The co-creator of Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar.
The co-creator of Mr PP's Deli & Rooftop Bar.
Slowly but surely Ben Howe is transforming Southport into a suburb set to rival the Burleigh Heads of the world.
In the last five years he and his family have opened two sweet co-working spaces in two of the Coast’s most historical buildings and now he’s about to make the daring move into the hospitality world.
We sat down with Ben to chat about Mr PP’s, Southport’s first rooftop bar, and the local 18th century poet and illustrator it’s named after.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I was born in Southport and lived away for a few years then came back in 2010 and I’ve been working in Southport ever since.
Where on the Coast do you live and what do you love about it?
I live in Mermaid Beach now, it’s really grown in the last few years. We moved there in 2014 and every few months there seem to be awesome new restaurants opening which adds a lot to the visibility of a city. The standard has been raised so high and now I’m doing my own venue, I know how hard it is.
How did Co-spaces and The Exchange come about?
Co-spaces is a family-owned business and building. My parents bought the old ambulance station in 2002 and it was awesome to be a part of that and see the impact it had on the community. In 2012 we had the light rail being built and that took two years which kind of wrecked the front of the building for that time. Our tenant moved out so I said I’d turn it into a co-share office and that’s where it all started. In 2015 we occupied a building two doors down which was the old Telstra exchange and I put another co-working space in there (The Exchange) and the building between those is the one Mr PP’s is going into, so now we’ve got the three historical buildings in a row.
We knew two businesses that wanted to move into Co-Spaces and I thought it was a great business opportunity. I knew people who wanted that flexibility and the Gold Coast was the perfect opportunity for that type of work environment. I was designing websites at the time with a friend, that was my primary business and I was looking for a similar kind of thing and couldn’t find it. No one was coming to rent it while the light rail was happening, so we tried it and it was really successful.
You’re building Southport’s first rooftop bar, how did that come about?
The old ambulance station was built in 1922 and my brother, his wife and another partner put Percy’s Corner (the cafe) in and it was named after the first Superintendent who ran the station for 40 years.
When we started this process we were looking for another historical character relevant to the building. We found out that in 1909 it was the Postmaster’s residence and where we are in the exchange was the second post office in Southport. We started looking up Postmasters and found this guy whose name was Philip Palmer Agnew who was a poet, artist, a scriptwriter and a brilliant illustrator and he was the first main Postmaster and telegraph operator. He came here in 1883 when the first telegraphs came to Southport and set that up. He was this crazy character and so talented, everyone loved him. He put on plays for the locals and was very loved. We found all these songs he wrote and illustrations he did so we decided to name the bar after him – it’s Mr PP’s Deli and Rooftop Bar.
There’ll be a deli too right?
The deli will be downstairs and it will really focus on high quality meats and cheeses. You’ll be able to come in and get a wine and a meat board and on the rooftop we’ll be doing pizzas. So there’s a theme of quality meats and cheeses and breads and that’ll transfer through both spaces.
Who else has made this possible?
When I first started this process I really wanted to include other businesses and young people because I feel like when you bring the community along with you, it’s really beneficial. Plus I don’t have any hospitality experience. One of my co-working members Arran Woollams has a design studio and he’s a bit of a hospitality veteran so he’s on board. Another one of my members, Kyle Sinclair is an Accountant, he does lots of books for hospitality businesses on the Coast and he’s also an ex-chef. Sam, a solicitor at IP Partnership, and Matt, a Lawyer at HW Litigation, are on board too.
What are your thoughts on the Coast’s growing start up culture?
It’s fantastic. It feels like it’s really exploded in the last few years and I think it’s because people see other great things happening and they kind of rise to that and things keep flowing and getting better. It’s cool, every suburb is starting to get its own vibe and I think for me with Southport, I see that potential. It’s got the history but it really lags behind other suburbs. You see places like Palm Beach which have come out of nowhere and exploded, I think that’s what we need to do in Southport and that’s why we’re doing what we are – to really help the suburb and encourage other people.
How did you come to be where you are today?
I went to Uni and did Information Technology then switched into 3D animation. I started working in animation and realised it wasn’t for me. I moved to Melbourne and worked in advertising and then moved back to the Coast and started a little digital design company building websites and then transitioned into Co-Spaces as a kind of accidental thing. And now I’m getting into hospitality.
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Manners maketh the man (from my Grandma)
Being a Gold Coast local, we have to ask your favourites:
Beach: Tallebudgera Creek
Café: I like Alfred’s Apartment
Bar: The Cambus Wallace
How does your weekend usually look? At the moment it’s working bees on Saturday to finish this bar and then Sunday is family time. Head down to the beach or go for bike rides or to the hinterland. Catching up with friends.
Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?
All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more eating (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!
The all-in-ones
The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie board, ‘grammable acai bowls at Cardamom Pod and bites like Bird Royale because we’ve always got time for some cheeky chicken.
Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.
Now did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot along with our biggest vice Kmart on the store list, say goodbye to your savings but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped til you dropped it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.
For bakery treats
With a name like Sacre Coeur Patisserie it’s no wonder these guys have mastered the art of French pastries so prepare to stock up on croissants in allll the flavours from pistachio to raspberry and everything in between.
No man is left behind at Made With Love who deliver on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries because you know what, a donut a day keeps the doctor away or something like that and why should our vegans not be part of the action.
Keeping with the Euro-bakery theme is FARINA & Co, pastries are made onsite daily with all the classics like lemon meringue tarts and buttery croissants but wait, it gets even better – they double as a pasta bar. Grazie!
Pumping out sensational Asian-inspired pastries, desserts and drinks, Delothor Patisserie is our kinda kryptonite!
For a coffee
Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.
For the more traditional café vibe Humble Café might be humble by name but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.
Built on the tried-and-true premise that simple is best, everything about Herringbone Cafe is understated (in the best way) letting the true hero of the space – the food and coffee – take centre stage.
Eight Fifty Espresso boosts productivity and happiness, doling out weekday caffeine fixes from its sidewalk dwelling, sapphire green digs.
For a drink
You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day but if you’re after a side of live music with that then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice cold brew all in one. If you’re after pub vibes you can’t go past SOPO (previously known as RSL CLUB Southport).
Just across the tram line nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch til your hearts content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.
Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices plus a unique menu of sharing boards.
For good eats
Hello foodies, thoughts we forgot about you? We could never! Getting the good times rolling is none other than Good Times Deli who have quickly become known as the home of sandwiches like no other – think Philly Cheesesteak and banger Bahn Mi.
Japanese eatery, KatsuCo, churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.
For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get your fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.
If you’ve been having Euro summer FOMO you can find a taste of the Mediterranean at Como Kitchen & Bar or if there’s a little Italian in your stomach screaming for some arancini balls (or is it just us?) you can get a mozza at Mozza Mozza as well pasta served tableside from a cheese wheel.
Since we’re on a food journey around the world you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.
Local attractions
So you’ve got your coffee and you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.
Fancy a bit more adventure we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.
If a hands on approach to fun is more your vibe then entering a new dimension at Zero Latency is a must-do, the international juggernaut has given VR new life with games on games so you can immerse yourself in the madness. Sing your little lungs out without fear of judgment and enjoy yourself a lyric fuelled good time at Black8 Pool Hall. Test your relationships and put that brain to work with a prison break escape room at Escape Hunt or pick up a pistol at Southport’s very own – and the Coast’s safest – shooting range, The Shooting Centre.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
This stylish new restaurant reminds us of a bar somewhere in a metropolitan city, well it’s in our little CBD, Southport. Cafe/ breakfast joint in the morning, restaurant during the day and tapas lounge bar at night. And the crazy thing? They’re effortlessly good at it all!
Located on busy Nerang Street, Swannie’s is the perfect spot for business meet-ups, casual lunch or Friday arvo knock-off drinks. Upon entrance, you’re faced with a huge bar (filled with all kinds of alcoholic goodness for later) and a tempting cake display filled with doughnuts (the injectable kind), pastries, caramel slices, muffins, sandwiches and ciabatas! The zebra striped floor, large pendant lights and curved wooden wall hint of your night to come. But you know what’s better than a coffee in the morning? Old-school R&B music! It;s a soulful and smooth start to your day, way to go Swannie’s!
So what’s on offer for brekky? A refreshing iced-coffee, smashed avo and marinated fetta served on crispy toast topped with fresh coriander and just a sprinkle of basil and feta oil (optionally you can add eggs). Sounds pretty basic, but they do it well.
Swannie’s ‘Our Eggs Benny’ consists of two perfectly poached free range eggs with smoked salmon on an English muffin, smothered in mouth-watering house-made hollandaise. Now if you can handle a bit of booze in the morning, we’re not promoting, but informing that their signature dessert/cocktail Don Pedro involves vanilla ice-cream, Bailey’s and chocolate cream (don’t mind if we do).
If you’re enticed to stay beyond breakfast, Swannie’s have live music every night of the week* plus some great specials like $10 Beer and Burger Tuesdays or Cheese and Wine Tasting on Wednesday nights!
Best day to go: They’re literally busy everyday, but we like the buzz of a crowd on a Friday or Saturday night from 4pm til late!
Signature dish: Angus Eye Fillet Steak Sandwich (do it for lunch).
Favourite drink: All the cocktails are tasty, but the Don Pedro s a dessert and cocktail in one for the sweet tooths.
Mon – Live Music from 6pm
Tues – Live Music from 6pm
Weds – Jazz & Blues Night, live music from 6pm
Thurs – Classic Rock Night, live music from 6pm
Fri – Live Music from 6pm
Sat – Live acoustic soloist over breakfast from 8am
Sun – Live acoustic from 12pm
See ya at Swannie’s!
34 Nerang Street, Southport
By Louisa von Ingelheim
The Southern suburbs have certainly seen their fair share of fancy coffee haunts of late and now our Northern neighbours are getting the goods.
Zi Espresso opened recently to tickle the tastebuds of those of you who spend your working days in Southport and have been in dire need of some quality caffeine.
The space, on Scarborough St, is long, skinny and quite Melbourne-esque with fresh white walls and natural wood accents. Fresh flowers and pops of colour ensure plenty of feel good vibes and a nice little escape from the crazy that is our bustling business district.
Coffee is the heart of the business (and all of our lives) and the crew use the crème de la crème of machines – the San Remo Opera v2 – which has never been used before in Australia. It’s very pretty and has many fancy gadgets.
There are definitely some technical words to explain the things it does, but because we don’t know them, here are some other words: each shot is digitally dispersed then balanced out (not compressed) and weighed to ensure the perfect coffee consistency. It’s like a little coffee puzzle but the epic end product is all your coffee dreams come true. Especially when the beans are by local legends Silipo.
Owners Daphne Zi and Scott Lo are the husband and wife team (previously of Expressions in Bureigh Waters fame) offering a menu designed to encourage diners to make healthier choices – there’s no soft drink, fried foods, ice cream or super sugary treats available in keeping with the couples’ personal food philosophy.
There’s salads, smoothies and cold pressed juices as well as immune booster shots and your favourite and ours, acai bowls (there’s cacao flavour).
OH and, if you don’t mind a chai, get involved in the Prana Chai Masala Blend because it is all the fresh, spicy flavours of India in a cup and if you could bathe in it, you would.
Now is Zi time to try it out.
LOCATION: Shop 2, 149 Scarborough St, Southport
HOURS: 6.30am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
