Camouflaged among the overgrown and interchangeable colours of the creeping fig hedge, is Bunker. As the hedge vines seep into the café walls from the outside in, through the doors and into the ceiling, it’s fair to say Bunker has its own unique wallpaper.
“The hedge is quite a big feature of the café,” says Owner Marcus Allison. “It changes colour and even buds with flowers in the right season.”
As people stop to take photos of its incredible facade, it seems this café is no longer a hidden gem in Brisbane’s Milton area, but is fast becoming a local treasure. Marcus discovered the former unused garage site two and a half years ago. It was once used as a World War II bomb shelter.
“When I first found it, it was fairly dirty, covered in graffiti and people would toss rubbish in it on their way passed. But I saw its potential,” says Marcus.
The small suburban café has since been transformed into a unique hangout and take-away haven for nearby business and industrial workers, train commuters and curious café explorers. Bunker serves Five Senses as their House Blend on their modified La Marzocco Linea 2-group, which Marcus describes as “full bodied, sweet with caramel tones”.
The café serves filter coffee via AeroPress and features a rotating selection of guest coffees for both espresso and filter brewing. Past favourites include local Brisbane roasters Cup Coffee, Fifth Battery Roasters and newcomers The single Guys.
“Customers can expect genuine, down to earth service and a strong focus on quality” says Marcus.”
Bunker also processes their very own chocolate, which features in their hot chocolate, coffee and bottled ice chocolate milk.
“Bunker is a unique experience. People initially come here for a variety of reasons, and we hope they leave inspired by the quality and space,” says Marcus. “Our focus is on specialty coffee and I enjoy seeing its constant evolution.”
