The makings of Brisbane’s best bakery

Brisbane locals know Oxford Street as a destination precinct for cafes, restaurants, cinemas and boutiques. It’s an inner-city Bulimba hub made even more attractive by its proximity to the Brisbane River and CBD, which is just a short ferry or CityCat ride away. 

What they may not realise is that the patisserie at the river end of Oxford Street, with the blue and white umbrellas and a line out the door on weekends, is run by one of Queensland’s most determined rising hospitality stars. 

Giorgina Venzin is the owner and managing director of The Venzin Group, which features some of Brisbane’s most popular hospitality venues including Darvella Patisserie. The 34-year-old’s story, and the growth of her group in conjunction with Brisbane’s rising status internationally is worth a read. 

You’ll find the story as the feature piece in the October edition of Ray White’s Collective Magazine, a monthly publication sharing insights of the city’s most fascinating people and places which encompass the best of Brisbane. Previous features showcase Charlie Cush of Brisbane Festival fame, Anyday’s Tyron Simon, and Adam Flaskas who dragged Howard Smith Wharves back to life.

The theme across this group of legendary humans, including Giorgina, is their undeniably pride in being connected to Brisbane and their passion for seeing it gain the recognition they believe their home city firmly deserves. These are world-class people, delivering world-class work, and their enthusiasm for Brisbane’s future is outstanding. 

So drop by Darvella for a croissant or doughnut (recommended by Giorgina), and as you’re waiting in the queue by the white and blue umbrellas take a moment to appreciate how far our city has come, and what reliable, creative hands its future is in.

To read the Giorgina’s full story when it goes live next month, and to see previous features, click here. 

Enjoy your weekend (and the reading)

Matt Lancashire