A heritage-listed church might be an unconventional spot to open a restaurant, but Brad Cooper is known for taking an unconventional approach to cooking. Alongside his partner Matilda Riek, the young chef (who previously caused waves as head chef of Bar Francine) has opened European-inspired restaurant August inside the old Hill End Methodist Church in West End. The duo has maximised the building’s ecclesiastical character (including its exposed rafters, polished timber floorboards and leadlight lancet windows) to create a refined, but approachable, atmosphere. In the kitchen, Brad is putting his unique spin on a menu of Euro-tinged fare, including the likes of oysters alla Marco with scallop mousseline and champagne, ox tongue and green tomato fritters with sauce bois boudran, and a semi-savoury blue-cheese cheesecake with Pedro Ximenez jelly and black sesame. Matilda is overseeing August’s beverage program, which features spritzes, pastis, and a mix of Italian, French and Australian wines.
