A new bar bringing old school sophistication.
A new bar bringing old school sophistication.
A world of old-school New York glamour awaits with the opening of Roosevelt Lounge in Broadbeach this week.
The space is the epitome of decadence and an entirely unique concept for the Gold Coast’s blossoming bar scene. Entering through a velvet curtain, you’ll find yourself in a breathtakingly seductive space that will certainly place all your senses on high alert.
The attention to detail is immaculate, as you’ve come to expect from owner Patrik Gennari (of Glass Dining & Lounge Bar, Koi Dining and Lounge Bar and The Loose Moose fame). A copper pressed ceiling, sizeable silver mirror, a bookcase laden with leather-bound books even Ron Burgundy would envy. Black and white photographs of the one and only Marilyn Monroe and crystal-laden light fixtures also feature in the perfectly appointed room.
The wooden bar is luxuriously extravagant, made with rich mahogany and stocked with premium beverages the likes of which you may have never seen before. The vibe is similarly fitting, sophisticated and aimed at the well-heeled 30 plus crowd.
The cocktail list is a theatre-themed extravanaganza of molecular mixology (try saying that five times fast) and the dining experience equally lavish.
Think antipasto boards laden with the highest quality spreads, small and medium share plates with options like Yakitori Pork Belly with caramelised wasabi apple puree, yuzu sesame and watermelon radish (!) and savoury smoked salmon-filled cones.
The food is truly sensational and washed down with an icy cold glass of Dom Pérignon, what could be classier.
Highly recommended for a night out with girlfriends who love getting dressed up for a night of dancing in the most sophisticated of settings – fringed frocks highly recommended.
Be warned, there’s a strict dress code, collared shirts for the fellas and no visible tattoos.
LOCATION: Next to The Loose Moose, 75 Surf Pde, Broadbeach
HOURS: From 5pm until late
Words by Kirra Smith
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 the last piece of the puzzle for our beloved Burleigh Heads, a suburb filled with first class dining and arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. That’s right folks, Lockwood Bar opened this week and it’s every bit the secretive, speakeasy drinking den of your dreams.
You can find the small bar via a red door on Justin Lane (it’s a laneway behind the restaurant of the same name) and once you do the fun has begun. There’s a phone number and a secret code and once you’ve made contact you’ll be met at the door and escorted through the red velvet curtain. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by exceptionally cosy space decked out industrial-style with a wooden ceiling, wrought iron bar stools and, the pièce de résistance, a bar stocked with spirits you’ve probably never laid eyes on before.
Since alcohol is the name of the game here you won’t be surprised to learn there are 140 specifically chosen bottles on the bar, 70 of which are varieties of whiskey.
Who knew there were that many you ask. Co-owner Brendan Yeo knew, that’s who. He’s extremely knowledgeable (not to mention passionate) about all things spirits and LOVES to educate his guests on the story behind each tipple.
The other half of the team Zac Wright was a brewer for Stone and Wood in a past life, so he’s the guy who knows a lot about beer (among other things).
Together the pair dreamt up the venue with the intention of creating a bar to match the high quality food scene Burleigh is already bringing to the Coast.
The cocktail list is made up of Brendan’s personal spin on the classics. A favourite is the Brookies Blackthorn served in a teacup with Brookies Slow Gin (a Byron Bay local), Mancinno Rosso Vermouth, orange bitters and fresh rosemary.
The wine list, also carefully selected, is made up of softer French and Italian drops.
If an all-encompassing experience is on your hit list, seek out Lockwood Bar’s red door and prepare to be transported into the theatrical world of old school speakeasies.
LOCATION: Justin Lane, Burleigh Heads (the rest is up to you)
HOURS: 5pm to midnight Thursday to Monday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
That’s the invitation of Broadbeach’s newest swoon-worthy watering hole and diner, The Loose Moose whiskey bar and restaurant. The brainchild of Patrick Gennari (owner of both Koi and Glass Dining & Lounge Bars), The Loose Moose is centrally located under the Oasis, next to Hatch & Co. and offers a seriously sophisticated setting, in contrast to its kooky moniker.
Inside Gold Coast recently popped in for a bite and we absolutely loved it – mounted moose head and all! Here’s five reasons why we think you’ll love it too!
The Loose Moose has splashed out on some seriously impressive digs. In fact, it could be the most well executed, themed fit out we’ve seen on the coast in a while. Channelling antique steampunk in spades, you’ll want to examine every charming nook and selfie-inducing cranny of this venue.
It’s the little details that make the difference here – the walls are adorned with bespoke copper pipe lighting, cool clocks and vintage photos. Cabinets showcase beautifully preserved, near century-old antiques, while needle gauges in front of the kitchen give you that ‘olde worlde, engine room vibe’, putting you in mind of a time when trains were powered by steam and the moonshine was fierce.
Seating for 140 patrons comes in a perfect mix of robust leather booths and swanky bar stools. There’s even a nifty crank-turn communal table that can be lowered for group dining, or raised for evening cocktails and tapas.
The statement (and sure to become legendary) taxidermy moose head behind the bar is a decor focal point, but it’s the radiant lighting that steals the show. The ceiling radiates orange light behind giant fans and coal orange metal barrels bathe the restaurant in what feels like a fireside glow.
The venue’s only a week old, but you’d never know. The Loose Moose runs like it’s been there for years, with speedy service offered by well turned out staff, who wear a mix of suspenders, hats, fringe skirts, and sparkle headbands.
We spoke with Manager, Adam, who says he hopes The Loose Moose will develop into a bar akin to ‘Cheers’, where patrons and staff are on a first name basis and feel like The Loose Moose is their second home.
Not too an ambitious of a goal, especially when you have a dedicated whiskey cabinet, where patrons’ personal bottles are safely locked up and proudly on display behind the host stand. When their respective owners’ pop in for a drink, the barkeep supplies glasses, rocks and accoutrements for you and your guests.
Finally, electroswing tunes finish off 1920s vibe, putting you in the mood for a suitably stiff drink.
Bar manager, Billie Jean ‘The Whisky Queen’ has done her homework when it comes to stocking the bar. The brick walls are lined with 130 whiskeys, 30 rums, 20 gins, 60 bottled beers, plus a large selection of vodka, cognac, tequila, wine and 15 beers on tap. Phew!
The cocktails resulting from all this exotic liquor are outstanding. For example, rather than a plain ole’ Old Fashioned (Mad Men fans will be more than familiar with this cocktail), why not try a new twist on the old favourite, with a date, apricot, or fig version?
That’s The Loose Moose’s promise, so if you’ve been craving Buffalo Wings or some other naughty North American indulgence, go crazy and keep a relatively clear conscience, or stick with your diet and enjoy something equally delicious, yet light, like their range of tapas or gourmet salads.
All the traditional American favourites are here, served with a grandiose flourish. Like their Captain America Dawg; a huge double smoked brockwurst with jack cheese, pickle mayo, ketchup, mustard, and tangy slaw. The Jalapeño Poppers are a must-try too, as is the Mac and Cheese with smoked cheese and chorizo, the range of chargrilled burgers and melt in your mouth smoked ribs.
Head Chef Michael Dragosevic told us he thinks the Volcanic Ass Burner wings are the hottest on the Coast. If you disagree, be sure to let him know. He has an arsenal of Carolina Reaper Chilli’s (the hottest chilli in the world), and is happy to make your serve ‘hotter than hell’, if that’s what blow your hair back.
As the neon sign by the kitchen says, all menu items are available for takeaway too, so if eating loaded fries on the couch is your thing, you can totally do it. Hooray!
Fancy a breakfast hotdog or red velvet pancakes to get your day off to a tasty start? Your wish is The Loose Moose’s command! It’s open from 7am till late, 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a win-win-win in our book – we love a place you know will be open basically any time you need to chow down.
“Let’s get loose at ‘The Moose!’” is bound to be the phrase on every Gold Coaster’s lips soon. We called it here first! Be it for eggs, or a late night whiskey, The Loose Moose is definitely a place you need to check out.
Hours: 7 days. 7am till Late for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (All items also available for take away)
Location: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Phone: (07) 561 323 56
Website: http://www.theloosemoose.com.au
Copy: Camilla Jones
Photography: Marleigh Kelly
