A new bakery in Brisbane has become an unlikely local sensation, with customers queueing down the street just weeks after it opened its doors.
Ilo Bakehouse, situated opposite the waterfront on Wynnum Esplanade, has been drawing significant crowds for its freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee. Footage of the queues has quickly garnered attention online.
Despite officially opening in August, the ruby-red bakehouse has rapidly become a morning hotspot, with locals frequently observing lines outside. Customers who have experienced the wait report that the establishment lives up to the hype, with some calling its coffee the best in the bayside area.
Co-owners Daniel Bowles and Tram Phan are behind the popular venue. Bowles is also associated with other Brisbane establishments like Sister, Butter, and Alby's, while Phan, previously a manager at Sister, completed extensive patisserie training.
The pair had been planning a bakery concept before securing the Wynnum location, transforming the former Island View Café into Ilo Bakehouse. "We've only been open a few weeks and the response has been incredible," Daniel told the Daily Mail. "What sets Ilo apart is that everything is baked fresh in-house daily, with a big focus on unique flavours, quality ingredients and specialty coffee."
He added, "We felt Wynnum was ready for something a little different, and the local community has really embraced us. We wanted to create a neighbourhood bakehouse that locals could love, but that people would also travel across Brisbane to experience."
Central to Ilo's offering is a display of pastries baked fresh daily until sold out. The menu deviates from traditional bakery staples, featuring unexpected flavour combinations. Signature items include an orange and cardamom knot, miso butterscotch croissants, and sourdough croissants.
Sweet and savoury bakes, focaccia, and sandwiches are also available, with the menu designed to change seasonally. The coffee is supplied by Sydney-based roaster Single O, and other offerings include ceremonial-grade matcha and a miso butterscotch iced latte on tap.
To enhance speed and quality, particularly for customers on the Esplanade, the team introduced drinks on tap. The bakehouse is located at 199 Wynnum Esplanade, near the Wynnum Wading Pool and across from Moreton Bay, envisioned as a spot for patrons to grab refreshments before heading to the waterfront.
The establishment's modern design, characterized by its red exterior and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, contributes to its distinctive personality. "We wanted to create a space that felt warm and welcoming but still had plenty of personality and a bit of a pop to it," Bowles stated.
The name "Ilo" means "joy" in Finnish. The owners hope the bakery becomes a beloved neighbourhood spot and a destination for those willing to travel across Brisbane to experience its offerings. The bakery's arrival has also evoked nostalgia among long-time residents, reflecting on the area's transformation over the years.