If you’ve been seeking a place to sit back and sip on delicious cocktails while indulging in delicious bar bites then stop looking – we’ve found it. And did we mention it’s beachfront?

One of our favourite Main Beach gems has had a polish up and while we’re tempted to be shellfish and keep it to ourselves, we’re here to tell you that Pearls Bar is looking (and tasting) extra fine!

Tucked away in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Pearls Bar’s zhushed interior feels contemporary and elevated. Forest green hues are perfectly complimented with gold accents for a seriously luxe new feel. It truly feels like an oasis and it’s exactly where you’ll find us kicking back with a cocktail in hand.

With the new look comes new menus. Think luxe and designer inspired fare that’ll keep you coming back for more. With a name like Pearls Bar it’s only fitting the menu is all about oysters. With a splash of creativity, might we add.

Take yours a la natural or venture out of the ordinary with a twist of champagne watermelon or Patrón and finger lime. The shared menu was consciously crafted with closeness in mind, bringing people together through the art and love of food.

They say food is the way to the heart. And with offerings like Lobster Rolls with Salmon Caviar served on a buttery brioche bun, consider our heart’s won.

Seafood lovers will want to get a taste of the Scallop Ceviche, perfectly balanced with chilli, lemon, mint, coriander and shallots. Call us cheesy but we can’t go past a Baked Brie moment, with calvados and honey, walnuts and toasted rye the flavour combo speaks for itself.

From classic to new signature cocktails, the Designer Cocktail Menu marries together the best of flavours you know and new ones to discover. Cocktail connoisseurs – this one’s for you, the Pancho’s Pearls brings a burst of flavour with peach infused pearls to finish this tequila and champagne based bevvy.

If you’re here to put your pinky up and get a little boujee then the Oysters & Caviar cocktail has your name written all over it – because who doesn’t fancy a caviar moment (we’re starting to see a theme here)? This delicious gin-based drop comes with its own side of fresh oyster with finger lime caviar – it’s giving sophisticated.

Did we mention there was a gin bar? If you’re partial to a cheeky gin and tonic then you’ll want to get well acquainted with their hand picked selection of local and imported gins, paired with your own bespoke boutique tonic selection for drink that’s deliciously ‘you’.

In the spirit of keeping on theme, Pearls Bar are giving the people what they want with the launch of Patrón & Oyster Fridays from the start of May, serving up $3 Pacific Oysters with any of their epic cocktails like the Spicy Marg, Mezcal Marg or Grapefruit Paloma – we’ll take a dozen, thanks!

If you don’t live in Main Beach look away now, or risk extreme jealousy. Every Wednesday and Sunday through the month of May, Gold Coast locals* will be treated to 25% off their bill (yes, you read that right) when they dine between 5pm and 7pm. You’d be losing money not going at this point #girlmath.

Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Daily from 12pm – midnight

Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.

STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT

*Proof of Gold Coast, QLD address must be supplied to receive the Locals Offer.

Congratulations everyone! We’ve hurdled the mid-year like champions. The financial year has officially turned and we are on the home stretch to festivities! Speaking of, this is a public service announcement for all upper management, you may want to start thinking about where to book your annual Christmas party.

We all know finding the ideal venue takes time and research and certainly doesn’t happen overnight. Unless you know about Robina Events Centre, it’s the complete package. You may just have your space secured by the end of the day.

Pause those Slack notifications and close down that Zoom call because ‘Christmas party planning’ has just hit your inbox with priority status. Don’t worry, this won’t take long, we’ve already done all the legwork for you. Robina Events Centre (REC) is your go-to destination for a festive celebration to dazzle your colleagues’ socks off. Their modern multi-function spaces offer the perfect venue for your 2024 Christmas party, no matter what size your team or budget. You can feel the camaraderie already!

Whether you’re coming with a small-scale squad or a multi-level corporation in tow, REC boasts a variety of versatile event spaces to suit your needs. Take your pick of their state-of-the-art rooms and facilities, including eight multi-purpose function rooms that can effortlessly adapt to your needs.

If grandiose is your game, you must check out the magnificent Anna Rose Room, which can host up to 300 guests. It’s also pillarless, which means more room for fun.

The Green Fields Bar + Restaurant adds allure with its exceptional offerings. Featuring both indoor and outdoor areas, and for larger parties, the Anna Rose Room can seamlessly extend from this space. The stunning terrace provides hinterland views, perfect for evening events, with breathtaking sunset views to elevate any occasion. There’s even an option to have a cocktail station.

Just as there are spaces for every size party, there are food and drink package options for every appetite. You can select from a two or three-course Christmas Plated Menu or go all in with their Christmas Selection Buffet. Drinks-wise, they offer a Standard, Premium, Deluxe and Cocktail package, with time frames ranging from 1 – 4 hours depending on how much spirit you want to put in Christmas. One thing is for sure: every choice will be the right choice, with every menu item carefully considered to deliver an unforgettable and truly authentic Christmas feast.

For those on a conscious hunt for a green-minded space to host your end-of-year bash, you, too, are also in the right place. REC carries a future-focused ethos at the forefront of everything they do, with its sustainability measures and environmental considerations setting them well above the rest.

From a micro to macro level, every aspect of the venue has been carefully thought out to minimise environmental impact. From their 250 fitted solar panels and dedicated EV charging stations to menu curation, which focuses on locally sourced produce, closed-loop composting and plastic-free practices. Even if choosing green wasn’t at the forefront of your mind, it’s nice to know that no harm will be caused with this year’s Noel shenanigans – except maybe burning up the dance floor.

So, what do you say? I think we can officially mark your task of ‘Christmas party planning’ as ‘complete’. It’s time to let your dedicated events team at REC take over so you can focus on more important things, like perfecting your Secret Santa strategy or perfecting your holiday dance moves.

Where: Robina Events Centre, Level 4, TAFE Queensland, Robina Campus, 94 Laver Drive, Robina
When: ‍Monday to Saturday, 6:30am – Late
Website: www.robinaeventscentre.com.au
Instagram: @robinaeventscentre

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY ROBINA EVENT CENTRE

Christmas is right around the corner! We’ll give you a minute for the inevitable “where did the time go” freak out. Ok, now that we’ve cracked open that Santa sack, let’s talk about how to make this season extra merry and bright. Those wishful letters to the North Pole are great, but we need something a bit more… substantial. And before you accuse us of jumping the gun a bit with talk about Christmas this is one event you need to know about way ahead of time.

Enter the annual Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (GCCEC) Christmas extravaganza (with its free-flowing drinks. More on that later). Arguably the hottest ticket in town. And one that is guaranteed to sell out- consider yourself warned.

If you’re new in town, let us introduce you to the GCCEC’s tradition of hosting the Gold Coast’s most magical Christmas event. They’re like the Martha Stewart of throwing Christmas parties, without the insider trading. Year after year, the GCCEC finds new ways to sleigh their advent event, surpassing expectations and leaving attendees awestruck.

Is anyone else taking notes? We could all use a few tips to make our own holiday celebrations as festive and fantastic!

Whether you’re rounding up friends and fam or toasting another year of toiling with some corporate-style cheer for the work crew, the GCCEC Christmas event needs to be on your radar as you ponder the perfect festive season celebration for your fellow comrades. It’s been almost two decades since their first iconic event, and the city’s favourite Noel party has only grown in popularity, completely selling out tickets for the past five years—even over COVID!Needless to say, they are quite the spectacle.

This year’s theme is ‘Deck The Halls’, and we can assure you, no cookies or milk have been left on the table.

That’s your queue to book the babysitter —we have festivities to attend to.

Get set for a night of unforgettable Christmas merriment that’ll make even the North Pole jealous! A sumptuous four-course dinner and 4.5 hours of free-flowing premium refreshments sets the stage for an evening of festive delight. The dance floor awaits with your favourite decade hits from Stu Campbell and Magic Carpet Ride followed by live entertainment to keep the good times sleighing into the night.

Santa’s elves have nothing on the party planners here at GCCEC—it’s inevitable the evening will be packed with more cheer than a sleigh full of presents.

All this for a very jolly $195 per person! I think it goes without saying that just like Santa on Christmas night, these tickets don’t stick around long. But don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! Tickets are still available, but they won’t be for long. Don’t miss out on the chance to jingle all the way to a night of holiday magic! The jolly man himself has even awarded this event 5 stars (credible stuff).

Grab your tickets here.

Where: Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
When: Saturday, 14th December 2024
Website: www.gccec.com.au
Instagram: @gccec

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE