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Surfers’ Landsdowne Road transformed into sleek new pub

The Local is now open.

The Local, Surfers Paradise
The Local, Surfers Paradise

If you’ve ever ventured into Surfers Paradise (and we know you have), you will have probably sipped a brew at beloved Irish institution Landsdowne Road, a good time pub found within Chevron Renaissance and more often than not, absolutely overflowing with revellers.

Well sadly those days are no longer, the long standing venue closed it’s doors recently but in its place is a sleek new bar and eatery that we think you’re going to love just as much. 

It’s called The Local and with a cosy, low-lit vibe, giant sport-watching screens and a menu packed with all your favourite pub grub, it’s the perfect spot for an after work sip or a laidback weekend session with the crew.

The entrance is marked by two archways tiled with tiny black circles and looking very fancy indeed. Inside, the bar is located right in the centre of the space, where it should be and it’s all exposed brick and glass shelves stacked with goodies, fairy lights string from the ceiling and a 360 degree view of the rest of the room.

It’s definitely got the feeling of a bar you might like to bunker down in for a good session, particularly because there are frosty beers aplenty and all of the delicious snacks to accompany. 

Starting with share plates of course because a sipping session simply wouldn’t be complete without share plates. 

There are dishes like Cheeseburger Spring Rolls, Wagyu Brisket Croquets and Pickled Vegetable Rice Paper Rolls. 

There are also bucket of things including Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, Loaded Fries, Loaded Vegetable Fries and Nachos (YUM) and all of those are perfection if you ask us. Oh and you can get a 1kg bucket of Southern Fried Wings if you’re on the extra hungry side.

If you’re not into sharing food (same), there are mains along the lines of a Poke Bowl, a Wagyu Beef and Ale pie and Grilled Pork and Fennel bangers n’ mash and of course burgers, schnitzels, salads, steaks and sandwiches too. 

It’s the traditional pub style of eats you love but made a little bit fancier by Chef Justin Wise. 

If you’re a beer fan, you can still get all the Irish faves you love plus of course the usual Aussie suspects. 

The cocktail list is impressive with all the classic faves including Cuervo Margaritas, Whiskey Sours, Old Fashioneds, Mules and the like. 

As is the way of pubs, there are weekly specials including $3 Taco Tuesdays, $1 Wings Wednesdays and $15 Steak Nights plus obviously daily happy hour. 

So it’s all the things you love about a pub, but a little bit fancier. 

LOCATION: Chevron Renaissance, 3240 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Daily 10am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith 

10 must-dine Surfers Paradise restaurants

Citrique Seafood offerings, JW Marriott Gold Coast (image supplied)
Citrique Seafood offerings, JW Marriott Gold Coast (image supplied)

Surfers Paradise offers a lot more than just beaches, bikini-clad tourists and nightclubs. The eats scene has really taken off in recent years with locals rediscovering this hub for quality nosheries. It’s a melting pot for different cuisines and eats styles, so whether you’re after a casual, relaxed meal or something fancy-pants boasting award-winning chefs and hats, Surfers has you covered.

Here are 13 must-dine spots in our city’s most famous location, so you have somewhere new to try every day/night for exactly two weeks. And…go!

Citrique
Famed for its breakfast buffet, weekend long lunch, award-winning seafood market experience buffet, and exciting Modern Australian a la carte dishes, Citrique and Executive Chef Paul Smart serves up the ultimate fine dining experience. #HereForIt! Calling the beautiful JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa home, you would expect nothing less from this five-star favourite!
Our pick: Anything seafood!
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

BOBs Beer (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
BOBs Beer (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

BOBs Beer
BOBs Beer is Surfers Paradise’s first and only brewery and is the perfect stop for a relaxing amber ale and meal post-surf with your posse. The kitchen is under the expert guidance of Head Chef Nathan Dennard, and trust us when we say you are in good hands! Oh and fun fact: BOBs Beer is an acronym for Best of Beers. Cue the “ah-haaaa’s”.
Our pick: Bannockburn chicken
Where: 10/2 Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Langham
The brand new super-luxe GC hotel ‘it girl’ The Langham serves up the finest cuisine from the East and the West. Get your posh on and enjoy The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court, and the finest meat, fish and poultry at Akoya. We’re counting down till the opening of T’Ang Court, the hotel group’s signature Michelin-starred destination for fine Cantonese Dining. You had us at Langham.
Our pick: The Langham Afternoon Tea at Palm Court
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Palette interior at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)
Palette interior at HOTA Gallery (image supplied)

Palette
With The Australian Good Food Guide awarding Palette 14 points and two chef’s hats, need we say more?! Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law draws inspo from the artworks and exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blend. There’s also a five-star menu for the plant-based folk, which is good enough to turn even the staunchest meat lover.
Our pick: Lady Musgrave Island Swordfish
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar
Team Shiraz have given their newest location a major face-lift, with a completely new white and teal aesthetic fitted with over 200 seats, including interior and alfresco dining areas. Enjoy authentic Persian-style entrees, kebabs, lamb shanks, marinated lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, baklava, tiramisu and much more, with vegetarian options also available. Cue the drool.
Our pick: Shishlik
Where: Mantra Wings, 2893 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar exterior (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

Pancakes on the Rocks
Who could eat pancakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the answer is everyone. It’s not all about pancakes though, with sweet and savoury crepes, salads, pizzas and their famous beef and pork ribs. They also do a drool-worthy ice-cream soda so warning, the kids will be buzzing on sugar for at least 48 hours but #WorthIt. Tried and tested – on repeat….
Our pick: Lemon Meringue Pancakes
Where: 4 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Beer Garden
It’s the heart and soul of Surfers and it just keeps on getting better. Notorious for its fresh menu and beer towers, it continues to cook up flavour-filled goodness with local seafood, meaty pizzas, pub classics and more.  Add the nostalgia factor with the infamous ‘adults playground’ offering Jenga, Connect Four, Foot-Pool, Shufl and more, and it’s the obvious choice to work on your ‘six-pack’.
Our pick: Chicken Parmi
Where: Paradise Centre, Corner Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

The Island Rooftop (image supplied)
The Island Rooftop (image supplied)

The Island Gold Coast
Goldie’s at The Island has gained quite the following with its impressive burgers, seafood, steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh locally sourced produce, and off-the-chart good cocktails. And, why not pop up to The Island Rooftop Bar for views of the stunning Gold Coast skyline, plus a range of delicious cocktails, share platters and more wood-fired pizzas. The perfect spot to spend the day. Yes please!
Our pick: Italian Sausage Wood Oven Pizza
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise

Seascape Restaurant + Bar
Perched above the hustle of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Seascape offers a multi-level venue with a chic Bistro and Bar and a fine dining restaurant, both with amazing ocean views. For those serious about their seafood (us), this is THE place for o-fish-ally the best eats from our pristine waters. If you have something to celebrate in the warmer months, book The Rooftop…you can thank us later.
Our pick: Lobster and Blue Spanner Carb Lasagne
Where: Level 1 & 2, Soul Boardwalk, The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise

Seascape Restaurant & Bar (image supplied)
Seascape Restaurant & Bar (image supplied)

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya
Tucked away in the QT, this is new generation Japanese for the discerning diner. Executive Chef Adam Lane brings a tantalising Omakase experience, offset by a whisky list filled with the most refined Japanese distillery drops, and an incredible sake selection. The glossy enamel black finishes frame the venue’s eye-catching details which scream “insta me”.
Our pick: Sushi and Sashimi Platter
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Yamagen Japanese Izakaya (image supplied)
Yamagen Japanese Izakaya (image supplied)

Dine at the modern-twist Italian, hawker-style Malay or buzzy pub locals love

Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre (image supplied)
Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre (image supplied)

We all have our favourite suburbs around the Coast. You know, the local where you go for coffee and hangs, the strip where you head for Friday knock offs, or the spot where you know you’ll get some great food and avoid the crowds. In saying this, though, where do you place Surfers Paradise in this mix?

Things have slowly been changing in our best-known suburb, meaning it’s not only the tourists who are flocking here. Ask any local. Quality eateries and first-class bars are popping up all over.

Pride of place in the centre of Surfers Paradise is Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre; however, not only will you find top-rated shopping here but three places we highly recommend you ought to put on your to-dine list; if you haven’t already!

Baritalia Baked Eggs (image supplied)
Baritalia Baked Eggs (image supplied)

Baritalia
Who doesn’t like themselves a taste of Italy every day now and then? Baritalia pulls out all the stops when it comes to a comfortable and genuine taste of the Mediterranean — and right in the heart of the Gold Coast, no less. Swing in for breakfast, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with dishes like Free-range Baked Eggs with chorizo and charred sourdough or all of the baked, flaky sweet treats. Not forgetting perfectly poured Allpress coffee. (What a way to start the day?!)

Lunch and dinner are serious odes to the old country. A salivate-inducing selection of 48-hour fermented pizzas, all hand-stretched and baked freshly to order, will have most people’s attention. But, if you can look past those, you could find yourself with handmade gnocchi/pasta dishes as well as made-to-order paninis that will truly make your mouth water! Backing up all this tasty fare is a superb range of Italian focussed beers and wines ‑ if you close your eyes and smell the aromas, you may convince yourself you’re somewhere in the European haven.

PappaRich Surfers Paradise (image supplied)
PappaRich Surfers Paradise (image supplied)

PappaRich
Asian food is without a doubt one of our favourites here on the Gold Coast. Chinese and Japanese are obvious frontrunners but, what are your feelings towards contemporary Malaysian food? For those in the know, this often-overlooked cuisine is a delicious and fragrant street hawker-style alternative — rewarding the curious with big fresh flavours and a whole new sensory experience.

Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the small no-fuss eatery is the spot to enjoy charming signature Malay dishes like Chicken Laksa or Crispy Fish Egg Noodles, with lighter bites like Chicken Satay Skewers the perfect way to start things off. There’s a great selection of vegetarian dishes and breads to choose from and a plethora of interesting Malaysian beverages — hot and cold — to try!  We. Are. There.

The Local (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)
The Local (Image: © 2020 Inside Gold Coast)

The Local Tavern
Being such a busy place to be, for the most part, it’s always rewarding when you find yourself a comfortable and authentic venue to pull up a chair at. The Local Tavern, in our opinion, is the epitome of everything a local pub should be.

Being a true Aussie pub — minus the cliches — the venue serves ice cold drinks, an ever-revolving lineup of entertainment, and brilliant food with a classic pub leaning, all with utter ease. From oversized buckets of Loaded Fries to Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tacos and an array of lip-lickingly Schnitty’s, it’s a smart move to head this way when you find yourself famished. Tying the space together are giant screens dedicated to sport of any and all disciplines. Grab your mates (even if they support the other team) and head to The Local Tavern for your next fantastic matchday with a difference.

Chevron Renaissance really does have dining-out down pat!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

 

STORY SPONSORED BY CHEVRON RENAISSANCE

The 12 best old school pubs on the Gold Coast

The Wallaby Hotel (image supplied)

There are very few things better in this life than an icy cold schooner (or wine if you must) at a pub that still looks like it did when it was built.

Think all wood everything, fireplaces, that smell that seeps into the carpet and can never be removed, walls vibrating with epic stories, huge pub feeds and good times always.

In honour of this, we’ve put together a list of all the old school pubs on the Gold Coast so you can dressed up in absolutely anything you please and head in for a pub meal the size of your head.

Bearded Dragon Hotel
Tamborine’s favourite pub in the paddock offers an all day casual dining menu until late, chefs blackboard specials, burgers, steaks, snacks, coffees and of course, alcoholic beverages. There’s live music on weekends and always plenty of smiling faces to meet.
Where: 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Road, Mt Tamborine

The Wallaby Hotel
Established in 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is renowned as a place for cold beer, live rock, warm smiles and lasting memories. Recently The Wallaby was lovingly refurbished to stand proudly once more within the Mudgeeraba community. It’s much-loved Gold Coast and the food is always delicious. Head in for a guaranteed good time.
Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

Merimac Tavern
The Merrimac Tavern is pretty much always packed with revellers and that’s because you can do all your favourite things there – eat, drink and be merry. On Friday’s it’s parmy and trivia night so gather the crew and get down there for a laugh.
Where: Gooding Drive, Merrimac 

Fox & Hounds
Transported all the way from Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Fox & Hounds is the only pub in Australia that is truly British from the ales to the cuisine. There are MANY a British ale to be sampled and delights (maybe) like Haggis which yes, is Scottish but must be mentioned. If you’re after something different in an old-school pub setting, look no further.
Where: 7 Elevation Drive, Wongawallan

Cecil Hotel (image supplied)

Woodchoppers BBQ Smoke & Grill
Family owned since 1995, Woodchoppers Inn recently opened its new BBQ SMOKE & GRILL restaurant. They take the techniques and skills that make the North American BBQ world famous and infuse classic Australian flavours to create a distinctly local BBQ experience. From seafood to poultry, vegetables to game and meats a plenty, the art of BBQ opens up a world of dishes just waiting to hit the table. It’s all very good, we know because we sampled the lot.
Where: 64 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba

D’arcy Arms
An old school Irish pub to be sure. The D’arcy Arms is an institution, you’ll feel like you’re a world away, but right at home. The bar features a county Ireland feel including the historic first Guinness keg brewed in Queensland, tapped at the D’arcy Arms opening on 8th August 1988. There’s always live music on offer and plenty of Irish eats to fill your belly. After a pint or two of Guinness that is.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Cecil Hotel
Offering up a great atmosphere to meet up for meal, drink or just a quiet chat and found in the heart of Southport, The Cecil Hotel is the place to be. The art deco hotel first built in 1907 shows all the live sporting action, host parties for big events and always draw a crowd looking for a fun time. Their woodfired pizza is the goods too.
Where: 42 Nerang Street, Southport

Eagle Heights Hotel
Eagle Heights Hotel offers a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere boasting arguably the very best view of the Gold Coast from the spacious Beer Garden. The Bistro serves up tasty eats and there’s live music on Sunday’s to have a bop too. Do yourself a favour and head up to Eagle Heights Hotel, don’t forget your camera. Fun fact… it was originally built by none other than Mel Gibson.
Where: 1683 Tamborine-Oxenford Road, Mt Tamborine

D'arcy Arms (image supplied)

Canungra Hotel
An absolute stunner, you won’t miss the Canungra Hotel if you’re passing through. Sit outside on the deck and watch the world go by while sinking a few schooners, downing a tasty dish and listening to live entertainment from the bar (Friday nights). There’s raffles on Sundays and you can even stay the night should you “accidentally” have a few too many.
Where: 18 Kidston Street, Canungra

Jacobs Well Bayside Tavern
They call it ‘the best little pub in the canefields’ and it’s easy to see why. They’ve got epic pizzas, eats like Smoked Brisket Burgers and a Fat Ass Chicken Parmi and of course, all the sips you could want to go along with them. Fancy desserts too.
Where: 1170 Pimpama-Jacobs Well Road, Jacobs Well

Oxenford Tavern
Oxenford’s authentic Tavern and Bistro offers great food at great value. There’s pub meals and all of the sports on TV, found within a spacious venue complete with polished wooden floors and a huge outdoor deck. We’re big fans of the Loaded Schnitty Burger for obvious reasons.
Where: 179 Old Pacific Highway, Oxenford

Advancetown Hotel
Looking for good, old fashioned country hospitality? The Advancetown Hotel is your Hinterland destination for delicious food, entertainment for the whole family and first-class everything. Enjoy live music each Sunday afternoon and join in the fun every Friday night when the team host the best in local karaoke talent. There’s a children’s play area and undercover outdoor dining allow you to enjoy the atmosphere while the kids have some fun. It’s win-win.
Where: 402 Nerang-Murwillumbah Road, Advancetown

Words by Kirra Smith

Canungra Hotel (image supplied)
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