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 

There have been a few fancy makeovers happening on the Gold Coast of late, old favourites getting a facelift or transforming completely, it’s very exciting.

The latest institution to get a revamp is the bar formerly know as Currumbin Pub on Traders Way, now known as Currumbin Hotel and sporting a delightful new look, a new menu and a whole new vibe really.

You may not have ventured inside before now, the pub version was more of an after work drinking hole for the locals and while it will no doubt still fulfil that important purpose, it will also now be a more family-friendly spot perfect for lunchtime catch-ups, laidback nights out and afternoon beverages with the entire crew.

The space has been opened up with a new entrance, put in place on the streetside of Traders Way that leads into both the interior and alfresco dining areas. There’s also still access from the carpark and plenty of parking available all around.

The colour palette is a peach and teal situation, putting out all the chill vibes Currumbin is known for, high bench seating, dining tables and even a few lounges are available if ultimate relaxation is your thing. Which it obviously is.

Love the overall look, it’s a fun time.

Now to eat, there’s pub food but better with goodies like share plates, burgers, pizza, salads and a grill section to choose from.

We recommend starting with a few share plates, Spicy Chorizo and Grilled Haloumi, Pulled Pork Sliders and Garlic Infused Prawns perhaps? I think so.

Pub Classics include a Chargrilled Beef Burger, English Style Fish & Chips and Chicken Parmigiana to name a few and there are pizzas in many varieties plus steaks, plenty of tasty sides and dessert, of course.

To drink there’s quite the array of wine, beer and spirits including lots of local brands you know and love (old faves like Melbourne Bitter make a well-deserved appearance too) so you’re certainly spoiled for choice in that department.

In all the departments really, it’s a very impressive transformation.

If chic but also chill drinking and dining times are your idea of fun, Currumbin Hotel is the place to be. Open now, go check it out.

LOCATION: Traders Way, Currumbin
HOURS: From 10am until late daily

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Here’s some happy news for you and the Gold Coast in general. Beloved Broadbeach institution Koi Dining & Lounge Bar have reopened after a few weeks spent completely transforming the look, menu and general vibe of the space.

After an absolutely huge 13 years of operation the Koi team, led by Patrik Gennari, decided it was time to create something bigger, better and fresher and so here we are to discuss it.

The sleek, new design boasts quite the coastal feel with a combination of wood, stone, marble, copper and cane textures. The space has almost doubled in size with the back wall removed to reveal an open kitchen. There’s a casual bar section at the front and both sit down alfresco and indoor dining areas throughout the venue.

The ceiling is one of the most stunning aspects of the space with woven lights by homewares extraordinaires Three Balls Red grouped together to create a beautiful visual effect.

It’s all very open and inviting and the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a delightful dining experience with the crew.

Speaking of dining experiences, let’s chat about the menu which is all new everything too.

Spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, the focus is on quality produce with an array of flavours and we would like to eat every single dish possible.

For breakfast, there’s things like Ricotta Pancakes and Salmon Rosti, Pina Colada Bircher and Crab Scramble and of course, a menu specifically designed for the kids.

At lunchtime, the woodfired pizza oven is cranking out flavours like San Danielle, Vegetarian and Wagyu and they’re all some of the best looking pizzas around.

For dinner, start with a Chargrilled Marinated Octopus and then move onto a Chargrilled Premium Beef with a side of Truffle Mash Potato perhaps.

There’s also an array of signature cocktails that you simply must sample and of course, a wide range of wines, beers and spirits.

To sum up, Koi Dining and Lounge Bar is like a whole new venue and one you’re going to want to test out at the earliest available opportunity.

We love.

LOCATION: 89 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: Open from 7am until late daily