Miami is quickly becoming a thriving little cultural hub known for its all-inclusive community vibes, a couple of exceptional eateries, a five-star gin distillery and plenty of creativity thrown in for good measure.

Now we can add a hidden laneway bar to the list thanks to the opening of The Hidden Cherub on Lemana Lane. Find it in the building where Heartfill Store also lives.

Boasting a laidback neighbourhood feel perfect for Friday after work drinks or a weekend sip fest, the new venue is decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look, greenery dripping from the walls and black and white striped bench seating. Sit inside if you’re keen to hide away from the world or outside in the laneway should the weather permit sometime soon.

The bar is the main event at The Hidden Cherub and there are plenty of tipples to keep you entertained.

Starting with cocktails of course. Classic sips like Mojitos (three ways), Margaritas, Spritzes, Martinis, Old Fashioned’s and the like are on offer so all your needs are covered there.

Then there are the signature sips and you can expect treats like The Cherubs Cloud with vodka, elderflower liqueur, strawberries and apple juice, the Lil Frankie with tequila, mango chilli and lime and The Angeles with gin, Chambord, grapefruit juice, lemon and bitters.

You may also treat yourself to a dessert cocktail like Honeycomb Heaven with vodka, butterscotch, coconut cream and chocolate powder.

There’s a selection of local craft beers on tap and in a can variety and a few wines too.

Eats-wise there’s a packed menu filled with share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides.

Seasoned Charred Corn with cheese sauce, cashew parmesan and lime aioli, Crispy Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls and Mozarella Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers are a few of the dishes on offer.

In terms of burgers there’s a Spicy Southern, The Hawaiian and The Classic and tacos come in combos like Tempura Avocado, Chipotle Chicken and Three Bean.

Oh and all the eats are plant-based.

Sunday’s are live music day and happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday with $10 cocktails, $7 schooners, $4 pots and $5 basics.

So that’s what’s up in Miami friends, pop in and experience the collective goodness for yourself some time. There’s a bit on.

LOCATION: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
HOURS: From 12pm until late Friday to Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

There are very few good things we Gold Coasters do not have within our beloved beachside city. Particularly since our dining and drinking scenes have absolutely exploded with beachside bars, world-class eateries and hidden gems created by locals who are as passionate about such things as we are. It’s been a good time.

If there was one thing that was missing though, it was a perfectly put together alleyway bar with lowset seating under the stars that glows under the rays of the setting sun. Specific but true.

That particular good time is missing no longer though friends. Fig + Frankie’s opened their pretty peach doors in the last few days and it is all that and much, much more.

The newbie can found in Broadbeach down a little alleyway (next to Cha Cha’s) we had no idea existed and bringing a sweet, sophisticated new vibe to the bustling suburb.

It’s an intimate, 45-seat space all peachy pinks and whites, cactus accents and a beautiful, lightweight concrete bar. A window swings open to the alleyway outside and you may sit at said bar, in the one interior booth or outside under strings of fairy lights (and of course, the sparkly stars). It’s a magical little fitout and you’re gonna love it.

Now let’s discuss the cocktail menu because it’s one of our new favourites and we’re fairly sure it’s going to be one of yours too.

Drinks are numbered rather than named and each is absolutel perfection to be honest. We particularly loved Number One (aptly named) because it is made up of MAC by Brookies, clarified green apple and house lemonade and we cannot overstate the tastiest enough. We were also big fans of Number Two with Johnny Walker Gold Label whisky, sherry caramel and cascara verjuice.

We’ll stop because surprises are fun but they’re all mind-blowing so prepare to sample a few.

Eats-wise it’s a share plate-style situation but not as you know it.

Think Fig’s on Toast with homemade fig paste, whipped ricotta, truffle honey and fresh herbs on rye bread. Who even thinks of that but WOW what a treat.

There’s also Truffle Honey + Haloumi which is basically the of the love of our lives (haloumi) with rosemary salt that you dip in truffle honey. Life changer.

The Lemon and Paprika Hommus is exceptional too, it all is.

So who’s behind all this magic? It’s the work of four people and two pets; Euan and Bella Lovell, Tom and Sammy Angel, Fig the cat and Frankie the dog and they’re all five-star venue creating geniuses. Except Fig and Frankie, they’re just cute little namesakes.

Anyway, it’s not often venues of this calibre come along Gold Coasters, Fig + Frankie’s is one not to be missed.

Go tonight.

LOCATION: 2707 Gold Coast Hwy, Braodbeach
HOURS: 4pm until 12am Thursday to Monday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

Exciting news for all you theatre cabaret lovers, Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant launched their brand new show just a few short weeks ago and the creepy crew are back at it again.

The newbie titled Muertos; which means dead in Spanish and the latest carnival de carnage is set to be a wild celebration that absolutely explodes on the Broadbeach stage.

It’s a tribute to Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, moving at the bone-rattling pace you’ve come to know and love from Australia’s long running dinner slash theatre show.

There’s carnival-inspired acts, death-defying aerial acrobatics, live tunes from the clever crew and of course, the hilarious brand of comedy only Dracula’s can provide.

Muertos is all vibrant colours and hip-gyrating flamenco meshed with high energy Latin dance. Add dancing skeletons, galloping corpses, rocktacular live music, big wigs and lots of bare skin and you’ve got quite the time.

The Mexican theme has crept into every part of the iconic venue, including the menu, wine list and décor. How good.

Delivering the ultimate entertainment and live music experience, the show appears across five stages, as well as mid-air above the audience.

The talented cast lineup features crowd favourite, Coco Inia Dewar, renowned acrobatic adagio duo Lauren Skapalova and Bray Garcia, señorita deliciosas Amber Dawn-Finch and Sarah Douch, backed by the amazing live music talents of Viola Skyes and Tomi Gray.

For the uninitiated, Dracula’s is a world of nocturnal decadence, with mouth-watering dinner treats and tequila laced cocktails – presented by waiters with unrestrained lip-service.

Plus there’s a ghost train ride that’ll get you every time.

Packages start $59 per person for supper club, show only tickets with optional tapas menu, or $95 per person for a succulent three-course dinner and show experience.

Get on it.

LOCATION: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach
WHEN: Five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday