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Under The Clock

South Brisbane

Updated: Sep 25, 2025

Under the Clock is a secret café steeped in historic charm, found hidden away underneath the landmark heritage-listed South Brisbane Town Hall that is now part of Somerville House.

Look for the entrance at the base of the old Town Hall, adjacent to Somerville House’s gates and a step-through, reveals a clear-roofed terrace that resembles a Victorian era railway platform, scattered with tables and chairs.

People sitting on seats at Under The Clock South Brisbane

The café occupies the basement of the grand old building, with original brick walls, archways and alcoves preserved. Along one wall are a line-up of black and white pictures depicting the colourful history of the building, which started life as the South Brisbane Town Hall in 1892 and throughout the ensuing years has been a HQ for the US Armed Forces during World War II, residential flats for British engineers and their families post-war, the Conservatorium of Music from 1957-79 and in 1999 it was purchased by Somerville House.

Terrace seating at Under The Clock South Brisbane

Seating is either inside the ambient interior or on the terrace, where there’s a wooden bar with stools and café tables in signature Somerville green.

Interior seating lit up at night at Under The Clock South Brisbane

On the menu are a range of snacks and light meals available all day, such as avo on toast, buttery fruit toast, bacon and egg focaccia or pancake stack with maple syrup, ice cream and mixed berries.

Ploughman’s Board with toasted bread, dips and deli items atUnder The Clock South Brisbane

Lunch options include Pulled Pork Brioche with house cut slaw and onion jam, Chef’s Salad or Ploughman’s Board with toasted bread, dips and deli items. Otherwise from behind the counter are heat-ups like sausage rolls, filo pastries and quiches or gourmet filled rolls, along with sweet treats like scones, jam and cream or Strawberry Swirl cheesecake.

Smoked salmon sandwich on a plate at Under The Clock South Brisbane

Coffee served at Under the Clock is Bear Bones, while other hot drinks include a selection of teas, peppermint hot chocolate, chai latte and matcha (or matcha mug). Cold drinks include iced coffee, mocha or latte, frappes (chocolate hazelnut or cookies & cream) smoothies or milkshakes.

The menu may have changed since our visit.

Under the Clock

17 Graham St

South Brisbane

Opening Hours

3033 9265

Map

17 Graham St South Brisbane

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