Latest news with #BenJohnston
The Age
28-05-2025
- Climate
- The Age
New-wave regional restaurants elevating South East Queensland's dining scene
Eating outRegional guides A 20-seat vine-covered cottage, a bistro with stunning views and a restaurant in a rainforest are giving us reasons to go regional. , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. It's another of those miserable days South East Queensland has been suffering through of late. Thick sheets of rain, one after another, slow the drive from Brisbane to Nambour, then up, up and further up the range to Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It means it's late when I step into Mapleton Public House (2 Flaxton Drive, Mapleton) for Thursday lunch. Yet, the place is packed. Pretty Mapleton Public House. Not long ago, this was just a charming weatherboard pub pouring pints for locals. That was until 2022, when husband-and-wife team Ben Johnston and Jessica Huddart bought the place. Johnston and Huddart are best known in food circles as owners of The Falls Farm, which supplies specialist produce to heavyweight Brisbane restaurants such as Agnes and Essa. (They also own respected design business Josephmark. Remember when Timberlake-era Myspace switched to sideways scrolling? That was them.) Together with veteran chef Cameron Matthews, they intended to tap the produce from their farm to create the ultimate paddock-to-plate restaurant. In the process, they've become stars of a new wave of elevated eateries in the South East Queensland region. Brunch time at Mapleton Public House. Brisbane and, to a lesser extent, the Gold and Sunshine coasts, have long boasted nationally recognised restaurants, but that often failed to translate beyond the cities. Over an expansive spread from that day's menu, Huddart sits down to talk about what's changed. The weather might be obscuring the pub's usually spectacular views towards the coast, but the colour on the plate makes up for it: the vivid green of farm-picked cucumber and 18-month pickled peppers, the rich red of house-cured roo salumi and rosella jam, or 'nduja-braised sugarloaf. A selection of dishes at Mapleton Public House. Matthews is a long-term regional specialist – he cut his teeth at Simone's in Victoria's Bright and later led that kitchen – but the challenge of rewriting his menu depending on what's coming out of the farm that week (or day) has added extra verve to his cooking. Everything pops with attention-grabbing flavour. 'People feel more tied to their produce now,' Huddart says. 'They're interested in that provenance, and we've been investing in the farm now for 12 years. It's a story we're trying to tell of food grown with care. 'I think there's a correlation between the rise of regional dining and young people pushing out of the cities, or exploring outside of the cities, particularly since the pandemic. It's a rising tide that lifts all boats locally … but also throughout the region.' Blume restaurant in Boonah. Grace Dooner Jack Stuart agrees. Head an hour southwest of Brisbane, deep into the Scenic Rim region, with its pretty patchwork of farms and dramatic ranges, and you'll hit sleepy Boonah. There's a pub, a brace of bakeries, and an RSL. Then there's Blume (5 Church Street, Boonah) , a handsome 24-seater that Stuart opened in an old timber shopfront in 2022. A veteran of Congress Wine in Melbourne, Stuart had considered opening a restaurant in Brisbane when he fell for this beguiling, light-filled space with its timber floors and pressed metal walls. 'I think there's a movement in the Scenic Rim, especially,' Stuart says. 'You have Essen in Stanthorpe and Myrtille in Crows Nest. But I definitely want to do something else in the Scenic Rim.' Stuart fell in love with producers such Scenic Rim Mushrooms, Tommerup's Dairy Farm and Valley Pride (for target beetroots), among many others, which he heroes on his seasonal menu. 'Recently, I met a lady, Chris Greenwall, who has an acreage,' Stuart says. 'She was at the market selling beautiful Jerusalem artichokes. We've started a relationship and next year's artichokes are just for Blume … That's a dream come true.' Essen owner-chef Clarissa Pabst. Paul Harris Clarissa Pabst has a similar relationship to local produce in her native Stanthorpe. Situated 218 kilometres southwest of Brisbane near the NSW border, this is the Granite Belt region. Almost 900 metres above sea level, it's known for the Euro-inflected wines from producers such as Bent Road and Golden Grove. But pre-pandemic, when Pabst moved back to town, there wasn't much of a food scene to go with it. 'There was no one really matching food to the wine,' she says. Her response in 2019 was to open Essen (2 McGregor Terrace, Stanthorpe) , a cosy 20-seat restaurant in an old vine-covered cottage. Not that Pabst pairs wine to her contemporary menu, but a BYO permit encourages diners to explore the surrounding wineries before visiting. Essen restaurant in Stanthorpe. Paul Harris The other appeal of opening in the regions? Cost. Pabst reckons it would've been much harder to open Essen in the city, where rents are higher and there's more competition. Also, Brisbane has, in recent decades, tended to lack the smaller tenancies that give a young chef-patron scope to throw ideas at the wall. 'Regional dining is a great way to get into the market,' Stuart confirms. 'You can open small with lower outgoings in a destination. For me, the rent wasn't crazy – that, on top of the produce, meant it added up.' Tranquillity surrounds Spirit House Restaurant. Five more spots to visit Spirit House The South East's most celebrated regional restaurant remains vital. Chef Tom Hitchcock's cooking is based on Thai techniques but also reaches towards Indonesia and the Philippines. The restaurant's setting inside its own rainforest is fabulous escapism. Book ahead. The Paddock Head into the Gold Coast hinterland to discover this light-filled pavilion with views across boutique country retreat Beechmont Estate. A long lunch here experiencing chefs Chris and Alex Norman's Euro-influenced food is a neat escape from the region's sweltering summers. The Peak at Spicers Peak Lodge Set within Australia's highest sub-alpine lodge, The Peak is the pick of Spicers' accomplished South East Queensland restaurants on location alone. Chef Gareth Newburn, who has a particular interest in native ingredients, uses produce from nearby Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley. Host Toowoomba was overdue for something like Host when it opened as Zev's Bistro in 2016. Chef-patron Kyle Zevenbergen isn't afraid to toy with surprising flavours, and the restaurant's street-art cool fitout accounts for the rest of its charm. Myrtille From the ashes of much-loved Emeraude in nearby Hampton came Myrtille, a theatrical bistro that was restored by the Hinds family in Crows Nest in 2022. It draws big weekend crowds, so book ahead to experience an accomplished French-influenced menu. The 10 Queensland restaurants you need to eat at this year Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up More: Regional guides Queensland Best of Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Star of legendary rock band pictured at Glasgow restaurant
Biffy Clyro's drummer, Ben Johnston, was spotted enjoying an 'amazing dinner' at The Last Book Store on Hope Street in the city centre on Wednesday, May 21. Sharing his visit to the venue, the star posted a picture on Instagram, praising the eatery. It comes after the rock group performed at Glasgow's SWG3 in the West End on Wednesday evening. READ MORE: 'Legend': Top singer pictured visiting Glasgow food spot READ MORE: Several more acts revealed for this year's TRNSMT festival in Glasgow (Image: Instagram) In the post, Ben wrote: "Amazing dinner at The Last Book Store. Thanks for the hospitality." Ben, from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, is part of the iconic Scots rock group, Biffy Clyro. Formed in 1995, the band consists of Ben, Simon Neil, and James Johnston. They are known for their tunes, such as Many of Horror, Bubbles, Mountains, Space, and Black Chandelier.
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fans convinced huge rock band are playing secret show in Glasgow TOMORROW
It comes as the rockers gears up for a summer of exciting gigs GIG MYSTERY Fans convinced huge rock band are playing secret show in Glasgow TOMORROW Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CRYPTIC website has been launched hinting that a huge rock band could be playing in Glasgow. Biffy Clyro fans have been sent into meltdown after an online page was set-up under their former moniker Screwfish. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Fans are convinced that Scots rockers Biffy Clyro are performing in Glasgow Credit: Getty 3 The website contains details of the mystery gig and a link to buy tickets Credit: The trio, from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, performed their first gig in 1995 under the name. And now a web platform has been created which reads: "Screwfish, Glasgow, 21st May." A link takes punters onto Ticketmaster and displays details of a gig at SWG3 Warehouse in the city's west end. It comes ahead of a string of other exciting concerts for the band this summer. The rockers, comprising of Ben Johnston, Simon Neil and James Johnston, will take to the stage at this year's Eden Sessions, Glastonbury and BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. Scores of fans rushed online to comments on the mysterious music revelation. One said: "Paid £80 for a couple of tickets to see some unknown band called Screwfish. "I hope it's not a massive band in disguise doing some intimate festival warm up gig cause that would suck." Another commented: "Can't wait to see Screwfish tomorrow." A third wrote: "So anyone else seeing 'Screwfish' tomorrow night?" It comes after Biffy teased their return on social media after frontman Neil was took on a side project with an up-and-coming heavy metal duo. Elsewhere the Scots rockers are gearing up for their slot on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. After the announcement, the band posted the lineup on their Facebook page and said: "See you in June." It will be the fifth time the Many of Horror stars have performed at the legendary festival.
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Johnston lauds side's battling display despite defeat at Twickenham
Old Georgians first team coach Ben Johnston lauded his players for their battling efforts despite defeat in the Papa Johns Men's Counties 3 & Below Championship Final at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. After trailing at the interval, Old Georgians produced a spirited fightback to level the scores before slipping to a late 35-26 defeat to Old Otliensians at the home of English rugby, with wing wizard Will Howarth capping off his side's victory with his fourth score of the day. And while his side were unable to take the final step to become champions, Johnston saluted his players for their never-say-die display. 'It was nail-biting,' Johnston reflected. 'We started really well and got points on the board but they fought back and got a lot of momentum. 'We were passive in our tackling which they capitalised on really well but I was pleased with the second half. I thought we battled back well and our carrying improved and we gave ourselves a foothold in the game but unfortunately we couldn't see it through and they scored late on to seal the win.' The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long festival of community rugby and was part of the season restructure in 2023, where player feedback indicated a preference to condense the league season and create a cup competition after the regular league season had ended. Through the Papa Johns Community Cup, many clubs were able to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way. And having had a taste of leading his team out on the hallowed Twickenham turf, Johnston is determined to lead his side back to the iconic venue next season. Johnston added: 'What an experience for both teams to get to play at the Allianz. It's a wonderful place and what an occasion so I'd like to say thank you to Papa John's and the RFU for allowing this. 'It's amazing. Even in defeat, there was a buzz about the opportunity to be here. We lost in the semi finals a few years ago and everyone was devastated. 'It's hard sometimes to shout about the good things in rugby but this is one of them. The more publicity this competition gets can only be good for the sport and keep people interested, which is ultimately my goal and the goal of a lot of people here. 'The players will reflect and be disappointed that we didn't get the result but hopefully we'll come back here next year and see what we can do.'
