Olé! Spanish tapas and vermouth bar 1927 opens in the heart of Broadbeach
Picture this – sinking into a chair, sipping a glass of vermouth (served neat, of course), the aroma of croquettes and sizzling chorizo fill the air as you tap your foot to a subtle flamenco beat and gaze aimlessly at the passers-by. Now if you think we’re talking about Spain, you’re both right and wrong. Yes, this is the kind of vibe you’d find in Spain’s foodie hubs, but we’re actually talking about what it’s like to sit at the Gold Coast’s first Spanish-style vermouth bar, called 1927, which opened its doors in the heart of Broadbeach this week.
The space formerly occupied by Franc’s Wine & Deli underneath The Oasis Shopping Centre has undergone an extensive re-fit to create an authentic Spanish atmosphere, befitting with the venue’s unique 1920s-style. The all-new 1927 vermouth and tapas bar has been themed on Spain’s ‘Generation of ’27’, which was an influential group of poets and writers that arose in Spanish literacy circles between 1923 and 1927. Contrasting black, white and timber keep the styling true to theme, with decorative hand-made cornices, oversized skirting and hand-painted black and white patterned tiles. Owner Steven Dark, a well-travelled veteran of the hospitality and gaming industry with a passion for literature, set out to create a space where people could enjoy tapas, wine and cocktails, or sit and enjoy a coffee and cake, all under one roof. Yes, it’s a vermouth and tapas bar, but the vibe and fit-out makes it most welcoming to sit and sip a mid-morning espresso, read a book and enjoy a sweet treat … the burnt vanilla custard with deep-fried bay leaves will do just fine.
Whist the ‘Generation of 27’ did a lot of writing, they also did a lot of drinking – so if you’re up for a drop, then say ‘salud’ with a wide range of Australian, Spanish and international vermouths, served over ice or neat, plus vermouth cocktails alongside an extensive bottle list. The tapas menu has been developed with Spanish and Mediterranean influences, with smaller plates like marinated olives with a shot of Mauro Vergano vermouth, serrano ham croquettes with mortadella mousse, and sweet red piquillo peppers stuffed with char-grilled baby octopus paella. Larger plates feature dishes like a whole lamb shoulder with spicy chorizo and red jalapeno pesto, char-grilled West Australian octopus served atop potato mash with fennel, lemon and olive aioli, and green-lipped mussels with Mount Cook salmon cooked in white vermouth with spicy chorizo. There’s also more casual eats like baguettes, Spanish salads and even a hearty barbecued swordfish burger with herreno cheese, grilled jalapenos and lime labneh. Pull up a stool at the bar, have a read of one of the famous Spanish novels on display, get a nip vermouth in your hand and soak up the 1920s vibe.
For opening hours, head over to our Stumble Guide.
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