We know you’ll agree that back in 2018, when Granddad Jacks opened in the backstreets of Miami’s arts and industrial precinct, there was a collective swoon movement across our Coast. And since then, the distillery headed up by father and son duo, David and Luke Ridden has surfed a gin-infused movement that has seen Australia’s taste for boutique artisan-produced gin skyrocket.

If you’ve visited their craft distillery in Miami (if you haven’t, we strongly suggest you do STAT), you’ll be familiar with their modern yet vintage-styled venue and approach to producing craft spirits. Whereby they regularly host thirsty hordes and teach the fine art of distilling with intimate distillery tours. And you probably won’t find a better place to taste and learn as Granddad Jacks has been awarded multiple accolades, including a double gold medal from non-other than the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards.

So, in order to share the love, Granddad Jacks has only gone and opened themselves a brand spanking new venue in Brisbane, which promises the same world-class drinks experience but with a capital city feel.

The new space can be found on the backstreets of down-to-earth and industrial Albion in Brisbane’s inner northeast and is focused on being a welcoming community-driven hub for locals and visitors alike to mingle and appreciate carefully curated craft spirits.

Upon entry, you’ll realise a lot of effort has been put into ensuring this venue mirrors the same laid-back and antiquated vibes of their Miami headquarters. Bare red bricks, leather Chester lounges, and a polished concrete floor help instil the essence of what Granddad Jacks is all about, and if you happen to forget for a second, you might just catch the eye of his hand-painted mural behind the bar — a man whose life was well-lived.

The focus has also been to create a space hinging its makeup on being eco-friendly and sustainably put together. Whilst the original distillery has its Barbershop within the distillery, the Albion venue features a Greenhouse area to the rear. A very poignant inclusion for the business as Grandad Jack himself was an avid gardener throughout his life — and we’ve heard whispers this space may increase in size… so watch this space.

From the Greenhouse, the guys are keen to grow as much as they can on-site by way of herbs and botanicals for the distilling process and to help make/garnish all of those delicious cocktails we know and love about Granddad Jacks. They’re utilising state-of-the-art aeroponic gardens, which use hydroponic technology to grow plants with the utmost sustainability: saving the planet one cocktail at a time. — We are all about that!

To keep things interesting, the crew have gone about making and releasing an exclusive gin to their Brisbane venue. Inspired by Albion’s historical past and when Market Gardens populated the lower-lying marshlands, supplying the town with most of their fresh produce. The Albion Gin incorporates locally sourced Pink Oyster mushrooms, Basil, Soy sauce, Ginger, Coriander, Orris root and Juniper to create an artistically balanced savoury gin.

You can also expect to see monthly limited releases and a slew of unique cocktails which you will only find served here — sorry Gold Coasters. Expect the Not So Tom Collins with Penny Vodka, butterfly pea syrup, lemon juice, blossom tonic and the Buttered Up with lashings of Albion Gin, orgeat, lemon ginger & mushroom butter, salted basil, and pear syrup.

If you fancy something a little different, the Albion site will also be brewing up a small amount of beer on-site as well — perfect if you feel like a palate cleanser before getting into the good stuff.

Open Thursday through to Sunday Granddad Jacks Brisbane welcome kidlets and dogs with open arms and encourage you to BYO food from several local businesses like nearby Fonzie Abbott, who put together some amazing burgers and pizzas.

It now looks like you have a viable reason to hotfoot it to the River City — so go on, we won’t tell anybody.

Hours: Thursday — Sunday, 3pm — 9.30pm
Where: 26 Collingwood Street, Albion, Brisbane

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

For those who are ardent lovers of all things seafood, finding yourself a quality and consistent retailer of the ocean’s bounty can, at times, be a bit tricky. You’ll also find yourself limited by the selection and, more often than not, it won’t be as fresh as it could be. But hold that thought. What if somebody came up with the bright idea of having a completely independent fish market where you could come and purchase, as well as sample, Australia’s finest and freshest selection of seafood all under the one roof: zero hassle and no searching out trawlers as they return with — or without — their catch.

Well, we’re pleased to say for the love of all things from the deep blue, two Gold Coast locals have gone ahead and done it. We introduce to you possibly THE opening of 2021 — the brand spanking new Miami Fish Market.

Seafood aficionados Paul Gloftis and Craig Warren are the co-owners of the new shop space and what these guys don’t know about delicious things plucked from the sea, frankly, isn’t worth knowing. The concept, by their admission, has been in the works for the best part of four years, and like everyone else, we’re excited to see it come to fruition.

The space is plentiful, and for what Miami Fish Market is offering, this was always going to be the case. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by a large island-style wrap around glass counter showcasing everything from prawns, clams, oysters, crabs, and a specially designated area for carefully prepared Japanese style seafood delicacies — all of these are naturally prepared by a troop of in house chefs and fishmongers, no less.

Set back, there are separate counters for live seafood, whole fish and a designated sashimi bar. This is where your options to taste the fruits of the ocean truly come into play. Choose from an array of whole fish, and you can have it filleted and prepared as you wait.

But why just stand around when you can grab yourself a readily prepared sashimi pack or perhaps a few oysters? Why not grab some freshly prepared lobster sashimi and a seat outside in their blissful decked area? You’ll have to show restraint, though; there are too many delicious things to try!

The selection here will be one of the most extensive and diverse anyone is likely to find outside our major cities. The network of suppliers and the areas of the country where produce is coming from is vast. This said you’ll likely come across seafood you didn’t even know existed, like freshwater lobsters (Marron) from Western Australia or hand-dived Abalone from the Great Southern Bight — a highly coveted delicacy throughout Asia.

You may just come for fish, but there’s a high possibility you’ll also come away with knowledge and a taste for so much more!

Extras worth mentioning are the shop’s ability to dry age fish, something you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Pick yourself a fillet of prime fish, ask them to dry age it for you and return a few days later — it’s that easy.

In time the shop will also be smoking fish on-site; with a variety of different woods, you can expect a plethora of tasty smoked morsels from mussels and oysters right through to fish. Expect no stone to be unturned!

And if this all wasn’t enough, to assist you with your ascent to seafood heaven, there is a small section containing high-grade European deli items. We’re talking Spanish smoked paprika, pastas from Greece, vinegar from Portugal and exclusive soy sauces from Japan — meaning an at-home gourmet experience is very achievable.

A lot of attention has surrounded the venue and their works to open. In truth, there have been a few little Covid induced setbacks along the way, but we are pleased to announce Miami Fish Market have confirmed with us they are officially swinging open their doors for their grand opening on Saturday 31st July featuring free caviar tastings!

So, should you be looking for sumptuous clams and pre-marinated fish for your Saturday night dinner party or oysters and lobster for a decadent midweek BBQ, you’ll find all you need — plus more — at the new and impressive Miami Fish Market.

Hours: Officially opening Saturday 31st July with trading hours being 8am — 6pm Monday – Saturday and 8am — 4pm Sunday’s
Where: 1/54 Paradise Avenue, Miami

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

We’re all pretty much up to speed with how the ever-evolving Palm Beach scene is something to behold. However, it’s not only novel and ultra-modern apartments we’re witnessing popping up, but also new and exciting hospitality ventures: from on-trend cafes to scintillating nighttime hangouts and about everything else in between.

But, what about a down-to-earth bakery where you can grab yourself a well-poured coffee, some incredible pastries and breads and a space where you can catch up with a friend to watch the world go by? Sounds a little too good to be true, yet it isn’t. Say hello to Well Bread & Pastry — Palm Beach’s newest euro-infused bakery!

South African husband and wife owners Michelle and Stefan spent a great deal of time working and living in Europe whilst in their twenties, and amongst their adventures and discoveries in food, there was always a strong love for bread. After many years of perfecting the art of baking the perfect loaf, chef Stefan decided it was about time he let some fortunate members of the public enjoy his efforts. And after moving from Melbourne only a few months ago, the couple has decided Palm Beach is where they intend to make this happen.

The shop space oozes French countryside bakery vibes, warm exposed wooden features with a serene and sophisticated olive green throughout. There’s some serious window benchtop action going down as well, so if you like to people-watch or grab something and have some space to yourself, you’ll be smitten. Otherwise, there’s a handful of tables for you to take a load off and enjoy yourself something a little bit tasty.

The guys here aren’t on a mission per se, but they do want to dispel the myth that bread isn’t good for you. By using live cultures in the baking process and avoiding heavily refined grains for sustainably sourced and organic flours, you can be assured that their fresh-out-the-oven breads aren’t going to spoil all those hours you’ve spent in the gym. There is a sizeable collection, including Whole Grain Sourdoughs, Milk Loaves, and Pumpkin and Soy Rolls — freshly baked and all deliciously golden brown.

On the pastry front, you’ll find drool-worthy Croissants, Pain Au Chocolats and Biscuits galore, but if you prefer something a little more substantial, you’re in luck. They’re also putting together ready-made sandwiches and their own piping hot home-baked pies right out of the oven.

For appreciators of only the best coffee, you’ll be pleased to read two different Paradox products are being utilised. The lauded Surfers Paradise roastery’s much loved Penny Lane blend will be the go-to and a rotating Single Origin for all the black coffee fans out there.

Having been open for less than a week, it seems Palm Beach has truly welcomed Well Bread & Pastry since their opening day — by turning out in huge numbers and buying bread like it’s going out of fashion. We say get in on the action and enjoy your reason to fall back in love with bread again!

Where: 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
When: Tuesday — Sunday, 6am – 2pm

Words by Alex Mitcheson.