New York glamour up north.
New York glamour up north.
From here on in Hope Island shall be known as the Hamptons of the Gold Coast. Oozing sophistication and an enviable waterfront existence, it’s the out-of-the-way destination you really should visit more often.
Particularly (how’s the suspense), because Manhattan on Hope opened recently and with a decadent interior and sweeping harbour views, it’s the epitome of opulent glamour. The fitout boasts touches of gilded gold, royal blue velvet accents and dark wood with sparkling crystal chandeliers the pièce de résistance.
The New York-styled venue offers both a sit down dining room and a space for casual drinks and a quieter dinner experience if that’s more your style.
The cuisine is typically fine dining-style and there are MANY options to choose from. With a breakfast through to dinner menu, you could literally sit at Manhattan on Hope all day and stare at the water, contemplating your life choices while sampling all the foods and transitioning from coffee to cocktails at a socially acceptable hour (or not, we don’t judge).
For breakfast the French Toast is pretty as a picture and a little more decadent than your usual options.
Dinner should definitely be the Pork Belly and/or Venison Carpaccio (which is not something you might usually order but TRUST US).
If a Sunday drive and a little touch of New York style are on the agenda, pencil Manhattan on Hope into your schedule.
LOCATION: Shop 18, 10 Santa Barbara Rd, Hope Island
HOURS: 7.30am to 10.30pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
The Southern suburbs have seen their fair share of hip new venues lately and now it seems our northern neighbours are keen to get in on the action.
Two brand new coffee haunts have opened their doors, and been welcomed with open arms, with another to join the party this weekend (July 29th).
Whether you’re a top end local or simply keen to explore somewhere new, add these three to your list of must-visits.
The Coffee Deck Paradise Waters
Overlooking the water at Paradise Point, The Coffee Deck opens on July 29th. Promising loaded muffins (check out their Instagram for a sneak peek at these bad boys), homemade cakes and treats and delicious local coffee, this colour-filled space is sure to be a hit. The new space is the longtime dream of Trudie Duncan who promised her late mother, a cook, she would one day open a cafe. Offering all day breakfast and a few lunch options plus a specialty hot chocolate (!) menu, we think you’re gonna love it.
Where: 5 Admiralty Drive, Paradise Waters
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily
Paper Cup Coffee Southport
Their first venue, in Labrador, was such a screaming success that the Paper Cup team recently expanded to open a second on Ferry Rd in Southport. All about keeping things simple, the space boasts polished concrete floors, fresh flowers and plenty of greenery. Open for breakfast and lunch, grab yourself a coffee or takeaway sweet treat or settle in amongst the plants for an acai bowl or breaky bagel. It’s the perfect little spot for a before work cuppa or midday escape from the madness.
Where: 201 Ferry Rd, Southport
Hours: 5am to 5pm daily
Social Brew Paradise Point
Another joint born off the back of a roaring success story further south, Social Brew has joined the café strip along the waterfront at Paradise Point. After travelling 45 minutes from his Sovereign Island home for coffee in Burleigh, co-owner Mike decided the northern suburbs needed something new. Social Brew has taken off in both locations, offering breakfast, lunch and cheeky afternoon cocktails if you’re keen. The new venue also offers a picnic basket option where you can order from the website and have a basket made up to enjoy while gazing lovingly at the sparkling waterway (or your companion, whatever).
Where: 34 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Hours: 6am to 5pm daily
You heard it here first; a trip to the north is the order of the weekend.
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Whiskey, known as the Gentlemen’s Drink, has flown under the radar somewhat when it comes to beverages of choice, particularly amongst Gold Coasters. All that is about to change though, thanks to InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort’s The Verandah Bar.
Having recently been extended to overlook the hotel’s beautifully manicured gardens and luxurious lagoon, The Verandah Bar is elegant, understated and the perfect place to enjoy a Gentlemen’s Drink or two.
The bar itself is made with dark timber and complimented by grey hued, comfort-first lounge chairs and scattered greenery giving it a sophisticated but laidback feel. For those chilly winter nights, a fireplace crackles invitingly in the corner.
Home to over 50 varieties of whiskey, The Verandah Bar’s collection covers the worlds most coveted regions from Scotland to Ireland, America to Japan, and of course, the land down under.
Housing a cellar of rare Japanese whiskey, The Verandah Bar boasts two of Japan’s most renowned drops, the Yamazaki 18 year old and the Hakushu 18 year old along with Sullivans Cove whiskey, hailing from Tasmania and a 1989 Old Putney Vintage from Scotland.
If you’ve never tasted whiskey, this is the place to do it. Smooth and filled with unique flavours, each one is more intriguing than the last.
Of course, once you’re done with all the whiskey, there’s an extensive and impressive cocktail menu to move onto.
The Verandah Bar also offers plates and a full lunch and dinner menu to indulge in if you find yourself unable to drag yourself away from the view.
HOURS: Open 7 days from 12pm
LOCATION: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Words by Kirra Smith
