Apparently there’s something to be said about sipping cocktails in a semi-outdoor space with views for days and an ever-present, balmy breeze.

So much so that rooftop bars are the Gold Coast’s new drinking destination of choice and, as of tonight (November 17th), Southport’s jumped on the bandwagon.

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar is the long-awaited venue that’s guaranteed to give the suburb a whole new lease on life thanks to the combination of everyone’s favourite things – cheese and cocktails.

Let’s start from the top. But actually the bottom. On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the deli section of the establishment, with an array of delicious meats and cheeses that will be brought together in platter form for your feasting pleasure. There’s also an old-school bar with a focus on whiskeys and quality wines. Probs gonna move in to be honest.

Up the stairs is where you’ll find the rooftop bar (shocker) complete with summery, feel good vibes and a brightly coloured “in good company” mural by local legend Claudio Kirac. The rooftop is all about cocktail jugs and tasty eats in the way of pizzas, share plates and a few fancy mains that’ll knock your socks off – we’ve got it on good authority the duck meatball hero is a party in your mouth.

All the foods can be eaten in both the bars so all you’ll need to do is decide whether you’d like to dine with a low-lit vintage vibe or in an open, airy space with bulk sunset-watching opportunities. Tough gig.

What else. The name of the place comes from Southport’s first main Postmaster who lived in the building from 1909. Philip Palmer Agnew was a poet, artist, scriptwriter and illustrator. We’re told he was a crazy character all the locals loved, who was renowned for putting on plays and drawing the world around him. And so, the bar was named after Mr PP and we reckon he would have loved it.

As will you friends. Race ya to the roof.

LOCATION: 43 Nerang Street, Southport
HOURS: Tuesday to Thursday 4pm until late and Friday and Saturday 12pm until 12am

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

Director of Gold Coast based design firm Scape Cubed Design Studio, Arran Woollams is the guy behind the stunning fitouts of some of your favourite Gold Coast venues.

As if he wasn’t busy enough, Arran Woollams is also part owner of Southport’s Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop and a soon to be opened second rooftop bar in Southport, Last Night on Earth.

We sat down for a chat with Arran about his favourite local venue deigns and why Fear and Loathing are coming to the Gold Coast.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
28 years on the Coast. I came over from NZ when I was 11 in 1990 and started high school here.

What do you love most about this city?
Our relaxed lifestyle but also seeing the city grow. In the last 15 years we have seen some major changes in public infrastructure, international investment and world-renowned architecture.

Tell us about Space Cubed Design Studio and how that came about…
I started with Space Cubed in 2004 after working on the Gold Coast Convention Centre (GCCC) for another architectural practice. Space Cubed was founded in 1999 by Finn Jones who then went on to work for GCCC in 2010, which is when I took over as Director. We then focused the studio more towards hospitality design, which is about 90% of our work.

I had worked in both hospitality and construction prior to going to university so the transition to hospitality design just made sense. I believe having a good understanding of not only good design and functionality but also the day-to-day operations is essential in a successful hospitality venue.

You’re also the man behind the look of some of the Coast’s most popular venues, do you have a favourite design?
In the last 18 years Space Cubed has completed over 500 venues across Australia and overseas, from small kiosk to multi-level establishments. While designing these venues, you always have a personal connection to them, and there is nothing better than seeing other people enjoy the spaces you create. I have also become good friends with a lot of our clients. Two venues in Broadbeach – The Loose Moose and Mamasan, achieve the three main points; great service, food and of course, atmosphere which is what we work to achieve.

What’s the process in deciding how you want each space to look and feel?
With most venues, the client has a brief and vision, we then add our own experience and ideas to develop together. To me, place creation is very important and of course, making memorable spaces.

You’re about to open Last Night on Earth in Southport, tell us about that…
Last Night on Earth is the progression from the original Not Tonight. Not Tonight started as a number of things, cafe, bar and restaurant. I always felt it was a bit confusing for the customer on what we were, which was always a small bar. I have learnt from this and the last year of Not Tonight was focused on what we were, ‘Your Local Dive Bar’, a place where locals would just come to meet and have a couple of drinks and hang out. Last Night on Earth is also going up a level to create a roof deck space overlooking the historic buildings of Southport. There is also a focus on sustainability and minimising waste, so we are installing 30 beverage taps, with the main focus on independent breweries and also four wineries.

Why did you want to open your own venue?
When we started Not Tonight, it was the first small bar licence on the Gold Coast five years ago. I am passionate about Southport and it’s growth and we wanted to create a small bar that the locals could enjoy. The experience of owning and opening my own venue assists in designing venues for clients, as there is an understanding of the day to day issues, operations and how we can design better.

What else is in the pipeline for 2018?
The last two years has been especially busy with Space Cubed, Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop and Last Night on Earth, so for the last part of the year, I will be taking some time off with my partner for travelling. It’s important to keep refreshing your ideas and putting your own experiences into design.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with people that you respect and listen to people that are more experienced than you.

The history of buffet style eating is a mixed affair. Its origins could be said to hark back to a mixture of cultures — from Asia to Europe. The ‘smorgasbord’ became internationally known as such at the 1939 New York World’s Fair exhibition, because the Swedes had to invent a new way of showcasing the best of Swedish food to large numbers of visitors. And the rest, as they say, is history…

Whoever can claim to have been responsible, we’re not fussed! The point is buffets — and smorgasbords — are amazing ways to reach newfound eating goals, and we’ve got quite a few exceptional ones right here on the Gold Coast. Happy binge eating, folks!

Terraces Restaurant
It’s the seafood buffet extravaganza in Main Beach that locals keep returning to time and time again, and as one of those locals, we can tell you it’s got all of the very best things you’ll love. Yes, fresh seafood galore but also a whole charcuterie section, an excellent Asian dish section, and so many delicious desserts to choose from. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Where: Level 1, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, 71 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Harvest Buffet
Not only does Harvest Buffet treat their diners to top-notch eats, but they also allow patrons to feast on glistening poolside views as well. The stunning indoor and outdoor spaces are seriously as enticing as the food, and the private dining room screams “have your birthday/celebration here” and ok, if you insist…Open for breakfast and dinner daily, as well as lunch every Saturday and Sunday so you can get stuck into their famed prawn and oyster buffet, you’ll be sure to leave this place bursting at the seams. We must make special mention of their dinner offering which includes the freshest seafood like oysters, prawns, sushi, roasts from the carvery as well as crowd-pleasers like pizza, pasta, curries, soups and salads. Should we also mention they have a decadent dessert bar? Yep, complete with a chocolate fountain! It’s our buffet dreams answered!
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach

Horizon Sky Dining
Buffet in the sky? No probs. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise is where you’re find this gem, nestled above the city skyline so you can (literally) take your dining experience to new heights. Think breathtaking views of the city skyline from ocean to hinterland and of course, the most incredible seafood feast curated by award-winning chefs. They’ve also got vegetarians covered with a huge range of options to make sure every leaves well and truly full. All that buffet-ing is thirsty work of course, so why not treat yourself to an expertly crafted cocktail (or mocktail) to seal the deal. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, 2807 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise

Il Barocco
It’s a quality over quantity affair at Il Barocco, it’s long been a favourite dining spot for buffet lovers for obvious reasons. After all, this is a 5-star luxury property we’re talking about! The team uses only the very best, locally sourced seafood and the aim of the game is to create a fresh, diverse-looking buffet — which they nail. Besides exceptional seafood, there are hot and cold meats, vegetarian dishes and the prettiest dessert section. Treat yourself to the most luxe buffet setting on the Coast. Open for breakfast and dinner daily.
Where: Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, 94 Sea World Drive, Main Beach

Frenzy’s Food Court
Catering to the entire family, Frenzy’s at Southport Sharks is open for dinner and offers an extensive buffet selection featuring dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a tasty range of meats, salads, international dishes and desserts, all available between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, 7 nights a week. Yep, we don’t know about you but we have our plates ready!
Plus, Frenzy’s is now serving up a mouth-watering, heart-warming all-you-can-eat breakfast feast every Sunday! The scrumptious selection includes all your brekkie favourites (as well as cheese and charcuterie, yes please) AND includes bottomless Bun coffee – they’ve really got everything covered.
Where: Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave & Musgrave Ave, Southport

Skypoint Breakfast Buffet
Not a morning person? Well breakfast up in the clouds might be the closest you’ll get to staying snug in that cosy bed of yours and to be honest, I’d say this brekky is worth the wake up. With all the classics you know and love on offer to build your own big breakfast, seasonal fruits (because, summer) and even cereal if your inner child is begging for coco pops – we won’t judge. You can indulge in the food and then indulge in the view of the GC because it always looks a little prettier from up above.
Where: Q1, Level 77 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Shoreline Restaurant
Many things may have changed over the years, but the yum factor of Shoreline Restaurant’s famous buffet isn’t one of them #phew. Located in the Sea World Resort, treat yourself to a balanced and plentiful breaky smorgasbord from 6.30am to 10am daily, or all-you-eat-dinner from 5pm to 8pm every Friday and Saturday (no judgement if you do both). Special dinner shout-outs go to the Queensland prawns, wide array of international dishes, juicy Chef carved meats, and delectable desserts. And let’s not forget the coastal ambience and live entertainment, satisfying all the senses.
Where: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Cove Cafe
Wake up with an expansive selection of season-inspired breakfast classics at Cove Café’s buffet.  Recently reimagined with a tropic-inspired aesthetic reflecting the natural beauty of Sanctuary Cove, it’s the perfect place to start your day. Hit the live omelette station for eggs cooked your way, seasonal fruit, international dishes and naughty but oh-so-nice delicate pastries. Wash your ten outta ten breakfast down with fresh juices and Vittoria Coffee, then saunter around the glorious Sanctuary Cove shops to burn off your brekky. At least that’s our excuse…. Open seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.30am.
Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Akoya
There are buffets and there are buffets and this my friends is the latter. A boujee buffet if you like (yes, we like!), Akoya is located inside The Langham Gold Coast, our go-to for luxury stays and plays. Serving up beautiful coastline views and some of Australia’s finest meat, fish, and poultry, this is a buffet connoisseur’s dream. Offering a buffet feast every Friday and Saturday night from 5.30pm to 10pm, or their signature breakfast buffet daily from 6.30am, it’s a must for any local or visitor. The only thing more delicious and high rent than the fare is the strikingly contemporary interiors, and bespoke open kitchen. Swoon!
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Waves Buffet Restaurant
Described as THE place for people who love buffets, it simply had to make the list! Enjoy eggs cooked the way you like them (#AllTheWaysThanks), seafood-a-plenty (our pick: whole prawns and rock oysters on the shell), plus platters overflowing with tropical fruit. Plus there are Asian, Indian and Mediterranean dishes, seasonal options, and holy happy kids Batman, a dessert bar. Combining fresh eats for a mix of healthy and hearty, it’s perfect for a special occasion or just because. Available between 6.30am and 10am seven days a week, and every Friday and Saturday if you’re down for a seafood buffet dinner, in the words of Nike – just do it.
Where: voco Gold Coast, 3032 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise

Citrique
One of the most beautifully presented buffets around is Citrique at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Recently renovated, they are renowned for a next-level, seasonal seafood selection, and folks; it is the goods. Every dish you could possibly want is available at Citrique, including yum cha, sushi, curries, antipasto, European dishes, and speciality plates you’ll fall for in a big way. If the delish food offer wasn’t enough, the view of their iconic pool is the ultimate for giving holiday vibes while you fill up on the fare. It’s open for buffet breakfast daily, with Friday and Saturday buffet sittings in the evenings and lunches Sunday.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bazaar
We would like to boldly state that QT Gold Coast’s Bazaar is exceptional, and if you have not been, no excuse will suffice! Feel like a steak cooked perfectly medium-rare? Not a problem. Their helpful chefs can create made to order dishes right in front of your eyes, bake pizzas, and dish up fresh and cooked seafood, slow-roasted meats, epic salads, an Asian food section and easily the most delectable dessert offering on the Coast. It’s an absolute must-try and is open for breakfast and dinner daily. For extra indulgence, we highly recommend their Sunday Brunch.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen and Jacqueline Bojanowski.