In a very exciting Gold Coast first, a beer bar dedicated to Japanese brews has opened in Miami and it’s already a firm favourite amongst the locals. Roji Cat is vibrant, fresh and exciting and it’s perfectly at home, next to stalwart fave Granddad Jacks, on Lemana Lane.

Reminiscent of the neon-laden Dotonbori district of Osaka and downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, the entirely indoor space has been decked out to resemble an authentic, local alleyway complete with signage, lanterns and a cabinet displaying a huge collection of Bearbricks (a beloved cartoon-style bear) all brought over from Japan.

High tables run along the length of the space, brew tanks take up a huge corner in the back and there’s an open kitchen so you can watch your dishes being prepared. The vibe is high instantly upon entering the space and it’s all exactly what you’d expect to see when visiting a Japanese beer bar.

Perhaps the most exciting part though, is a specialty (sound proof) karaoke room just off the main bar area where you and your crew can belt out a tune to your heart’s content without a single note being heard outside. There’s also an electric darts room with plenty of spots to play and couches to lounge about on while you beat your mates.

Now let’s chat beer. Head Brewer Toshi, whose work you would know from Black Hops, is the most passionate and knowledgeable man on the planet when it comes to beer. There are 12 brews on tap AND a diverse sake bar featuring 24 types of sake, all handpicked by Toshi who has over 20 years brewing experience.

Cocktails include the likes of a signature Tokyo Sour and the signature beer is Toshi’s Japanese Rice Lager which we tried and tested and can confirm, is the goods.

There’s food of course and the menu is filled with elevated, Japanese street food crafted by Japanese culinary expert and Head Chef Helen Rissen. Think Robata Skewers, sweet and spicy Roji Cat Karaage, Gyoza, Sashimi, Miso Corn (love you) and burgers including a Bug Burger with a tempura Moreton Bay Bug, spicy Japanese coleslaw and Kewpie mayo. We’ll take all of that thank you so much.

The entire operation is a family-run affair celebrating close family friend Toshi’s heritage and a shared love of Japanese culture, vibrant food scene and bustling nightlife. All of which has been very obviously and meticulously incorporated into Roji Cat to bring us the Japanese Beer Bar we didn’t know we so desperately needed.

Another week, another new coffee haunt. Awww, you shouldn’t have (srsly, you shouldn’t have, our raging caffeine addiction does not need any encouragement). And when it comes to new cafes, our self-control is nowhere to be found. Yes, the first half of that sentence was also entirely unnecessary #whereforeartthouselfcontrol.

And speaking of a total lack of self-control, we love any and every excuse to drop by Nobby’s, so the chance to sample a cute new coffee spot is reason enough for us. and we’ve been peachy-keen to check out newbies The Holliday Coffee ever since we heard whispers of their arrival on the scene.

Owners Marcus Wilkins and Olivia Ayres are two cool beans who know a whole latte about serving up our favourite nectar. Marcus co-owns Nook Espresso in Burleigh Heads, and Olivia has worked in the industry for 10 years. And when a certified GC hospo mastermind like Scott Imlach (behind names like Bine Bar and Dining, Tank Bar and Dining, Hideaway) offers up the opportunity to #sharesies some space backing onto his latest conquest, well, that’s an offer that’s pretty hard to refuse. Adjoining Nobby’s darling newcomer Okawari House, we get a twofer with The Holliday Coffee setting up a hole-in-the-wall coffee house round the corner/out the back – aaand would you look at that, we’re already lost.

Like little ferrets sniffing out our prize, we’ll just follow our noses and that unmistakable aroma wafting down the street from 5.30am daily. Delivering the morning glow in more ways than one, once you spot the trademark cheerful, peachy pops you’ll know you’re in the right spot.

Providing the perfect spot to catch the morning sun only sealed the deal for Marcus and Olivia, and finally, someone who gets the importance of soaking up some morning rays (after we get our coffee, that is #priorities)

Benny Young of Young Built designs helped them bring their small but mighty fit out to life, with a modern palette of white and dark timber finishes to let those warm pops of colour shine. If you’d prefer to linger a little longer, sidle up to one of the street tables under one of those cute af umbrellas that we’re definitely not trying to work out how to smuggle in to our beach bags.

But The Holliday is so much more than just a pretty face, coz they’re also dishing up light bites of happiness on a plate – think casual cafe fare like coffee (obvs), jaffles, croissants and crumpets. Imagine breaking open a crispy, lava-filled Spaghetti and cheese jaffle on a crisp winter’s morning… or perhaps a freshly buttered (macadamia & honeycomb butter – no less!), crumpet drizzled in honey aaand hello? Is anyone still here or are we all officially stampeding The Holliday to get a toast of that action?

… We’ll see you there, coz #same.

You can officially forward all our mail care of The Holliday Coffee, because like the rest of the GC we’ll be wanting a peach of that goodness daily, thank you very much.

(Don’t actually do that tho, jaffle grease on our important docs is never a good look)

Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway (corner of Wave St), Nobby Beach
When: 5.30-1.30 weekdays, 5.30-12 weekends

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.

Get ready, foodies, a new culinary delight has rolled into town. The Yorkie Rippa is introducing the Gold Coast to the humble yet mighty Yorkshire pudding in a way you’ve never seen before. Inspired by the classic British Sunday roast, this Nobby Beach eatery is here to transform the way we think about this traditional dish, giving it a modern twist with an Aussie flair.

The masterminds behind The Yorkie Rippa are Dennis and Leigh Duncanson. Dennis has spent over 25 years honing his craft, working alongside culinary giants like Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein in the UK, and legends like Guy Grossi and Tobie Puttock in Australia.

His deep-rooted London heritage combined with his passion for innovative cooking has culminated in a concept that’s set to take the GC by storm: the Yorkshire pudding wrap.

The idea behind The Yorkie Rippa is simple but genius—taking the iconic elements of a British Sunday roast and wrapping them up in a fluffy, golden Yorkshire pudding. Think mouthfuls of tender, juicy meat bundled up in a fluffy Yorkie pudding.

And of course, no Yorkie wrap would be complete without a drizzle of gravy. As The Yorkie Rippa saying goes, “It’s all about da’ gravy baby”. We’re talking comfort food at its finest, with a fresh, street-food vibe that suits Nobbys to a tea.

The menu is simply mouthwatering. Choose between lemon, garlic and thyme rotisserie chicken, slow cooked rosemary rubbed beef brisket or baked cauliflower and vintage cheddar. Or go for an ‘Old Skool’ Open Yorkie, with your choice of roast meat, potato nuggets, glazed carrots, baby spinach, cheesy bake, stuffing and gravy.

The Yorkies are baked fresh daily, just like Nana used to make- quite literally as they’ve swiped her recipe.

If you’re not keen to wrap your food in English tradition I’m afraid we can’t be friends. But The Yorkie Rippa has your back as you can buy all the trimmings separately for a DIY roast dinner. No more waiting until Sunday or holding out for an invitation to Mum’s for your beloved roast dinner.

With The Yorkie Rippa, every day (except Monday) can be a Sunday feast, no scheduling required! And hey, we’re definitely dating ourselves with this reference, but there’s no need to turn down a date with Tom Cruise just to stay home for a top-notch roast.

The vibe at Nobby’s was a big draw for Dennis, who chose this location because of its cool, laid-back atmosphere and the constant buzz of activity. With a slew of fresh new openings, including Franc Jrs, The Oxley and Lars Bar + Grill, Nobby Beach is bursting at the seams with options, and we are here for it.

The interior, designed by Owen at OJ Thompson, perfectly complements the eatery’s vibe. Picture white tiles and blue and white striped awnings for a clean, fresh look juxtaposed with a touch of Nana chic. Think gingham cushions and a wall of framed floral porcelain plates alongside bench seating and bright white walls. There’s also a cute private Nana’s table for six, complete with floral curtains #kitschycore.

It’s clear that Dennis and his team are passionate about bringing this unique concept to life, and they’re eager to share it with the Gold Coast at large. Whether you’re a Brit longing for a taste of home or an Aussie curious about this new take on a classic dish, The Yorkie Rippa has you covered.

Where: Shop 8/28 Chairlift Ave, Mermaid Beach
When: Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday 11am – 10pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm

Words by Belinda Symons
Images by Kirra Smith