There will never be too many waterfront venues, serving up frosty cold brews and epic views (that’s a poem right there). Especially because summer is right around the corner and that combination is our absolute fave on a steamy, sun-drenched afternoon.

Which is lucky because Paradise Point recently became home to a brand new venue boasting, you guessed it, frosty brews and epic views.

Brewed Brewery can be found on Marine Promenade overlooking the sparkly Coomera River and serving up not only frosty brews but tasty tapas-style eats too.

The industrial-esque space offers plenty of seating on the big old undercover deck with said views stretching as far as the eye can see. Inside, a piano sits in one corner while a little window against the back wall allows you to peek in at the keg room adorned with disco lights.

The tasty eats-filled menu is the work of Head Chef Jack Dillon and has been made with a community style of dining in mind. Jack has worked at many a fine dining restaurant in his time, including Copenhagen’s Noma, and his experience shows in the array of American BBQ-influenced dishes.

First up, let’s chat about the ribs, Finger Licking Ribs to be exact (which are obviously the best kind). We’re fans of the Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with caramelized mandarin. Obviously. So eat those.

Definitely also try the Wagyu Tataki with shaved roasted garlic miso jelly and chargrilled wild mushroom. Love you all things tataki.

The Puffed Haloumi and Watermelon dish features our two very favourite foods so clearly this one is a winner too. Times three please.

Of course, since the name suggests all things brews, we best mention the 25 craft beers on rotation in said disco-style keg room. All your local favourites are represented along with a sweet selection of wines, ciders and cocktails to keep your thirst quenched.

So there you have it, a new northern goodie to add to the list. It’s going to be a sweet summer indeed friends.

LOCATION: 2/4 Marina Promenade, Paradise Point
HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday 11.30am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Happy days have arrived in Surfers Paradise and they come in the form of a sleek new, double-storey corner space that’s bringing all your Jumanji dreams to life. Except pretty and not at all terrifying.

White Rhino is complete and will open its’ doors to us, the food and beverage loving people of the Gold Coast, late next week and Surfers is set for a little shakeup friends.

There’s a lot to unpack here so buckle up and let’s get into it. As mentioned, White Rhino is an expansive corner space on Cavill Ave and it’s all open and airy and filled with quirky little delights.

Let’s begin with the bar, because, obviously. Lit from behind with a digital ocean montage, it’s quite the mesmerizing sight. Above, a rock formation complete with its’ very own waterfall sets the scene.

Drawing your eyes around the room, you’ll notice a tree, smack bang in the middle of the venue, a stunning wrought iron staircase winding it’s way to the top floor (as staircases tend to do) and, tucked in behind it, are the stars of the show; the white rhino and her (could be his) baby. The pair are meticulously crafted really quite ah, realistic. Love them.

A step up above the casual bar section you’ll find a slightly more formal dining area artfully decorated with velvet and high gloss wood plus, our favourite, two booth-style arrangements with leafy green backdrops and bulk people watching opportunities.

Upstairs, on the mezzanine level, there are three stunning velvet booths overlooking the rest of the venue and out into the street, perfect for gathering the crew and enjoying a slightly more private style of party.

The entire venue has been crafted with an outdoor feel in mind and indeed, no matter where you are, the open space and seamless transition to the actual outdoor section gives a balmy, can-it-be-summer-already vibe.

Now to the food. It comes courtesy of someone you know and love, Adam Dundas-Taylor of Firecue, London’s Nobu and many other fine establishments, obviously.

The menu offers both a fine and casual style of dining and it is all of exceptional quality and even better taste, as you would expect.

The Spiced Pumpkin Salad is a colour-filled treat with chilli and fennel roasted pumpkin tossed in baby spinach leaves with cous cous, pomegranate seeds mint and hummus. It’s both beautiful and delicious.

The Chilli Bug Linguini is also a must-try with chilli and garlic Moreton Bay bugs with sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in brandy and seafood stock reduction and served with fresh linguini. Oh yes please.

Let us not go past the Slow Cooked Beef Ragu (12 hours slow cooked no less) stirred through a rich tomato sauce, tossed with fettuccine and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (love you always Parmesan).

There are also epic pizzas and options from the grill like Crispy Skin New Zealand King Ora Salmon and Peppercorn Cut Eye Fillet. YUM.

The cocktails are to die for (but don’t die, because there are many to be sampled) including an extremely tasty Espresso Martini made with beans from our faves Locale Espresso.

An exceptional breakfast menu will also roll out from Saturday the 3rd of November.

The unique venue is certain to take Surfers Paradise to a whole new level and, with a few more exciting additions on the way, you might want to rearrange your life to include a little more time there.

White Rhino officially opens on Friday November 2nd and prepare for a summer of fun friends.

LOCATION: 55 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 11.30pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Surfers Paradise is moving on up in the world, literally, and as of right now we can all thank our lucky stars for a brand new rooftop bar.

Skyline Rooftop Bar can be found atop one of your old favourites, Waxy’s Irish Pub, but it’s nothing like the moody, low-lit vibe you know and love downstairs.

Opening up to views of, yes the Surfers Paradise skyline, the space is light-filled and vibrant with plenty of spots for sipping cocktails in the sunshine.

Pull up a seat on a high table underneath a bright yellow umbrella or people watch from the sidelines amongst an array of comfy cushions.

Wooden accents and vintage surfboards set the mood while inside, velvet seating and sleek, copper beer taps complete the fresh, sophisticated feel.

Which is due, in large part, to the sponsorship by Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon. Fancy.

Skyline has been created as a tribute to its’ predecessor, the Chevron Hotel and it’s the perfect addition to the Surfers drinking hole lineup.

And summer is the perfect time to introduce it to the tipple-loving people.

Think frosty after work beverages with the crew, including a slew of signature cocktails and an impressive craft beer lineup.

Don’t go past the Pink Float made up of Beefeater Pink Gin, ruby grapefruit juice, tonic, lemon sorbet and popping candy. Too good. Perhaps you’re more about the tiki style tipples. If that’s the case, go The Hurricane with Havana Club Especial Rum, Havana Club 3, Anos Rum, pineapple, passionfruit and lime juice. So fruity.

Many a function is set to be enjoyed there with plenty of Christmas parties, engagements and birthdays already booked in as the party season fires up.

For now, order from the much-loved Waxy’s menu but soon a share-style menu will be on offer including plenty of contemporary, New York style dishes.

Onwards and upwards Surfers Paradise. 

LOCATION: 3206 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Friday to Saturday 3pm until late and Sunday 2pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith