Under The Clock

TL;DR: Under the Clock has a unique distinct, where it is one of the most under the radar finds in all of Brisbane yet it is garnered such a reputation from its persistent quality. A very lucky find amidst all of the hustle and bustle, this place is well worth your while being a quiet and pleasant break from the world outside. A lovely atmosphere all around is enough of a reason to give Under the Clock a solid recommendation.

It goes right from their title that this cafe already develops is character, there's so much more than meets the eye with Under the Clock. This cafe finds itself as part of Sommerville House, in a landmark heritage listed building - the South Brisbane Town Hall. All that needs to be known to find it is... look for the clock tower. More specifically, it is located underneath the town hall and tucked right away from the busy intersection. You could not ask for a better and more convenient location as far as coffee shops go, since so many people will be heading this way. It is just a stone's throw away from the Mater Hill Hospital Complex, just on the cusp of South Bank, and within walking distance from several public transport hubs. Best of all, it is not resting on that laurel and manages to create a relaxing atmosphere along with good quality food.

So far, it has been three occasions in coming here with two of those being for a coffee and some sweets. Almost like it harkening back to school days walking past the milk bar for a treat, the route I take to get the bus to and from work has this beauty on the way albeit needing to take just a slight detour. That slight detour was 100% worth it.

Take a walk right inside, and you are practically immersed into lovely and welcoming air conditioning which is a great break from the hot weather just outside, and the serenity of it is a good break from the constant traffic. The contrast and escape from the busy rush is just the start of Under the Clock's appeal; there is a whole lot of history in this building, and even if that means nothing to you we can definitely agree that there is a classical beauty in the heritage architecture. It is cosy, and with the contrast of the blazing hot sun outside the cafe has cool, refreshing temperature that calms you down. On a few of the walls, akin to a museum, photographs of the old building plus information are adorned adding another layer to the already relaxing and timeless decor. Adding onto that, if soaking up the sun is your sort of thing right outside is a courtyard with some tables among a few plants and trees. They go to lengths that aren't seen by most coffee shops, and this is practically right in the center of the city.

From the quick visits I have done, what I can gauge from the customer service is that they seem to know what they are doing. Being friendly is a great start, in which the young folk here are that in droves. There has been many times I have noticed at cafes you have to stand at the counter and wait for someone's attention; it is an absolute contrast as they are already at attention and will grab yours when you show the slightest interest. That is a small detail, but those small details really do add up a lot in the long run. Granted, the customer service for taking an order to go is quite different to staying put for the time being; I was still able to pick up a few aspects. When not behind the counter, the staff are often roaming around the tables either clearing or cleaning them - taking a task bit by bit. It looked clean and inviting when walking in, which can only come from that sort of work ethic. For the orders to go, it is quick and painless - five minutes should do it even in a busy period, giving this one more strength and a thorough recommendation.

They keep it fairly simple and straightforward in the fare they offer, mostly being the short order stuff from cafes. This includes a combination of an all-day breakfast, a good selection of sweets (that includes a tempting array in the cabinet), and several sorts of sandwiches. It was not only kept simple, but fairly old style as well - well played guys. To compliment the food, they got a modest drink menu. Tea and coffee are first and foremost, plus they have a good range of cold drinks.These cold drinks include milkshakes, smoothies, frappes, plus a whole heap of bottled drinks right from the fridge. Big credit will be given, how they managed to turn the simple offerings into something more towards homely rather than stock standard.

Getting onto the orders, both time around with the coffee it was the normal order - that is a doppio. We are in for an absolute treat concerning the coffee, since the beans they use are courtesy of Campos. While it might not be the absolute kingpin of coffee blends to me anymore, it still manages to get that allure from the sign alone. If any coffee place has up front that they are using Campos, my intrigue will be just that bit more and the eyes will lock on quickly. That is because Campos is one of the most balanced blends out there: it is a tad stronger than other blends on a mere single shot, and when it is done right (which is pretty easy) the flavour profile of the beans is more pronounced on the palate. Additionally, there are some brews that are either exclusively good for coffees with milk or coffees without milk; Campos is one which adapts appropriately, and as such I still have a soft spot for it.

And both times thus far, it was a good coffee. Two for two, at a consistent quality. The flavour was a slightly fruity one, with a little bit of honey in it as well. The texture of the coffee was smooth, and they served it at just the right temperature to drink. It was well extracted, and felt good on the palate. If I was ever working within the adjacent complex, rest assured I would nominate going here just on the coffee alone.

Between those two times, I brought home three different sweets: a carrot cake, a fig and nut slice, and a chocolate brownie. All three times they were delicious, like they were freshly made on the day. None of them were overtly sweet, the carrot cake itself had a thick lot of cream cheese icing, the fig cake slice was a dense sucker, and so much chocolate was present in the brownie. These guys go perfectly matched with a coffee.

The third time around, the weather was getting into summertime and it was after work. I felt like getting a cold drink, and a milkshake seemed the best option. Just a simple chocolate one for me, and it was served in the classical style. What I can find is many places go a bit too easy on the ice cream thus making their shakes be a bit watery; this one wasn't the case. Neither was it a thickshake where you couldn't suck any of the beverage through the straw. They found a Goldilocks zone, and it was refreshing and tasty. Both full cream milk and ice cream were used, and there was something different about the taste of the chocolate syrup.

It has not been an odd thing with me to be slow to the uptake with trends, and it is not unlike me to keep thinking about doing something or going somewhere then not act on it for a lengthy period of time. This was such an occasion, but there is never a closed case in this regard. I am glad that I went beyond the general squizz, since this is a wining coffee shop on a number of levels. Not many times does a place utilise a lucky position so well as this, and the respect is shows in the interior is a great example. Additionally, the important aspect of a good cup of coffee is right here and for that reason Under the Clock has quietly managed for many years, with many more to come.

As my little one had an appointment at the hospital, I was looking for a place to get some food but didn't want anything from the hospital. I wandered outside and saw a steady stream of hospital staff buy coffee from a cart below Sommerville House. I could see Campos Coffee banners on display, so it was definitely worth a look.

As walked through the entrance, I realised it was actually a cafe. Inside has a lovely feel about it- an old school charm. The staff were were nice and welcoming which added to a positive vibe. I ordered a B.L.T Baguette ($9) and a Piccolo (2.80). I had the baguette toasted and I'm glad I did. A crispy baguette and a good coffee was exactly what I was after.

This cafe has been on my hit list for quite sometime & today I actually got around to trying it. The coffee is Campos & I received a really robust flat white without even ordering a double shot. I loved the interior with it's retro ambiance & various old pics adorning the walls with regard to the history of the clock itself. Very sweet & pleasant service as well

Brilliant little coffee and food shop opposite Woolloongabba busway. After only my 3rd fortnightly visit, the gorgeous Indian lady knew my regular order. Cheerful, clean, spacious, bright. Perfect place to while away a bit of time before an appointment. Great prices too, and generous food helpings.

Honestly such an amazing everyday cafe. I come here every second morning and the food is such great value and brilliant staff!! Can not recommend enough 💯

Got the eggs benny and a coffee. Was great! Will be back!

This is a very well located coffee shop that offers not only a good coffee or lunch but also a personalised service. I often come here for a business meetings or just to sit down and relax. The staff is always very friendly and takes time to get to know its customers.