From The Team Behind Agnes Bakery: Idle Is Your New Morning Muse
Rise and idle
By Bianca Licina | 20th June 2025Saying goodbye to your favourite breakfast spot is never easy. But trust Brisbane’s hottest hospo crew, Anyday, to fill that croissant-shaped hole in our hearts with something just as delicious — meet Idle.
Perched on the corner of Merthyr Road and Brunswick Street, Idle is already luring the James St crowd into its effortlessly cool orbit. And if anyone can step into the flour-dusted shoes of Agnes Bakery, it’s these guys — they’ve got form.
So, what’s the vibe?
Yes, the cult-status pastries and bread you know and love aren’t going anywhere. But now, they’re joined by a seasonal, made-to-order menu that’s all about elevated, everyday dining. Throw in Single O coffee and a sunlit corner table, and we’re sold.
The space also boasts a retail nook brimming with artisanal pantry staples — dips, jams, garnishes, honey — all the good stuff, beautifully packaged and ready to impress your brunch guests.
As for the look?
Designed by acclaimed interior designer, Tasmin Johnson (behind Brisbane’s SIR. store, Raes Gueshouses, and heaps more), the space is a perfect reflection of the space’s purpose. Think sleek Euro sensibility with an Aussie twist. Understated, stylish, and cool. Idle is the girl you want to brunch with, linger longer with, and definitely Instagram.
Whether you’re looking for a place to chow after your hot girl walk, need a new Sunday morning brunch spot, or simply must try anything by the Anyday crew (lol, us), pop into Idle. We’ll see ya’ there.
Read our interview with the team behind the new go-to.
What inspired this new chapter for Anyday?We always envisioned Agnes Bakery as something more than the little cottage it began in. While our location on James Street gave people a place to “catch up” or slow down, we always wanted to have the dine-in experience and were limited by space. This new chapter allows us to share that hospitality more openly – with seating, more time and hopefully more of what people love.
What drew you to the space/location?New Farm felt like a natural neighbourhood for Idle. The location offered the space we needed with room to welcome people for breakfast and lunch and the capacity to grow our pastry production. It gave us the freedom to bring our all-day offering to life in a way that feels generous, natural and connected to the community.
How does this project reflect where the group is heading creatively?As we grow, each new venue gives us the chance to evolve creatively and work with a broader circle of designers and collaborators. Just like with sAme sAme and Biànca, we enjoy the process of handing over a brief and seeing how it is interpreted. With this project, Tamsin brought a considered, intuitive approach and really balanced our operational needs with a calm, refined design language.
What kind of mood or experience are you hoping to create?A great neighbourhood spot for people to spend time in, whether they are catching up over coffee or simply enjoying a relaxing moment.
How did the collaboration with Tamsin come about and what did she bring to the vision?Tamsin’s perspective is deeply shaped by her travels and that lived experience brought a thoughtful richness to the design. The space is anchored by a few key materials like custom tiles and stainless steel, all balanced with antique lighting for warmth and texture. Tamsin’s work makes the space feel both intentional and effortless.
