It’s been one of the most highly anticipated new openings of 2021, and it’s finally here: Agnes Bakery Brisbane is opening this week!

Set to open its doors at 7am on Thursday, October 21, the brand-new bakery at 85 James Street, Fortitude Valley is ready to stand alone after its early life as a popup at Agnes Restaurant.

The popup, a product of COVID-19 lockdowns, was initially intended to keep the restaurant turning over through pandemic restrictions, but its mouthwatering woodfire-baked basque cheesecakes, kouign amann, pizettes, sourdough and more proved to be so popular, Agnes owners decided to find the bakery its own location.

Owners Ty Simon, Ben Williamson and Frank Li searched for a long-term site for a woodfired bakery, eventually finding and securing the space formerly occupied by Arc + Family on the corner of James and Harcourt Streets. With a firm hold of the Brisbane dining scene, the group also owns Same Same restaurant, Honto, Bianca and Los Bar.

They called in local architects Richards and Spence to undertake the renovation of the heritage-listed cottage in preparation for the opening. They’ve handled previous projects for the group, but the bakery can be expected to be lighter and brighter.

“There’ll be wood. There’ll be light creams. And everything will be centred around this beautiful oven,” Simon told Broadsheet in July.

The new bakery will continue to pump out the products that made it so popular as a popup, as well as serving up espresso. Agnes Bakery will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.