After what feels like a particularly frosty winter, we're starting to get our first glimmers that spring is on its way. In news that is guaranteed to have you yearning for sun-drenched afternoons sipping cocktails, Surfers Paradise is set to score a brand-new rooftop watering hole called Lulu. Here's what we know so far ... more
While we absolutely cannot hit Mariah Carey's high notes, we sure do love a good karaoke session here at The Weekend Edition. If you're one to belt out a Whitney classic or you can nail the intro 'Lose Yourself' better than Eminem himself (um, we should be friends) then perhaps it's time to gather the crew for a night on the mics. We thought we'd give you a gentle nudge with a handy list of top karaoke spots on the Gold Coast. more
Since its inception in 2015, Distillery Road Market (DRM) has been revitalising an enormous 17000-sqm site at Eagleby – half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast – with the vision of creating a world-class food and entertainment destination. This week, the precinct will unveil one of its most significant chapters yet, The F.E.D. Here's everything you need to know ... more
Ah, happy hour. There’s nothing like a little tipple at the end of the day to make us feel like a job well done. The Italians not just invented happy hour, but perfected it with an aperitivo: a glass of your favourite drink for a pre-dinner perk up. Now there’s a new small-batch distillery in Tamborine Mountain embracing the Italian spirit, in particular, the amaro spirit, and giving it a true Aussie taste. Here’s everything you need to know … more
Winter may be here, but the Gold Coast's dining scene is showing no signs of cooling off. In fact, it's only getting hotter! This year has been a whirlwind of exciting new nosheries, watering holes and local haunts. Before we blink and it's Christmas, we thought we'd recap on some of our favourite new openings from May (and a couple from June) ... more
A drop of the vino, a splash of the sauce. There’s little more pleasant than sitting back with a glass of the good stuff, particularly if you can bask in the ambience of a fine wine bar while you do so. The Gold Coast has been developing a quietly prodigious wine bar scene, with tipples to suit all tastes from natural and biodynamic newcomers, classic old-world wines and local legends. If you’re pining for some quality plonk, look no further than our list of some of Gold Coast’s best wine bars. more
As much as we enjoy endless summer days, there's something equally as exciting about the prospect of sipping red wine by the fire. It's one of the true joys of the season. Although it's not technically winter yet, Carafe Wine in Southport is setting the scene for cooler nights with a brand-new small plate menu that is perfect for chilly evenings. Think sizzling skillets of baked camembert flavoured with confit garlic, chilli, rosemary and a drizzle of hot honey, alongside woodfired pizza and moreish meatballs. Here's everything you need to know about the new culinary offering ... more
If you ask us, your holiday begins as soon as you get to the airport, go through security and enter that illustrious limbo where a feeling of calm floats over. Time is irrelevant and ordinary rules (such as a wine after midday) are thrown out the window. With Gold Coast Airport’s multimillion-dollar transformation, jetsetters can embrace this time between check-in and take-off by indulging in the new bars and restaurants. We’ve rounded up all of the new spots where you can wine and dine before you fly. more
If you've not yet heard of Sunny Days Distillery, you're about to. The star-studded team is on a mission to change the way vodka is viewed in Australia and is set to open the doors to a sizeable new sip spot in Burleigh Heads. Here's everything you need to know ... more
Seeing double is normally a sign you need to make a hasty exit for home, but in the case of Surfers Paradise's brand-new immersive bar experience, that's all part of the fun. Mirror Bar is being hailed the 'first of its kind' where the entire venue – including the floor, ceiling, walls and even the bar itself – are all made of mirrors. If you're up for a little self reflection, read on ... more
Almost four years in the making, the eagerly anticipated Kirra Beach House opened its doors in early December, much to the delight of enthusiastic locals. The beautiful beach-fronting venue quickly became the perch for long lunches, sundowners and events. Now, as the summer officially draws to a close and holiday crowds have dispersed, the iconic venue has launched a brand-new offering called The Restaurant, which will open to the public on Thursday March 7. Here's what we know so far ... more
Where the river meets the sea – Brunswick Heads has the best of both worlds, so you don’t have to choose between spending your weekend on the beach or by the river, you can do both. With everything in one spot there’s no need to leave, and you won’t want to once you’ve tried these coastal town eats. more
For a long time, the Eagleby stretch between Brisbane and the Gold Coast didn’t offer much that would inspire one to veer off the Pacific Motorway. That all changed in 2015 when Distillery Road Market arrived – heralding the beginning of a new food and entertainment precinct centred around community and connection. The most recent addition to the precinct has been unveiled and it’s no small feat – the $6-million, one-million-litre capacity lager brewery, Perentie Brewing Co. Lager lovers, this one's for you. more
Nobby Beach has been quite the hive of activity of late. The latest to steal the spotlight is Zephyr Tapas & Bar, on the corner of Lavarack Road and the Gold Coast Highway. The venue has unveiled an eye-catching Moroccan-inspired renovation that has imbued the establishment with Mediterranean charm and sophistication. The glow-up also extends to the menu and cocktail list. Read on for all of the delicious details ... more
When it comes to savouring a delicious cold drink, the atmosphere can make or break your experience – and the cool breezes and sun-kissed vibes of rooftop bars can’t be beaten. These clever spots have tapped into the fact that the coast’s weather is poppin’ practically all year, utilising stunning outdoor spaces (and views) to make your drinking experience that much better. Pop on that SPF, bust out your breeziest linen ensemble and soak up this list of the best rooftop bars on the Gold Coast. more
The Gold Coast's bar scene welcomed a diverse crop of newcomers this year, from multi-million-dollar distilleries to booze-free breweries. Let's raise a glass to the Class of 2023, offering up our picks for the year’s best new wine bars, boozers and cocktail spots. more
Much like peanut butter and jelly, cherry and cola is one of those flavour combinations that just makes sense. For years, cherry cola has been a favourite for millions of soda drinkers worldwide. Now, two best mates on the Gold Coast are revolutionising the way we enjoy cherry cola-flavoured drinks with a new boozy amaretto and cola ready-to-drink beverage. Looking for a tasty tipple to bring to your next summer soiree? This is it. more
As we edge ever closer to the weekend, a peculiar thing happens. Phones start to buzz with the possibility of plans in their infancy and we begin to daydream about sipping delightfully chilled beverages. If that sounds like your current predicament, we have some excellent news – there is a brand-new contender for summer sundowners, it's called Six-Tricks Distilling Co. and here's everything you need to know about this mighty impressive new sip spot ... more
Picture this – a cool ocean breeze, laid-back vibes and a menu filled with mouth-watering bites and refreshing drinks, this is Bruce. Nestled along Pacific Parade in Currumbin, the relaxed neighbourhood noshery is the handiwork of Elizabeth Ennis (Barefoot Currumbin and Barefoot Palm Beach) and has been winning over southern Gold Coast locals with its trifecta of brews, chews and that unmistakable Currumbin view since opening in March. Here's everything you need to know about Bruce ... more
While some might associate Surfers Paradise with the Slingshot, Schoolies and late-night revelry that we'd rather forget, locals know a different Surfers. One that hosts a tight-knit community of friendly faces, avid beachgoers and coffee lovers. These are the people who can sniff out a top-notch quality brew, and most of the time this innate ability leads them to Stairwell Coffee, a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in the heart of Surfers Paradise. This pint-sized piccolo maker has just extended its operations by launching The Well, a snug evening-only cocktail and coffee spot. more
