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

It’s a seafood extravaganza at Beachside Pavilion, the latest addition in a long line of recently revamped spaces in the Broadbeach Mall.

Formerly Alto Cucina & Bar, at the beach end of the foodie strip, the restaurant has been transformed into a bright, airy eatery with a street side terrace area and decked out in suitably cheery beach theme.

With an emphasis on fresh seafood, Beachside Pavilion has brought a unique menu to Broadbeach inspired by their close proximity to one of our most popular beaches.

To start, try the cooked-to-perfection Oven Baked Scallops on the shell with spiced tomato cream, wakame, sesame seeds and fish roe. If you love raw fish go for the Hiramasa Kingfish Ceviche with rockmelon, coriander, red onion, lime and radish.

For a lighter main the Ocean Trout Poke Bowl with quinoa, avocado, radish, sesame seaweed, edamame, red onion, spinach and kewpie is perfectly fresh and oh-so good for you.

Of course if you’re after the cooked variety, there are plenty of options. Try the Baked Whole Snapper with lemon, mustard, olive oil, dill, chips and a mixed leaf salad or Squid Ink Orzo Pasta with blue swimmer crab, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, scampi bisque and chilli.

If you’re out for a special occasion don’t think about ordering anything other than Beachside Pavilion’s Signature Chilli Mud Crab. It’s served with tomato, coconut cream, egg, coriander, special tomato chilli sauce and charred sourdough. It’s everything good about going out for dinner.

Beachside Pavilion is the perfect casual dining space, just a short stroll from the beach and with a soon-to-be-opened takeaway area, perfect for when you need a quick bite before heading back to the sand.

HOURS: 7am until late every day

LOCATION: The beach end of Oasis Shopping Centre Mall, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

It’s almost a rite of passage of our youth, sloshing (stumbling) around in muddy fields for days on end, the never ending festival queues and lost mates. So what do you do when your love of live music remains but the mere thought of that sentence makes you feel like a nap, and your mud tolerance left right around the same time the bottle-o stopped asking you for ID? Well, *drumroll pls* because our beloved Blues on Broadbeach, is swooning and crooning its way back to us for its 23rd year!

One of Australia’s largest free music events, this year the beachside fest that never misses a beat will transform Broadbeach from Thursday 16th May until Sunday 19th. And after striking a chord among music lovers for some two decades now, this GC institution sure knows a thing or tune about showing us a blue-dy good time!

Set to take the stage over four funk-filled days, this year’s line up is jam-packed with International headline acts including the smouldering musical stylings of American folk-rock icon, Melissa Etheridge, Ana Popovic, and blues-rock collab Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton.

With gigs going down across 16 of Broady’s finest venues and stages, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling the ultimate guide to the best spots at which to grab bevvy and bite while you soak up the best of the ‘Fest.

Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
If you’re revelling in or around the Kurrawa beachfront and find yourself in need of a refuel, The Oasis Shopping Centre is going to be your jam for all things delish and refreshing. Though it may be the most convenient pit stop to the Kurrawa Park Stage, you’re certainly not compromising on choice or caliber when it comes to dining options. If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed or bevvy – the likes of Elk Espresso, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Grand Dynasty are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Victoria Park Stage
Nude Amigos
Perched right by all the Victoria Park stage action, this Mexican eatery and margarita bar is the perfect venue to sit back with a cocktail, treat the tastebuds and drink in those live tunes. Fresh, local produce takes centre stage for the entire lineup of enticing eats – in the form of next-level authentic Mexican fare. The menu ranges from bites that will perfectly pair with any of the signature margi’s, to a full blown banquet option – top it off with the toe-tapping sounds of some world-class acts and you’re in for a wine-derful time.
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Federation Park Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
If all that festival-going has you craving some Greek eats and hospitality, Unicorn Seafood Restaurant can and should be your o-fish-al port of call this Blues on Broadbeach weekend. Located down the Surf Parade end nearest the Federation Park Stage, this seafoodie Mediterranean gem has got you sorted with a satisfying all-day menu – including a seafood platter to die for, and sea-riously why wouldn’t you?! Surrounded by blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach

Surf Parade Stage
Vida Broadbeach
If you’re frolicking in the vicinity of the Surf Parade Stage and feeling a little famished – our suggestion is to head to Vida Broadbeach without delay. Don’t let the fresh face fool you, this dapper debutant has all the makings of a star – serving elevated seafood, Mediterranean flavours and crafted sips, plus some show-stopping good looks to boot. If festivities fuelled by Crab Bruschetta and Truffle oil fries are wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 95 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Oracle Boulevard Stage
kōst Bar & Grill
This contemporary bar & grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, has redefined the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach. Luring us in with the hypnotising aroma of flame-grilled food and an equally enticing facade kōst Bar & Grill has a front row seat to all the action on Oracle Boulevard.

Treat yourself to everything from boujee ‘bar snacks’ like coal roasted potato, labne, smoked roe, through to the roll of the moment, bay lobster roll, gem lettuce, kōst signature sauce, and the premium Australian wood-fired lobster where 24 hours notice is required #worththewait.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Den Devine Stage
It’s Broadbeach’s 365 home of jazz and blues – so it’s only fair that Den Devine should get its own dedicated Blues on Broady stage! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Broadbeach Mall Piano Bar
Harajuku Gyoza
Gyoza load of all the festival action, then hop on over to Broady’s very own beer stadium and dumpling bar, Harajuku Gyoza to top up the tank. It’s dinner and a show x2, since you also get to watch the chefs prep goodies through the kitchen’s open glass windows. There’s also an array of Japanese-inspired cocktails and craft beer on tap – aaah, that should put the pep back in our step after all those questionable dance moves (… just us?).
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach

The Loose Moose Stage
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, and the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their very own stage – some might say it’s a real Blues on Broady ‘moose-t do’! A tap house with a prohibition themed twist, the vibes here are always immaculate – one of the best if you’re looking to grab a well-deserved drink after bopping away all day/night long.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
A stalwart watering hole for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis – The Broadbeach also gets the honours of being one of the official music hubs for the festival, as is good and proper! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

The Lucky Squire Stage
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven, so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put two and two together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub across two epic levels, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting bragging rights to its own stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up vibes when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Bianca Trathen & Kellie Leader