specialty coffee and artisan goods is not new to Brisbane, but Nook delivers it with a genuine sense of warmth rather than as a carefully curated concept.
Much of that comes from Suzanne’s vision for the café and the involvement of her daughter Bijoux, whose presence helps create a welcoming family atmosphere.
Suzanne sees the café as a place for community connection as much as a coffee destination. The shelves provide local artisans with a permanent space to showcase their work, giving makers an audience beyond the occasional weekend market and helping strengthen connections within the local community.
A stop worth making if you’re in the area
Nook Coffee is at 135 Northgate Road, Northgate. Follow along at nookcoffee.com.au or on their Instagram page for updates on new artisan stock and café news.
A butcher shop that began with a horse and cart on Junior Terrace, Northgate, has served its last cut. Jack Purcell Meats, a name woven into the fabric of Brisbane’s northern suburbs for more than 80 years, has gone into liquidation, bringing the curtain down on a family business that spanned three generations and, at its height, operated 23 shops across the city.
According to an ASIC insolvency notice, Alan Walker of Asset Restructuring Group was appointed liquidator of Snag Pty Ltd ATF the Snag Investment Trust, the entity trading as Jack Purcell Meats, on 30 April 2026. The winding-up process followed a Supreme Court petition by energy retailer AGL Sales Pty Limited, which filed a winding-up application against the company on 26 March. The amount of the alleged unpaid debt has not been disclosed.
From wartime service to neighbourhood institution
Photo credit: Google Maps/Marco Tanzi
Jack Purcell served 704 days in the Australian Defence Forces during World War II as an army butcher. Even while in service, he was running a small butcher shop in Miami and another in Currumbin. His father Dan had also operated a butcher store in Currumbin between the wars.
When Jack opened on Junior Terrace in Northgate in 1943, few could have anticipated what would follow. After the war, the business took off. Through the 1950s, 60s and 70s, he built an empire of 23 butcher shops across Brisbane, alongside a Four Square grocery store in Northgate.
By the late 1970s, Jack began winding back, choosing to focus on fewer outlets and serve customers personally at his Northgate and Taigum stores. He retired in 1980, handing the business to his son Paul.
Three generations, one name
Paul Purcell (Photo credit: Jack Purcell Meats)
Paul Purcell spent the next three and a half decades steering the business through considerable change. In the 1990s, he established a meat showroom on Pritchard Road in Virginia, a facility that positioned Jack Purcell Meats as what the business called “Brisbane’s meat specialists.” The showroom offered beef, lamb, pork, poultry, game meats, ham and deli products, marketing itself as a one-stop shop for Brisbane customers.
In 2015, Paul retired and passed the reins to the third generation, his son Adam, continuing an unbroken family line stretching back to Jack’s original Northgate shop.
Tough times for family food businesses
The closure has not happened in isolation. Jack Purcell Meats is the second prominent Queensland family-run food business to collapse in recent weeks, following Brisbane seafood firm A. Raptis and Sons Group, which announced in April it would shut down after administrators were unable to find a buyer, a move that put more than 200 jobs at risk.
Broader economic headwinds have been battering independent food businesses across the country. A chief economist has pointed to rising energy bills and borrowing costs as mounting pressure on business finances, warning they are “likely to result in some increase in insolvencies in the months ahead.”
A gap in the community
Photo credit: Google Maps/Gina Tsai
For residents of Wavell Heights, Northgate, Nundah and the surrounding suburbs, the name Jack Purcell Meats carries real weight. This wasn’t a chain. It was a butcher founded by a local man who came home from war, set up shop in the neighbourhood, and built something lasting.
Details about the number of staff affected, potential sale of assets or the brand, and what creditors might expect to recover remain unclear at this stage.
What is clear is that when a business survives eight decades and three generations of one family, something more than a company has been lost. For many in Brisbane’s north, Jack Purcell Meats wasn’t just where you bought your Christmas ham. It was part of the street furniture of daily life.
We’ve combed Northgate for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Nirdosh Bhattarai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had an absolutely wonderful experience here! The owner is incredibly kind and spoke to us so warmly like his own, which made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. The food was outstanding the lamb shank was perfectly cooked and full of flavour, the duck ragu was rich and comforting, and the sticky date pudding was just spot on. To top it all off, the owner generously treated us to a complimentary panna cotta, which was also absolutely delicious. It’s a small place with a big heart. Huge thanks to the owner and the chefs for making our lunch so special. Will definitely be coming back again
Josh Muir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited this Italian restaurant with my mum, and we were both genuinely impressed. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive from the moment we arrived. I ordered the spaghetti marinara, which was exceptional—fresh seafood, a beautifully balanced sauce, and honestly better than some meals I’ve had in Italy. My mum requested a cocktail that wasn’t on the menu, and the staff happily made it for her, which really highlighted their flexibility and customer focus. We finished with the tiramisu, light and full of flavour, and the perfect end to the meal. Overall, excellent service, delicious food, and thoughtful touches throughout. Highly recommend
Daniel Lachica Jr. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was craving for Italian food and my boyfriend and I searched for a place nearby and saw their restaurant. We arrived without a reservation but they were gracious enough to give us seats despite the place being fully-booked. The food’s fabulous and delicious: we’ll definitely come back! Everyone’s warm and welcoming and it makes dining here so homely.
JK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tried the Orange Chicken Dutch at Kitchen8, chicken felt a bit sweet by itself, but with the veggies and sauce it all came together so well. Also had the signature Beef Eggs Benny and it was super tasty.
안소연 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything I ordered was really delicious. Latte was savory and the fruit juice was fresh. The server service was perfect, too. I really want to go again. I had mushroom cream pasta, Wagyu burger, chicken salad, and I want to try other menus. Best taste I’ve ever experienced in Australia!!
Anastasia Owens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our experience was amazing! I took my husband here for their bene brisket and it was divine as well as their coffees. The staff were so lovely and we had service with a smile. I will be going back, it’s worth every dollar!
Cal Law ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always excellent customer service and a great place to catch up with friends for gelato, coffee and baked goods.
C L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Such a great patisserie! Fantastic sandwich selection along with cakes and French pastries and other baked goods. I highly recommend their sausage rolls 🤤 I regularly stock up on their freshly baked baguettes as well.
Nanga Little ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited today with friend and high expectations having tasted some items previously at work. We had studied the menu online and looked forward to ordering in person. In-store was such a feast for our eyes and I got caught up taking photos. Anyone looking for a special place to visit for a catch-up or just really great baked items this is the place. Fresh made sandwiches looked appealing and will try another day.
Orville de Raadt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been here before in summer and sat out the front. They also have an indoor dining area heated in winter AC in summer. The piece de resistance they’ve got a sun drenched back yard pet friendly and the high walls around it no breeze so lovely in the winter sun in qld. The staff are very friendly they even brought out a home made dog biscuit for pebbles with the coffee. I love finding these little hideaways Merlin coffee can’t go wrong and prices are reasonable as well
George F (Australia) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First time at this little cafe in Northgate QLD. Without question the vanilla slices are home Made and the best I have ever had anywhere. All the food is freshly made and to a very high standard. It looks like a snack bar but is actually much more with plenty of seating and great food.
Zane Skipper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quick, calm and lovely service. The atmosphere of the cafe is amazing with artwork littering all the walls, very open layout design. Food is very consistent, yet to be disappointed. I arrived just before the 0700 open time, staff had already opened up with large smiles on their faces. Car after car consistently pulled in during the time I was present. Dog Friendly, with a water bowl filled and provided. Definitely coming back. Can’t forgot the S&P shakers.
Stephen Braid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Found this place almost by accident. Terrific range of ales and lagers, all made on the premises. Variety of seating (outside, inside or near the vats). Excellent, friendly service. 4 minutes walk from Northgate train station. A must visit!
John de Lombardo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stumbled across this wonderful brewery by chance whilst riding our electric scooters. We dropped in for liquid refreshments. Four icy cold Mexican Lagers, delicious my friends. My beers tasted even better due to the friendly service. The Aether Brewery is a hidden gem in Melton St Northgate. A pop-up burger tent is attached to the brewery offering price friendly burgers. Go and enjoy.
Andie J ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great microbrewery. Some really interesting beers on tap. I tried one of the sour beers, it was good. Good range of beer options and the pizza was tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful. Loved the venue, has a really cool vibe. One of my new favorite brisbane breweries.
Long before Golden Circle became a household name across Australia, its roots were firmly planted in Northgate. In 1947, the suburb welcomed the opening of the company’s first canning factory, an event that would forever etch Golden Circle’s name in the records of Queensland’s pineapple industry and the nation’s food heritage.
The grand opening of the Northgate facility on 28 October 1947, was a significant event, attended by 1,500 people, including 500 fruit growers from the Sunshine Coast who arrived on a special train.
The then Premier of Queensland, the Hon Edward Hanlon, officially inaugurated the factory, which was initially named ‘Queensland Tropical Fruit Products,’ with ‘Golden Circle’ serving as their brand name.
Pineapple cannery under construction at Northgate, 1946 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)
Since its inception, the Northgate factory has been the heart of Golden Circle’s operations, processing and canning a wide range of fruits and vegetables, from iconic pineapples to an array of other produce.
Process workers at work at the Golden Circle cannery in Northgate (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)
Over the years, the company’s product line has diversified, now encompassing fruit cordials, juices, carbonated beverages, and baby food, but the Northgate facility remains the company’s main production hub.
Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 1076737
Golden Circle, once one of the few remaining Australian-owned food companies, was acquired by international corporations. In 2007, Coca-Cola Amatil made a conditional bid to acquire 100 percent of the company’s shares.
However, in 2008, Heinz launched a competing takeover bid, offering $1.65 per share, totaling $288 million. This bid was deemed attractive by Golden Circle’s chairman, Phillip Cave, especially given the challenging economic conditions at the time.
Photo credit: The Pineapple Pantry by Golden Circle/Google Maps
Ultimately, Heinz’s takeover bid succeeded, and the acquisition was finalised on 19 December 19 2008, marking Golden Circle’s transition from an Australian farmer-owned company to an international ownership.
Whilst Golden Circle’s ownership has changed hands over the years, most recently acquired by Heinz in 2008, the brand’s connection to Northgate remains a point of pride for the company and the local community. The factory’s presence has been a constant in the area, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the suburb’s identity.
Golden Circle factory at Northgate, 2008 (Photo credit: CC BY 3.0/Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons)
In 2023, Golden Circle revived its Pineapple Pantry at Earnshaw Road, offering locals a unique opportunity to purchase select products from the company’s extensive range at discounted prices. The in-store offerings vary weekly, featuring items nearing their best-before date, product lines discontinued from supermarkets, or surplus inventory.
Photo credit: The Pineapple Pantry by Golden Circle/Google Maps
Today, Golden Circle’s Northgate facility stands as a testament to the company’s rich history and its deep-rooted ties to Brisbane. As the brand continues to evolve and expand its reach, the Northgate canning factory remains a cherished landmark, reminding Australians of the company’s humble beginnings and its commitment to quality and innovation.
Northgate residents are being shown how small, everyday habits—from locking a gate to joining a Facebook group—can make a significant difference in the fight against local car crime.
This proactive community engagement took place recently, with officers speaking directly to residents about simple but effective security measures. For those not at home, police left behind crucial information to help locals secure their vehicles and property against criminals.
Understanding the Local Threat
According to police, the majority of vehicle thefts in Queensland are not the work of master criminals but are often for joyriding or to be used in other offences. However, they also warned of professional thieves who target vehicles for profit, either by giving them a new identity for resale or by stripping them down for parts. The initiative aims to disrupt both types of crime by removing easy opportunities for offenders.
Police emphasised that making a vehicle a less tempting target is the most effective defence. Residents are reminded that parking on the street significantly increases the risk of theft. Using off-street parking, especially a locked garage or a spot behind secure gates, is one of the best deterrents.
Officers also shared key advice, stressing the importance of always locking doors and closing windows, even when a vehicle is left unattended for a short time. Any valuables, such as electronics, bags, or cash, should be kept completely out of sight. While a professionally installed engine immobiliser that meets Australian standards provides excellent protection, its effectiveness is cancelled out if thieves can easily get their hands on the car keys.
The message also extends to home security, with a reminder to lock and secure garages at all times to protect not only cars but also valuable equipment like tools and mowers.
A key part of the strategy is strengthening community ties through the local Neighbourhood Watch Group. Police are encouraging all Northgate residents to get involved with the program, which serves as a vital communication link between the community and the Queensland Police Service. By working together, neighbours can enhance engagement, improve communication, and create a safer environment for everyone.
After a completed improvement project, Northgate residents can now enjoy a safer and more durable road verge on Cambage Road that addresses minor bonded asbestos fragments.
The project involved removing approximately 200mm of gravel and rocks from the verge that contained the asbestos material. The area has since been compacted and smoothed, and Council installed a new asphalt layer to enhance safety and durability.
Why the Work Was Needed
Photo Credits; Google Maps
The upgrade was necessary to ensure the long-term safety and quality of the road verge, specifically due to the minor asbestos contamination found. The site was treated as Class B asbestos contaminated, and strict measures were taken to minimise potential health risks.
Safety Measures in Place
Photo Credits; Google Maps
To ensure community and worker safety, a licensed asbestos contractor was on-site during the project’s first week to manage the asbestos material securely. Air quality monitors were also installed to check for any release of asbestos fibres during the work. Council has stated that the health risk to workers was considered extremely low, with no risk posed to nearby residents or anyone outside the designated work zone.
Completing these works means a significantly improved and safer road verge for the Northgate community. Council has thanked residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the project. If the community has any further questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Council directly.
Northgate is now at the centre of a push to transform Australian manufacturing, having launched a new accelerator program and a robotics project to automate banana harvesting.
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub) held an Industry Day in Northgate to mark five years since its establishment. The event brought together industry leaders and researchers to discuss the future of advanced manufacturing. A key announcement was the launch of Exit 2030, a program designed to help deep tech and advanced manufacturing founders plan their business exit strategies.
The ARM Hub CEO, Professor Cori Stewart, explained that selling a deep tech company is more complex than a typical business. Investors look at intellectual property, how easily the company can grow, its market position, and its long-term value. The Exit 2030 program will provide a group of 14 founders with advice and support to navigate these challenges. The program is designed for those planning to sell or merge their businesses within three to five years.
Another significant project announced at the Northgate event is the Banana Dehanding Project. This project aims to automate the labour-intensive process of separating bananas from their bunches. The Australian Banana Growers Council (ABGC) identified this area where Industry 4.0 technology could make a significant difference. Professor Stewart expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating it will help transform Australia’s horticulture industry.
The project is a collaboration between the ABGC, Hort Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Future Food Systems CRC, and BNL Industrial Solutions. ARM Hub experts, including Dr Chris Lehnert, Designer Anthony Franze, and Robotics Engineer Troy Cordie, have been working with banana farmers in North Queensland to understand the production process and identify opportunities for automation.
Dr Lehnert emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges faced by farmers to support the National Manufacturing Priorities for Food and Beverages. The project aims to develop a new robotic tool for banana farmers, particularly in Tully.
Something curious is happening at Northgate Hall — and it involves a ghostly hound, a few quick costume changes and a lot of laughs. A classic Sherlock Holmes mystery is coming to life in the suburb, with a quirky, fast-paced performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles set to take the stage at the local site.
UpStage Theatre, a Brisbane-based community group known for lively and accessible performances, will present The Hound of the Baskervilles at Northgate Hall until the 12th of April 2025. Tickets are available online through TryBooking.
SHOW DATES
The show offers a humorous and fast-paced spin on the original Sherlock Holmes tale, as Holmes and Watson investigate the eerie legend of a ghostly hound on the moors. With creative staging and an energetic approach, the performance is designed to keep audiences engaged while adding a fun twist to the well-known mystery. The Northgate venue provides an intimate setting, making it an ideal space for community members to enjoy live theatre close to home.
Photo Credit: UpStage Theatre QLD
Theatre With a Local Focus
UpStage Theatre continues to build connections across Brisbane by bringing their productions to a range of community venues. Their debut show, Murder on Record, was staged at the Banyo Bowls Club in August 2024, where audiences joined in to solve a musical-themed mystery.
Since then, the group has expanded from just six members to more than 150, welcoming performers and volunteers from all walks of life. Their inclusive approach encourages participation from anyone interested in theatre, regardless of experience.
Founder Virginia Gray has focused on creating welcoming and low-pressure performance opportunities, aiming to make theatre something everyone can be a part of.
Photo Credit: UpStage Theatre QLD
Growing Local Arts Scene
UpStage Theatre’s Northgate show is part of its broader mission to support local arts and make live theatre more accessible. Future plans include a musical production and a platform for showcasing Queensland writers.
The Northgate staging of The Hound of the Baskervilles offers residents a chance to experience this energy up close. Whether you’re familiar with Sherlock Holmes or just looking for a fun night out, this local performance brings creativity, humour and connection to the neighbourhood stage.
A Northgate property transformation has resulted in a custom-built home now available for purchase after food influencer Shannon Cooper converted what she called “the most expensive shed in Northgate” into her dream residence.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
The property at 107 Gympie Street represents one of two adjacent properties Ms. Cooper purchased from the same owner before subdividing the land into three plots. The original structure on this particular plot was an older house being used as a shed, which the local council had determined was unsafe for habitation.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
The unsafe conditions included “massive cracks all through the ceiling” and floors that were “sunken in places,” according to Ms. Cooper, who runs the Instagram account My Food Religion.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
Rather than attempting to renovate the dangerous structure, Cooper opted for a complete rebuild while residing in the neighbouring home. She collaborated with RedDoor Architects to design a house that would meet council requirements while complementing the character of other buildings in the Northgate streetscape.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
The new design focused on maximising space on the small Northgate lot while maintaining attractive outdoor areas. This approach has proven successful, with Place Ascot agent Janelle McKenna noting that many potential buyers mistake the new construction for a renovation, believing it to be seamlessly integrated with the neighbourhood’s aesthetic.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
The Northgate home features architectural elements designed to enhance spaciousness, including high ceilings and large voids, plus significant glass openings connecting to the backyard. This design allowed Cooper to monitor her daughter in the backyard pool from various vantage points inside the home.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
Cooper and her family have now decided to relocate to the Sunshine Coast, though she expressed that she’ll particularly miss the kitchen, which served as an ideal space for her content creation and recipe development work.
Police have detained two men at a Northgate home following an incident where shots were allegedly fired at an unoccupied vehicle in Bald Hills yesterday.
Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire on Gladdon Street in Bald Hills around 10:30am Sunday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a parked car that had been shot at in what police believe was a targeted attack. No injuries were reported.
Following the incident, officers attended a residence on Nudgee Road in Northgate where they took two men into custody. During their search of the Northgate property, police allegedly located a shotgun.
The 20-year-old man now faces 11 charges, including:
The accused is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. Authorities have confirmed investigations are continuing, with particular focus on the Northgate connection.
