Art, Pastries and Music Coming to Ipswich CBD

A new creative venue combining an art gallery, French patisserie, coffee, music and food is preparing to open in the heart of Ipswich.

Steve and Rachel joined Get Your Arts Into Gear on West Bremer Radio to reveal plans for Wild Thyme Farm, which will take over the former Dancing Bean space in Brisbane Street.

The pair say the venue will showcase work from local and international creatives, including painters, sculptors, photographers, poets and musicians. Steve has developed connections with artists through his travels, with some of their work set to be displayed and sold in Ipswich.

French-inspired food will also be a major part of the concept, with Rachel planning to bake some products in-house while also sourcing items from French patissiers.

Rather than offering a traditional café menu of smashed avocado and eggs benedict, the pair plan to keep the food offering smaller and more personal, describing it as similar to visiting someone’s home for a meal.

Initially, Wild Time Farm is expected to operate seven days a week from 6am until 6pm, addressing what the owners see as a shortage of places to grab an afternoon coffee in Ipswich.

Plans are also underway for a liquor licence, with the venue eventually expected to feature live music and relaxed DJ sessions inspired by coffee and wine bars in cities such as Tokyo and Chicago.

Wild Time Farm will share a courtyard with the neighbouring Lone Star venue, with the businesses already discussing opportunities to collaborate and help build activity in the precinct.

A mid-September opening is currently being targeted, although Steve and Rachel say they aren’t planning a major launch—instead, they’ll simply open the doors and get started.