JC Lehuby & Jennifer Hillhouse
V IEILLE B R A N C HE This inspiring business was created when JC Lehuby met Jennifer Hillhouse. It’s a charming tale of a French native and a Brisbane local who combined their passions, talents and dreams. Located in an industrial backstreet warehouse in Albion, Vieille Branche is a concealed jewel, posturing as an artistic hub for Brisbane locals. With humble beginnings, Vieille Branche has evolved organically from a French imported antique store, to a collective space housing a café, event venue and photo studio hire, market days and artisan workshops. The name, Vieille Branche, directly translates to ‘the old branch’ and is fondly known as a colloquial way of saying ‘my old friend’ in French. “We want people to feel that way when they come to see us, we wanted to create a space where people start talking and meet new ‘old’ friends” says Vieille Branche owners, JC and Jennifer. Within these industrial walls are local culinary favourites FRENCH FARMHOUSE CAFÉ and EMILIE & SOLANGE, a speciality cheese room. “In France, life revolves around enjoying quality food and wine. The produce is paramount and we want to replicate that concept. The food you’ll be eating has come from recipes passed down through our families and friends in France.” To accompany the exceptional food and wine, Vieille Branche has recently launched SUNDAY HOT CLUB with Brisbane musician Jan Van Dijk, a weekly event celebrating French culture. “We wanted to offer a friendly Sunday activity where people could come with family and friends to relax and enjoy great music, delicious cheese and wine, and our famous French atmosphere” says co-owner, Jennifer. On top of the impressive jazz music, Vieille Branche offer the finest cheese boards from their neighbours Emile & Solange, perfectly paired with organic and biodynamic French wine and local craft beers on tap. A place to eat, laugh, share, learn, create, find and sell, JC & Jennifer have infused the dynamic French culture into the streets of Albion, and Brisbane locals are loving it.