Iconic venues of yesteryear are the hallmarks of the Gold Coast. Many have disappeared and are but memories of sun-drenched times, but a few remain and have been tastefully brought into the 21^st century. The recent reopening of the Mermaid Beach Tavern fits perfectly into this latter ideal, and from the peek we had inside at their fit-out and their food and drink menu, it’s safe to say, you should be excited.

Now, if you ask anyone about the history of the Mermaid Tavern, you’ll likely receive some smiles, and some affirmations of how it was once the place to be for a kids party when it was a McDonald’s or for general great times when it crossed over to being a tavern in the 90s. Certainly a case of: if you were there, then, you know! Well, don’t despair and think all of the best times have been had, because after a lengthy renovation over the last two years, an all-new and upgraded Mermaid Beach Tavern has finally opened its doors to the public.

Here is what you can expect inside.

Upon entry from the Gold Coast Highway, you are met by light spilling in from gaping overhead skylights in two rooms that shoot off to the left and right of the entrance. These are known as The Pods and provide comfortable high tables and banquet-style seating for big and small groups to chat over drinks or tuck into some food. Neutral tones, light wood hues and hanging green plants all add to the modern yet tranquil feel. We’re also told these high ceiling rooms can be completely shut off and will be available for private hire and functions into the future — so we think it’s about time to start thinking of those events you need to celebrate!

Into the main bar area, you’ll see another source of light spilling in from above, except this time the ceiling is entirely open, meaning the bar area feels as al fresco as possible whilst remaining inside. Look, the Gold Coast isn’t averse to a spot of rain from time to time, but you needn’t worry as it is fully retractable — but with over 300 days of sunshine a year, we expect this to be open majority of the time!

An airy and nicely spaced-out dining/bistro area follows on with the bonus of a slightly removed and sealed-off children’s playroom. For those with little ones, this will undoubtedly be music to your ears, meaning you can enjoy your hard-earned glass of vino or beer whilst the little ones run themselves ragged with their newly made friends.

Did we mention all of this is just the street level? If you take a wander downstairs, you’ll find an elegantly fitted out gaming lounge with its own cute bar and a fully devoted sports bar with enough large screens in there to cover any given sport any day of the week.

And last but by no means least, there is a north-facing decked terrace area to the very rear of the venue, which has shading but also enjoys sun for much of the day.

To put it simply, you have a few different options of how to spend your time at the Tavern.

The venue wants to make everyone feel welcome no matter what time of the day it is and serves food and drinks from 11.30am every day. As you would expect, the well-stocked bar is doing a wide array of cold beers, including some Gold Coast favourites.

The wine list has enough styles to cater for all tastes, and a cocktail list with a strong repertoire of classics — featuring an Espresso Martini (our favourite), a Mojito, and the cult-favourite Aperol Spritz — which are sure to walk out the door on a warm day.

On the food side of things, the offering is diverse, ranging from starters and salads to pizzas (all under $20) and a grill menu. You’ll discover familiar flavours (Chicken Parmi’s and standard pub fare) beside eye-catching dishes like beer battered Bug Tacos, a Beef Stracotto pasta and a Black & Blue Salad featuring charred sirloin steak and gorgonzola. We also think the Chilli Crab Linguine with blue swimmer crab meat, chilli, garlic, white wine, tomato, extra virgin olive oil, rocket and lemon will become a crowd favourite.

There’s also a sensibly priced kids menu (all choices are just $10 and include ice cream) and a dessert menu for the big kids featuring a Dropped Ice Cream Cone you simply cannot help but order…

If it’s been a while since you set foot in this Gold Coast original, or if somehow you never have, why not take a trip to Mermaid Beach and see what all the fuss is about?

Where: 2500 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
When: Every day, 10am — late
Food service:  Mon-Thurs: 11.30am-3pm and 5.30pm-9pm | Fri & Sat: 11.30am-10pm | Sun 11.30am-9pm

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

It has been quite some time since we’ve brought news of a café opening on the Gold Coast but here we are with exactly that. Which makes us very happy.

Bonnie’s Industrial Café is the first cab off the rank post being homebound for what felt like a billion years and so, here’s the lowdown on the newbie you should absolutely pop into ASAP.

Found in yes, the industrial area out Ashmore way, Bonnie’s is serving up some absolutely delicious eats and as you’d expect in this day and age, they deliver said delicious eats to a few areas around the place in case you’re still not keen on leaving the house.

Tucked away on Expo Court, the café fits in perfectly with it’s surround featuring a space set with a high bench table, plenty of greenery throughout and steel barrels laden with flowers. At the front, there’s an undercover outdoor eating area that gets plenty of sunshine so you can take five out there and watch the world go by.

While you eat all of the things of course. What kind of things you ask? Well friends, cafe-style things but done extra well.

For example; a burger with the lot on a 100% butter brioche bun, a Roasted Roll of the Day with 14-hour slow cooked meat on a brioche sub with mustard, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion (YUM) or for breakfast, a Maple Bacon Hash Stack with hash browns (love you), smashed avo, rocket, maple bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise.

All absolutely next-level.

You may also indulge in a mixed plate with your choice of 14-hour slow cooked meat (seasoned chicken, rosemary lamb or honey mustard beef) plus a salad and chips for just $14.90. The goods.

Of course, there are fresh salads and rolls to-go plus fried things like chicken tenders, potato scallops, fish and calamari.

If you’re popping in for a morning brew you’ll be sipping Cr8ive Coffee fresh out of Nerang and owned by a local family.

Owner Bonnie (obvs) moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne chasing the warm weather with many years hospitality ownership under her belt to deliver us something very, very good that we will absolutely be returning to as often as possible.

Hooray for new venues doing epic things.

LOCATION: 2/26 Expo Court, Ashmore
HOURS: Monday to Friday 6am until 3pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith