After earning her stripes across Brisbane’s hospitality scene, Hannah Hughes set her sights on bringing her own bar to life down on the Gold Coast. Setting up a venue from scratch is a costly venture, so instead of building from the ground up, Hannah struck a deal with a local cafe to share the space after hours. So, by day it’s Addiction Food and Coffee House – then at 4:00 pm (Thursday to Sunday), the lights are dimmed, candles are lit, and a small roller door at the rear of the venue opens to transform the space into Brucie’s Gin & Wine Bar. For those wondering – yes, Brucie will be out the front to greet you.

Australian gin and wine shine bright here, reflecting the venue’s focus on provenance across both its drinks and snacks menus. On the gin list there’s local names like Granddad Jack’s, Brookie’s and Ink Gin, as well as interstate sips like Tasmania’s Sheep Whey Gin, South Australia’s 23rd Street and Sydney’s Poor Toms. You’ll also find an extensive collection of cocktails, with classics like southsides, whisky sours and martinis each given a new-age spin. The cellar list gives a nod to Australia’s natural-wine movement, with drops from the likes of Shobbrook Wines, Delinquente and Gentle Folk on pour by the glass. Prefer a tinnie? There’s a tight list of craft brews, ginger beers and boozy pea-blossom lemonades to crack open. Brucie’s also serves a series of grazing boards, brimming with all-local produce like hard and soft artisan cheeses, cured meats and breads. Everything you see on the platters, from the seeded crackers and the slabs of honeycomb to the olive oil, the fresh fruit, the marinated vegetables, freshly baked baguettes and the dukkah, is sourced from the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales. The best part? You don’t have to leave your pup at home – Brucie’s is dog friendly!

Keen to check it out? Head over to the Stumble Guide for opening hours, address and contact details.