We’re pretty spoilt on the Gold Coast with an average of 245 warm and sunny days a year and a laughable 100 days of ‘winter’. However, as soon as those temperatures drop (which it has been recently, boo), you’ll be diving into your doona and pulling on your scarf and UGG boots quick smart.

To make sure you’re as warm as can be, we’ve found the top spots to get souped up this season.

SIFU
Soup might not be the popular choice at your local Chinese restaurant but at SIFU, it’s a must-taste. In particular the Hot and Sour Seafood Soup with Mooloolaba prawns, squid, scallops, shiitake mushrooms and carrots is to die for and will certainly warm those chilly insides.
Where: Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, Cnr Gold Coast Hwy and First Ave, Surfers Paradise

D’arcy Arms
It’s a well known fact that Irish people are quite fond of soups and stews filled with tons of meat and veggies to keep their energy up for those epic Guinness drinking sessions. As expected the team at D’arcy Arms serve up a mean traditional Irish Stew, served with crusty bread. It’s perfect for those chilly nights to be sure, to be sure.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise (between Aubrey and Frederick Streets)

The Sandwich Bros
The best soup you’ll find on a budget, The Sandwich Bros are serving up the goods for a measly $8 a bowl with a side of crusty bread. Could there be anything better? They change their flavours up daily and have featured the likes of pumpkin and potato and bacon of late. Run don’t walk.
Where: 38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise (the Gold Coast Highway end)

Brio Emporium
While bone broth might not be something you’d usually go for, it’s actually pretty damn good (particularly at Brio Emporium) plus its super healthy and the best immune booster you’ll find this winter. Grab a cup for on the go or stock up your pantry and by a saver pack for the whole family.
Where: 5/2623 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach (opposite Pacific Fair)

Double Barrel Kitchen
For an intriguing twist on the humble soup head to Double Barrel Kitchen. Their version is a Gumbo Cob from the Chefs’ family recipe book. It’s Creole Chicken Broth with Cajun spices, chicken okra, chopped chorizo, veggies and rice served INSIDE a crusty cob loaf. What more could you want this winter?
Where: 64 Karbunya St, Mermaid Waters

The Fish House
If you’re keen to splurge on a spectacular soup, The Fish House is the place to go. A crowd favourite is their super tasty Lemony Fish Soup with John Dory, dill and extra virgin olive oil. Get a group together and go for the banquet because who could ever stop at soup!
Where: 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads

By Kirra Smith

In a first for our foodie-centric city, Broadbeach has recently welcomed a London-style speakeasy known as a small bar in hospo-land. The drinks-only concept is popular around the world and now (hallelujah) the Gold Coast has joined the party.

Soho Place, opposite the Convention Centre, is marked only by a red door with no signage encouraging passers by to pop their heads in and discover what’s going on in the moody, candle-lit space.

Spray-painted scenes depicting London landmarks draw your eyes around the room until they land on the substantially stocked bar which, of course, is where the magic happens.

Owner Scott Imlach and his team, of Bine Bar & Dining and Hideaway Kitchen & Bar fame, have done their research and the result is a cocktail menu to rival any you’ve ever laid eyes on before. Combining some of the world’s most-loved concoctions along with plenty of their own unique creations, Soho Place is your new favourite watering hole.

Here’s why:

The Painkiller was first served on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the 1970’s and quickly became popular at Tiki bars around the world. It’s a sweet little drink made up of Pusser’s dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple and orange juice, nutmeg and maraschino cherries. It’ll certainly soothe what ails ya.

The Bacardi Coconut Bomb is a delight to both behold and consume. It’s simply a whole coconut with a tiny little bottle of Bacardi inserted into the side and it will indeed, knock your socks off.

The Monk Movie is one of the most interestingly delicious things you’ve ever put in your mouth. Green Chartreuse, Gin Mare, popcorn syrup and lime juice combine for a punchy, popcorny flavour that has to be tasted to be believed.

The cocktail list is a long one so set out in search of the red door and choose your own adventure.

LOCATION: Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach (between Queensland and Victoria Aves)
HOURS: 5pm to midnight seven days

Words and photos by Kirra Smith