15 of the year’s new local sips spots to hydrate, or umm, dehydrate…
15 of the year’s new local sips spots to hydrate, or umm, dehydrate…
After slugging it out at work all week, there’s not much that could persuade us to skip a night in with takeaway and ‘Pamela, a Love Story’. Unless of course your crew are heading to a new bar or distillery, by which case it’s hoo-roo jim-jams and hello LBD.
2022 was certainly a year for epic sips spots and we challenge you to say that after a few chardys. We’ve penned the holy grail of last year’s newest power players on the GC watering hole scene, so grab your Berocca and get ready to experience 15 of the best.
BARS
The Malibu Racquet Club
Get ‘served’ like a VIP at this mid-century Southern Cali inspired A-lister. Perfect for a sunset sip, pre-dinner drink and/or sophisticated Modern Australian meal, guests can sit outside and enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes, park inside at a table or private booth, or simply pull up a pew at the bar. Become a member and unlock a VVIP menu, with bottles ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 #A-ListerFeels.
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
FINEPRINTCO Art Bar
Sip on a specially crafted artisan cocktail as you admire classic and contemporary works (#HiSlimAaarons) at FINEPRINTCO Art Bar. Expertly fusing a gallery space with a private bar, its vibrant yet restrained aesthetic allows guests to appreciate the art and the elegance of the venue design. Also the perfect option for unique and customised private events. Do.Not.Miss.
Where: Brickworks, Shop 302, 107 Ferry Road, Southport
Local
Imagine a modern, lush, insta-worthy upmarket pub with a blend of classic and refined lunch and dinner options, late night drinks, and even a breakfast menu #NotYourAveragePub. Nailing contemporary pub-grub and a coastal industrial chic aesthetic, it also houses Burleigh’s only beer garden and a tinnie bar #NuffSaid.
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
La Luna Beach Club
The newest addition to arguably THE hottest (or coolest…) venue in town is La Luna Beach Club, Australia’s very first floating beach club. Modelled on life aboard a luxury yacht, imagine a sparking Mediterranean pool complete with sun lounges, plush day beds, and private cabanas. Take a dip, order a cocktail, rejuvenate, and luxuriate, before enjoying a selection of carefully curated European eats at the Beach Club’s exclusive MĀRE restaurant.
Where: Pool Pontoon, Marina Mirage, 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
The Beverly
Taking over from our fave of yester-year (Melba’s – upstairs), you’ll find this luxe venue thrusting us straight into the LA limelight. Paying homage to the chic coolness that oozes from the bars, clubs, and venues from La La Land, everything from the rich green, blush pink and gold-hued fit out, inane cocktails, live music, and ‘that’ baby grand piano are on point. Joey Lamattina, you’ve done it again #props.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Little Vine Room
Vine means wine which means LET’S GO! An intimate space decked out in delicious deep green and apricot hues, we are fangirling hard for this place. Work your way through the beverage list curated by esteemed cocktail kween and local icon Breeana Erica, and enjoy gourmet Toasties, Jaffles, Cheese and Charcuterie Plates. Perfect for a girly catch up, drinks with your other half, or a private function to remember.
Where: 27-31 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Fu Manchu Oriental Kitchen
Think oriental opulence meets British colonial plantation vibes…with a ten outta ten sips and eats experience. Recently undergoing a reno to inject more femininity and warmth, the new black London shopfront welcomes you into the cosy Fu Bar. Upstairs you’ll find a breathtaking a la carte dining area, an intimate private dining space, and a functions area. With chandeliers, a tropical jungle-esk wall mural, leafy ceilings, and exotic wallpapers, it’s Chevron’s best kept secret.
Where: 2/44 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Metabar
Oozing sophisticated cool with its New York basement feels, ‘it girl’ curves, and luxer than luxe accents, Metabar is an eats, drinks and events spot like no other. There’s indoor and outdoor dining for tapas share plates and pizza, an exclusive private mezzanine space, and luxury booth dining. The beverages are off the charts, plus there’s an area dedicated purely to live music, the secret sauce positioning Metabar as one of our region’s fiercest venues.
Where: 64 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
DISTILLERIES
White Oat Distillery
Helping reinvent the once sleepier end of the Coast is Biggera Waters’ White Oat Distillery. Pumping out top-notch gins like a boss, the ‘Covid baby’ of three GC mates has quickly become a destination in itself. With award-winning distiller Tudor Duxbury’s fresh take on classic tastes, an on-fleek fit-out, and ‘wise but cool with a hint of old school’ vibe, it’s a must-visit.
Where: 13-14, 211 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters
Cauldron Distillery
This 18-acre working distillery is the darling of the Scenic Rim, featuring an established vineyard, lush rolling green meadows and a Prohibition style gin and cocktail bar. Earning a nod in Lonely Planet’s top ten destinations to visit in 2022, you won’t just fine amazing gins and Queensland inspired craft bevvies, but also mouth-watering Modern Australian tapas with native ingredients. Or keep it simple with a BYO picnic rug amongst the vineyards and complimentary lawn games.
Where: Cauldron Distillery, 89 Cauldron Estate, 123 Hartley Road, Tamborine Mountain
Winchester Distillery
Available for functions only and the ultimate IYKYK, this speakeasy distillery tucked away in the burbs nails the intimate, moody, industrial vibe. Accommodating up to 120 bods, if offers exclusive access to phenomenal small batch artisanal liquors and liqueurs. Producing spirits by hand (even the ethyl alcohol, flavours, colours and most of their tinctures), you won’t find their booze anywhere else. Trust you gintuition and check it out.
Where: 38 Kendor Street, Arundel
Burleigh Barrels
Made for and by the locals in the heart of Burleigh, this 2022 newcomer achieved cult status at the speed of light. Just a 10-minute walk from bustling James Street, hook yourself up with crisp lagers, caramel amber ales and ladies, if you’re all about a vino or cocktail (duh), there’s plenty of those. Also a smokehouse (drool), the flavours in their food are ‘pitcher’ perfect.
Where: 3-4/105 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Two Mates Taphouse
With a name like Two Mates Taphouse, you just know the place is going to be a big, warm, amber ale-infused hug…and you’d be bang on the money. Brother venue to the Lismore Two Mates Taphouse, it was born from a love of families, mateship, and bringing communities together. The vibe is welcoming, approachable and relaxed, and it even boasts a fully operational kitchen #NoFoodTrucksHere.
Where: 2/235 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
Hound & Stag Brewing Co.
The latest in a string of venues fostering the northern GC’s long awaited coming-of-age has just opened across the road from Harbour Town – and it’s a clanger! Hound & Stag Brewing Co is its name and if you’re a fan of the almighty amber ale (or any other boozy beverage), a top-notch feed and a bloody good time, this one’s for you.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Straddie Brewing Co
Just across the water, you’ll find this three-level architecturally designed showstopper. The ground floor welcomes you with double-height glass windows and the awe-inspiring brewery. Up the stairs you’ll find a 90-seat taproom with eye-popping art installations, and the top deck featuring panoramic views of the BrisVegas CBD skyline, the Glasshouse Mountains, and the stunning Redlands Coast #ShowUsYourSunsets. Plus there’s a menu with plenty of fancy local seafood inspired sharesies.
Where: 5 Junner Street, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island
Words by Bianca Trathen.