Brunswick Picture House Kiosk

By: Samuel J Fell

Having sat dormant for more than three decades, the Brunswick Picture House re-opened its vintage doors over the Easter weekend in March, resuming trade from the same location on Fingal Street in Brunswick Heads. Restored to its former glory by the team behind La Soiree, an award-winning circus/cabaret group that’s the been touring the world to great acclaim for the past decade, the Picture House has effortlessly reclaimed its place as one of the town’s more sought-after attractions.

While its main focus is on entertainment – film showings, cabaret, dances and the like – the team have also brought back to life the Garden Kiosk, a small cafe of sorts that fronts the iconic building, tables and chairs scattered across the grass under the old frangipanis, coloured bunting and umbrellas helping to brighten the scene.

The Picture House’s Kiosk isn’t alone – Brunswick Heads has, over the past few years, become somewhat of a hub for the north coast’s bustling cafe culture. Indeed, on any given day in Brunswick, one can pick up a cup of coffee from any one of over a dozen places, more recent ones including Homegrown and Jones & Co on Tweed Street.

So what sets the Picture House’s Kiosk apart? Its history and the fact it’s a part of an entity that is offering something no-one else in Bruns can. It’s also keeping things small, not looking to directly compete with some of its more established competitors – coffee, cakes, a small and hearty menu are what it specialises in, which when combined with the off-the-wall arty vibe the place has seeping from its ancient walls, make for something a little different in a town which prides itself on being just that.

Brunswick Picture House. 30 Fingal St Brunswick Heads. 0434 049 290