Idle
Idle, a reimagining of Agnes Bakery, is the latest venue from boutique Brisbane hospitality group Anyday, the team behind sAme sAme, Biànca and hôntô.
With Idle, Anyday brings a refined, architectural presence to the leafy surrounds of New Farm. As a bakery, market and neighbourhood kitchen, Idle represents a natural evolution of the hospitality group’s portfolio, but with a sharp new focus on design, function and simplicity.
The fit-out marks Anydays’s first collaboration with interior designer Tamsin Johnson, whose clear and concise design language defines the space.
The fit-out marks Anydays’s first collaboration with interior designer Tamsin Johnson, whose clear and concise design language defines the space. Avoiding the visual clutter often associated with traditional alimentari or delicatessen-style spaces, Johnson’s approach is clean, subtly futuristic and highly considered. The interior is anchored by a cool, monochromatic palette that places full emphasis on Idle’s baked goods and seasonal menu. It’s a minimalist environment yet it never feels cold or uninviting.
Milanese modernism quietly informs the tone of the design – a nod to the Italian heritage of Biànca Marchi-Simon, Anyday’s head of brand. This influence comes through in the balance of restraint and refinement, with a focus on purity, structure and material integrity. Key finishes include stainless steel, aluminium, glass, venetian plaster and custom terrazzo tiles, which were all brought together with precision to create a sense of clarity and cohesion throughout the space.
Lighting plays a strong supporting role at Idle, with sculptural 1980s Italian sconces and pendants introducing softness and texture against the harder, industrial edges.
Lighting plays a strong supporting role at Idle, with sculptural 1980s Italian sconces and pendants introducing softness and texture against the harder, industrial edges. Built-in refrigeration, razor-thin shelving and clean lines create a seamless flow across the compact 36-seat space. The overall feeling is one of understated confidence, where nothing is excessive and every detail has been resolved. The visual rhythm of the interior complements the steady pace of the kitchen, creating an experience that feels composed and intentional.
Idle’s offering reflects the same sense of control and quality. Alongside the house-baked breads and patisserie, the seasonal all-day menu includes savoury dishes, sandwiches and pantry staples designed for at-home use. Single O coffee is available to enjoy on site or take home, alongside a curated range of house-made dips, preserves and boutique wines. A small retail selection invites guests to extend the Idle experience beyond the dine-in moment.
Set within a residential pocket of New Farm, the venue sits comfortably within its context. Idle’s quiet, modernist expression is well suited to the area’s discerning sensibility, bringing a fresh presence without overwhelming its surroundings. Rather than drawing attention with noise or nostalgia, Idle is defined by a clear perspective in both its culinary and design direction.
Open seven days a week, Idle reflects both the evolving direction of Brisbane’s hospitality scene and the growing sophistication of neighbourhood venues. Through its disciplined design and material palette, Idle delivers a sense of lasting purpose.
