John Mills Himself Cafe

Brisbane Cbd

John Mills Himself would no doubt have happily patronized the tiny café nestled in the base of the curiously titled heritage listed building that bears his name.

John Mills Himself building facade in Brisbane's CBD

The early 20th century printer and stationer had John Mills Himself carved onto the top of the building - one of the Charlotte St Group of warehouses - after splitting from his business partner and proceeded to rent out its nooks and crannies to a variety of occupants. Today the Charlotte St frontage is home to iconic city bookshop Archives Books while the charming brick walled café, a joint effort between Street Food Australia and Bunker, is accessed via Elizabeth St.

Flat white coffe in cup served by John Mills Himself Cafe Bar

Take the driveway under the ATO building to find this city gem, and pull up a stool at the counter or by the piano for one of the best coffees in the CBD, tea, hot chocolate or cool drink and a delicious friand, pastry, muffin or cookie.

Stools against stripped brick wall inside John Mills Himself Cafe Bar

Good to know – John Mills Himself Café Bar is not just a cool space, but one with high green and ethical cred - everything here is sourced locally or as nearby as possible and no person, animal or tree was harmed in the process. And in a rare and happy coincidence the building’s current owner is into both heritage building and wildlife protection (she happens to be head of the Koala Foundation whose offices are in the building).