Say hello to a fresh-faced old friend, Kirra Beach Hotel.
Say hello to a fresh-faced old friend, Kirra Beach Hotel.
Gold Coasters have long known the magical properties of perching up to sink a sneaky beachside brewski or two, mesmerised both by the surf and ice-cold beers.
For parched-as southerners, the particularly painstaking wait between drinks at Kirra Beach Hotel is finally over, with the ‘ole faithful frothy spot officially open and sporting a very dapper new look.
Kirra Beach Hotel has remained a steadfast fixture along the locale’s seafront stretch since 1956, beckoning sandy-footed beachgoers from the swell beyond.
The surf-blessed suburb said a bittersweet ‘so long’ to its former iteration of the beachside icon back in 2021 – the familiar (albeit well-worn) site demolished to make way for the hotly anticipated Kirra Point Precinct project.
A spruced-up Kirra Beach Hotel is just the beginning of the ambitious beachfront transformation – with KTQ Group graciously delivering our first frolic op with the multi-stage Kirra Point project just in time for summer.
Publican Greg ‘Hodgy’ Hodge promises that in spite of the swanky new digs, the waterfront site remains loyal to its laidback watering hole roots – adding at its heart it is still a friendly, no-fuss favourite where anyone is welcome.
The halls of the expansive, sea breeze and sunshine-filled space are decked with nostalgic memorabilia nods that encompass Kirra’s surf heritage.
“We want people to be able to pop in after a surf with sandy feet and grab a bite to eat, perch up with a beer in hand, watch the waves roll in, and soak up the sun and magic of Kirra.”
Oh alright, if we must, Hodgy.
For the final KO to our flagging willpower levels – the crowning jewel of the new venue is the expansive beer garden, strategically positioned for sun-drenched sips leveraging those knockout surf views.
Hodgy lays out one last (literal) thirst trap for the lot of us, saying the new alfresco addition is “unlike anything else that exists on the Coast.”
Just quietly, the breezy parking situation also ranks pretty highly – with the new location boasting a plentiful 130 space underground carpark – along with all the classic pub creature comforts: kids area, big-screen bedecked sports bar and a boutique bottle shop stocked with all the local faves.
Long-standing fans of the watering hole will welcome the return of old favourites such as schnitzels and fish and chips on the food menu, alongside new additions that like fresh bug rolls with tempura battered bug tails in a toasted brioche roll with crisp lettuce, lemon aioli and fresh chives, and a KBH seafood platter with 1kg of fresh prawns, half a kilo of fresh bugs, flash fried calamari, crumbed barramundi and hot chips.
Hot on the heels of the new look pub – will be another addition to the mammoth Kirra Point project set to be unveiled soon, Kirra Beach House. A brand new concept for the suburb, and one we surmise will be akin to a glam big sis upstairs.
It’s safe to say folks, Kirra has officially entered its chic era.
Where: 2 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: Daily, 10am till late
Words by Kellie Leader.