Breweries are always a good time and when news of a new one tickles our earlobes, we are there faster than you can do a shoey on a hot summers day.

New local legends Jarrod Blanning and John Walz clearly feel the same way and happily, the pair are opening Lost Palms Brewing Co. in Miami on November 10th. We sat down for a chat with the pair about pairing beer with the Triple J Hottest 100 and why you should judge beers on how they make you feel.

How long have you lived on the Gold Coast?
Jarrod: I’ve only lived here for about three months. Before that I was commuting down from Brisbane for a few months.
John: I’ve been living in SE QLD for five or six years but on the Gold Coast for about three years. It’s the best place in the world.

What do you love about living here?
John: We moved here for a lifestyle, a work life balance. It’s still a growing city, there’s lots of room for it to change and there’s plenty of space for everyone to move. Why wouldn’t you live here? I was always against living on the beach because I wanted to appreciate my holidays when I had them but why not appreciate it every day if you can.
Jarrod: People are so much nicer here. There’s plenty of clichés, the beach is closer etc. but it’s just a really good change from Brisbane. We were so happy to move down.

Tell us about Lost Palms Brewing Co.?
Jarrod: Lost Palms is really John’s baby, he’s done all the planning, infrastructure and groundwork to see if it’s viable. I previously tried to start something with Jo, our overseas partner, but it fell through. Once John did all the hard work, I jumped on board. We thought the Coast was the best market because it’s a great place to live and there’s more of an opportunity for starting breweries. We’re trying to create that neighbourhood oasis where you can just come and hang out.
John: We don’t want to set up a snobby food and beer matching thing. I don’t care about those rules. Our beers are made for a purpose and an experience, not to a rulebook. We follow guidelines of course but there’s no reason why you can’t tweak things. We make a beer for a purpose and an experience and the food is there to make it an event. We’ll have toasted sandwiches and sliders and in winter we’ll put on slow cookers, there’ll be chips, wings, poutines and things like that. We just want to create a good vibe and a good night out. 

Can you let us in on the types of beer we’ll be drinking?
John: We’re making the beers to certain styles  — from lights to darks and in between in terms of colours and intensity. We started home brewing and experimenting with our own recipes. For the example the Summer, I wanted to make a beer I could drink during the Triple J Hottest 100, from 100 down to one and last the whole day and it’s light and fresh and crisp, it’s a little dry on the aftertaste but it’s not a full bomb going off in your mouth. They’re made for a purpose. Likewise with the APA (American Pale Ale), that one was Jarrod’s baby. We’ve got a Porter, they’re all channels of what I like but we have tweaked a lot after people have come in to give us feedback.

Why did you choose Miami?
John: The other breweries are all south of here, we didn’t want to try and impede on their areas but further north it’s more difficult. We knew we wanted to be close to the beaches and as far north as we could because the tram line will be stopping down here. The area is also good in terms of growth.

How is Lost Palms unique?
John: We’re not trying to reproduce anything, we just want to create an experience. We make a beer to bring the feelings. I ask people not to think about what it tastes like but think about where it takes you. 

When are you opening?
Jarrod: Lock it in for the 10th of November. Our release is the Crafted Beer & Cider Festival. All of our beers will be there so people can sit down and try everything in the one spot for the first time.

Best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
John: F*#k the rules, do what you want.
Jarrod: A smart person learns from their mistakes, a wise person learns from other people’s mistakes.

Being Gold Coast locals, we have to ask your favourites:
Café: (John) Canteen, Parlour, Bam Bam Bakehouse and Mr Bengel
Restaurant: (John) Burgster is the best burgers, The Collective is a great concept, Greenhouse Bar & Restaurant (Jarrod) Tuesday night ramen at Bine Bar is good
Beach: (John) Palm Beach
What does your weekend usually look like? (Jarrod) John works. I research.

LOCATION: 11 Oak Ave, Miami

HOURS: TBC

Get in loser, we’re going shopping (and eating, and brewery-hopping, and sight seeing, and exploring street art, and… you get the idea)

Now you might be wondering why we’re throwing around random movie quotes to kick off this list (in our defence there is a Mean Girls line for *every* occasion) – but if suburbs were Mean Girls characters, Miami would for sure be the one to utter this iconic line. Miami has it all, and it knows it. Take one glance at just some of the epic spots we’ve lined up and you’ll soon see why all the other suburbs wish they could be this cool.

Paddock Bakery
One thing locals know, is the only thing loose in this (top) paddock is only the most scrumptious, buttery baked goods in 4220. Ever since Paddock opened it’s charmingly renovated doors in 2014, locals have been flocking there daily for their much-kneaded Paddock fix.

Reigning supreme as our baked-goods, brunch and lunch hookup ever since, the ex-Queenslander-turned-treehouse-of-our-childhood-dreams has expanded to welcome us and our relentless sweet tooth’s with open arms. With the lush gardens, cottage, loft, rooftop and barn to retreat to, the only thing more extensive than the dining space options is the menu to indulge from.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami

Granddad Jacks
It used to be that Granddads were good for stealing our noses and sneaking us butter candy, but in Miami, Granddad Jacks is good for plying us the finest locally distilled spirits, gin making classes, distillery tours and of course and just an all-round cool haunt to sit back with a top notch bevvy and let our mullets run free. These masterful wizards didn’t amass a whopping 70+ awards by getting distracted by anything other than distilling, so it’s BYO food too (and surely that means more to spend on the good stuff!)
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami

Miami Fish Market
It would be shell-fish of us not to include the absolute pearl that is Miami Fish Market, and we have two words for you: Sashimi box. Soy-n us up, pls! Fin-ally, we have a hook up for the finest and freshest seafood that’s a sure thing (unlike heading home empty handed from your holy grail fishing spot). Also unlike a day on the water, the pros will handle all the dirty work so you can do as much or as little as you like – oysters shucked to order, anyone?!
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami

Pizzey Park
Wine not take those fresh sucked oysters to-go and mosey right on over for a bougie picnic at the picturesque Pizzey park. As one of the biggest parks on the GC, Pizzey is a local icon and hub for sports, clubs, recreation and all round fun times for all ages. There’s an aquatic centre, playgrounds galore, a wheely epic skate park and let’s not forget the off-leash dog area for our four legged BFFs (paw out of five dogs agree Pizzey is the best park for zoomies on the GC)
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami

Miami Marketta
The Coast’s OG street food night markets that put Miami on the map as a must-visit destination for foodies and live music lovers alike. The first venue of it’s kind to Miami and perhaps even the Coast, Marketta quickly grew to establish itself as a mainstay among the GC scene, bringing good vibes, live music and great food galore via the eclectic creative and cultural hotspot for over ten years now. Our beloved market brings us all our favourite tastes of the world as well as that same buzzing atmosphere that’s favoured by families especially, for rounding up their rowdy broods for an easy night out that everyone can enjoy.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

UGG Since 1974
With the hotter weather officially taking some mercy on us now we’ve packed away the budgie smugglers and it’s the perfect time to slip into something a little more cosy. Enter, Ugg Since 1974 – churning out wearable warm hugs for your feet since, well, 1974. Don’t be feeling sheepish if you didn’t know they’ve expanded their range to include a huge selection of colours, styles and options to customise – including monogramming (cute!) through to paw-dorable pet accessories (even cuter!) With factory tours running right out of Miami, the only thing better than supporting local, is treating your tootsies to a cloud-nine experience in the process.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami

Lumber Punks
Ever find yourself struck by the sudden and insatiable urge to don your flanno’s and yeet sharp objects at the wall? Okay so perhaps not, but when your usual rotation of outings is just not cutting it anymore – it might be time to hit up Lumber Punks because you really can’t axe for a better way to get the crew together for some laughs or some fun date night axe-ction. If you haven’t yet tried your hand at the phenomenon that is axe throwing, chop chop – because this is one adventure that brings the axe-mosphere in blades (er, spades, rather). If it’s good enough for Jason Momoa, it’s obvs good enough for us.
Where: 19 Ozone Pde, Miami

Miami Hill
Okay, now it just feels like Miami is showing off and 469 (no kidding) google reviews can’t be wrong. At first glance those deceptively colourful trademark stairs might look all sunshine and rainbows, but one thing’s for sure – conquer that climb and you will be rewarded with one of the best vantages on the coast. With stunning views of the coastline from Surfers right down to Burleigh, there’s only one thing left to say: How’s. the. serenity. (and maybe a hearty dose of *heavy breathing* depending on how many times you decide to take on those stairs #cardi-no thanks)
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it) 

Trader Trove
Trader Trove, more like treasure trove. Welcome to Miami’s own worldly homewares haven for those who prefer their interiors on the luxe side – and their swoon-worthy assortment of bohemian inspired home decor, that’s more expertly curated than an influencers insta feed.

We love: a family run local biz with a dreamy selection of ethically minded homewares. We don’t love: that all self control seems to exit our body when we visit.
Where: 22 Christine Ave, Miami

Ferg’s
You no longer need a certified 90’s banger to be proclaiming ‘fergalicious (so delicious)’ because ever since Fergs moved to town we’ve had an excuse to be saying it daily. For the unacquainted – f.e.r.g.s aka Fresh Eats Really Good Sh*t – has been dishing up breakfast and brunch much to the delight of southern GC, with all the staple brunch suspects you’d expect, but also the likes of Lemon Meringue Crumpets and really, need we say more?
Where: 2/43 Hillcrest Parade, Miami

Street art
It’s no secret us Gold Coasters are quite partial to doing what we can to our put our best #lewks forward, and over the last few years the streets of Miami have also been undergoing somewhat of a glow up themselves (and #spoileralert – there’s no filler to be found here folks). If it’s been a while between visits, it might surprise you to learn the suburb is at the heart of a thriving GC art and cultural boom, with a bunch of incredible artists transforming the local laneways into a destination in and of themselves. There’s even the Art Roll website dedicated to mapping out the best routes for your own self-led street art tour.

And the event that started the movement, Surface Festival returns for it’s third year this July, set to transform the local footpaths, fence lines, laneways and walls with some art-mazing fresh new works to admire and we’re here. for. it.
Where: Check the Art Roll website for locations

Precinct Brewing Co
If you’ve worked up a thirst just reading this list – last but by no means least is everyone’s (yep, we called it) favourite brewery, Precinct Brewing Co. Once you’ve stepped through the doors you’ll be welcomed into a sleek, all-white space with greenery dripping from up high, and an absolute slew of tanks brewing up some tasty treats. You can see why people say, it’s the place to beer! Don’t forget to grab one of the tasty pizzas coming from the onsite kitchen too…
Where: 17 Christine Ave, Miami

It is with happy tears and overly energetic typing fingers we bring you the news that Tweed Heads has jumped on the quality coffee/tasty eats/cool new venue bandwagon and you may as well pack your bags and move because things are heating up down there friends.

Hymn Coffee opened recently and it’s all glossy white tiles, raw concrete, plants aplenty and light fittings we would have stolen if no-one was looking (and stealing wasn’t illegal, obviously).

The thing that will catch your well-trained, interior appreciating eye though, isn’t a thing at all but a rather large, dried flower installation fixed to the ceiling. It’s a creative collaboration of the prettiest kind between co-owner Kelly and your fave curators of all the beautiful things, Gather Store (so you know it’s good).

The faces of Kelly and her partner KC are ones you may recognise from Palmy local Barefoot Barista. Mid last year the pair decided to go out on their own, then birthed a wee babe and opened Hymn Coffee (because two babies are better than one, right).

The menu is filled with dishes inspired by Kelly, and Head Chef Andy’s, New Zealand roots and feature familiar favourites with a refreshing twist.

For instance, the Hawker Roll is a fun (and DELICIOUS) take on the bacon and egg roll but with roti instead of a boring old bread roll. How good is roti. With the added goodness of Mum’s apple sauce, crispy onions and CONDENSED MILK MAYO, we’ve got ourselves a winner.

If heavenly bacon and egg dishes aren’t your thing (check yourself), go for the Fruit and Nut which features watermelon, little bananas, strawberries, cacao granola, whipped raw honey yoghurt, almond milk and basil. Fruity fresh.

Everything is made with seasonal, locally sourced produce and the menu will change as it sees fit.

Coffee beans are a blend called Orthodox from Melbourne coffee Gods St. ALi and is it just us or is there a theme here.

Because we love a good theme, here’s the punch line.

All your coffee drinking, epic food eating prayers have been answered, Tweed Heads.

Go now.

LOCATION: Shop 2, 99 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads
HOURS: 6am until 2pm every day

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.