Hunter and Scout, arguably Brisbane's best cafe
The courtyard setting at Hunter and Scout
LOCATION
Graceville, Brisbane, Australia
VENUE
Upmarket Cafe
TREND
Traditional Service
MAPPING
Food & Beverage, Coffee, Customer service
A courtyard full of surprises
Hunter and Scout is a beautiful cafe located in the heart of Graceville, and what a find it is! If you're someone who likes to relax and enjoy your coffee in comfortable stylish surroundings, then this is the cafe for you. Hunter and Scout is a family run business and it's clear; the family runs this cafe with love!
As soon as you walk through the door you enter a thriving garden oasis, with healthy palms set along the perimeter. Lush ferns hang from above, and large wicker ceiling fans circulate the air. This is a far cry from the minimalist cafes that we've become accustomed to. There's no heartless room where metal stools sit at naked tables, that echo ear piercing screeches as they're dragged across the floor. On the contrary; Hunter and Scout presents a wonderful, ambient setting, with a high standard of customer service.
It's the hospitality service that I want to focus on in this article, because in our industry, arguably; hospitality expectations have changed, and standards have gradually eroded over time. So, let me share with you how Hunter and Scout interpret and deliver their own standard of hospitality service.
HUNTER AND SCOUT
7 / 327 Honour Avenue
Graceville, Qld, 4075
Ph: (61) 3 9898 2078
Such a unique character and mood
This cafe sets itself apart from the others by offering a warm and fascinating space, full of character and charm. Soft plump cushions adorn the bench seats, that create ambience and class. Seating is soft, comfortable and tables can be moved to accommodate larger groups.
Casual elegance
The tables really had a welcoming feel!
As we approached our table, it was already pre-set with glasses and bottled water. A pepper and salt grinder sat at one end of the table, along with sugar, and a menu was set in front of each chair.
I found this to be organised, efficient, and somewhat classy. We had everything at our finger tips. Water to drink, menu to read, and no need to look around to get attention.
What a nice touch and a time saver for staff!
Let's get a coffee first... and fast
There may come a day when we need to explain to our children what this is. Hunter and Scout present their menu on small clipboards. It was easy to flip through the pages for drinks and breakfast items. How refreshing not to have a QR code stuck to the table top.
First things first, and coffee is always in order. The friendly staff are quick and efficient, and they approach our table to take coffee orders. The attendant recorded the request on a docket and returned later for the food order. The coffee came with perfect art, and hit the spot.
Service with a smile
All the staff presented well! They appeared well groomed, and wore similar attire including; black trousers, shoes, and long sleeve white shirt. They also wore a Hunter and Scout apron.
During our meal we ordered sparkling water. The server used tray service to bring glasses with ice and lemon, along with the San Pellegrino to the table. She served the glasses to each diner, and poured the water.
As we waited patiently for our meal, the attendant came and prepared the table. She arrived with a small wicker basket containing knives, forks, and napkins. She moved around the table carefully, placing a napkin, and the cutlery, on to the customer's left.
I was surprised to see this service standard and realised I was more accustomed to picking my cutlery and napkins from a big jar or box.
Stephen Duncan
Tasty meals with generous portions
Smashed Avocado Hunter and Scout style
Fruit Toast, my mother's favourite
At Hunter and Scout the meals were made with love! The produce was fresh, the presentation was appetising, and the portions were substantial. I ordered the smashed avocado, and a poached egg side, which was delicious. The presentation was amazing, and certainly set a high bar on a dish that has become synonymous with Aussie cafes everywhere.
Hunter and Scout change their menus regularly, if you visit now it won't look like the image above. The current menu is serving up, the avo on seeded sour dough, along with pepitas, smoked labneh, broad leaf rocket, za'atar, and an aged balsamic. My mother is a fan of fruit toast, and loved the chunks of fruit and nuts in this one.
Food facts
What is za'atar?
If you asked your self what is za'atar? Well you're not alone! I had to look it up. It's a Middle Eastern aromatic herb and spice blend that's made from wild thyme (which also happens to be called za'atar), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
What sumac?
A tangy, reddish-purple spice, made from the dried and ground berries, of a wild shrub native to the Middle East, and Mediterranean.
Check please!
This was one bill I was happy to pay! The account was presented at the table in a small wicker basket, clearly aligning to the cafe theme and the standard of service.
A small clip held the docket in place in case of unexpected breezes. The bill could be paid for at the table or on the way out.
Stephen's Take
I'm a hospitality traditionalist! I remember the 80's, where hospitality service was more an art form. While I can't go back in time, I can go to Hunter and Scout. If you would like to update your teacher currency, a breakfast or lunch at this cafe, surely is an opportunity to experience the service first hand, observe the standards and of course, enjoy a lovely meal. If you're wondering, no, I'm not being paid for this, but I was impressed! Give yourself another excuse, take your mum along! I did!
Stephen
Unit of Competency Mapping
Serve food and beverage
Prepare and serve espresso coffee
Provide service to customers
Enhance customer service experiences
Source and use information on the hospitality industry
Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency.
Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan