Death Star Cafe co-owner Glenn Morris with Star Wars fans in costume. Photo: Glenn Hunt

"That's no moon!"

Star Wars, comedian Eddie Izzard and Lego are the inspiration for a new cafe opening in Brisbane today. Death Star Canteen in Queen Street is the brainchild of Tanya and Glenn Morris - the former owner of Glenn's coffee cart in the CBD..

R2-D2 teapots atop the espresso machine. Photo: Glenn Hunt

"We'd just watched the Eddie Izzard Darth Vader canteen sketch and it had cracked us up. I thought, that's what I want to do – the Death Star Canteen. I want bring a bit of joy and inappropriateness to the CBD because it can be a bit bland and depressing," Glenn Morris says.

While the cafe is Star Wars-themed, it's done with a playful touch rather than bombarding diners, says Tanya Morris.

"We don't want to be in your face about it. The idea is for people to be surprised, to look around and see the little touches and Star Wars references. We had an artist come in to do mural on one wall and of course we have a Lego Death Star Canteen homage."

The Storm Troopers mural at Death Star Canteen. Photo: Glenn Hunt

Breakfasts include bircher muesli, sourdough toast with spreads or the ubiquitous smashed avocado, mushroom scrambled eggs and smoky beans on sourdough.

No mention of a Flan Solo but we live in hope.

And yes, like the sketch, there is penne arrabbiata on the menu, along with a selection of focaccia, including a vegetarian and a vegan offering, as well as soups and salads. There are also storm trooper and Darth Vader cookies.


Consulting on the menu with Tanya Morris (a naturopath and nutritionist) was Brenda Fawdon, former owner of Mondo Organics (Obi-Wan Quinoabi on the cards perhaps?). Local and ethically sourced produce is a priority, Morris says, with Glenn's brother supplying the meat, and local bakers Banneton making the focaccia, while condiments are made in house.

A liquor license is coming with wine to be poured by the glass and half glass. A beer list is also being put together so fingers crossed for bottles of Lambic Calrissian or an Empire Strikes Bock. Meanwhile, Glenn's blend of organic, Fairtrade coffee roasted locally in the West End is on pour.

May the forks be with you.

Open Mon-Fri 6am-4pm and Sat 8am-2pm (from Sat June 11).

359 Queen Street, Brisbane, deathstarcanteen.com.au