The first question on everyone’s lips when they get a glimpse of Broadbeach’s new bar is ‘who the heck is Marilyn?’ Well, she’s the good-time gal that will sip a martini at 10:00 am followed by a shot of whisky, she’s the elusive host that’s everywhere and nowhere all at once, she’s the one who – when you’re in her orbit – makes you a little bit more fun too – this is her bar. While Marilyn is indeed a fictional character, her spirit and narrative have underpinned every part of the story at her namesake Broadbeach watering hole. The masterminds behind the eccentric venue are Alex Marks and Rupert Critchley, who have both been in and around hospitality all over the world for the last 15 or so years. As fate would have it, Rupert (who also works as a cinematographer and filmmaker) had just returned from Mexico, at the exact same time as Alex (chef, whisky lover and award-winning cocktail creator) had also wound up on the Gold Coast after working at various high-end establishments around the world. Both feeling the niggle for something different, they decided that now was the ideal time to create something special. Based loosely on Hunter S. Thompson’s LSD-fuelled escapades chronicled in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Marilyn’s is designed to transport you back in time to the hedonistic heyday of Vegas with pink and mint-hued walls, a golden arched bar and plush velvet bar stools.

While Rupert took the reins on the design side of things, Alex curated the selection of sips and snacks. Flick through the photo-album menu and you’ll be greeted with a visual assortment of Spanish tapas that meander from light bites such as pickles, warm olives and freshly shucked oysters to more substantial bites of patatas bravas (Spanish fried potatoes), chorizo sausage stewed in cider and a cheesy quesadilla. As for the sips, the Watermelon Sugar (vodka, spiced watermelon, lime, whey) and Rupus Du Sol (vodka, hibiscus, strawberry, eucalyptus, coconut and sherry) have been early standouts. Alongside crafted cocktails, there’s a selection of sparkling, wines in a rainbow of colours plus a few non-alc options. Things at Marilyn’s are intended to change regularly and without warning, so best not to get too attached. One day you may visit and it’s Spanish tapas and crisp white wine, when the next time you visit it could be Italian, or something else entirely. The owners have big plans for the little space, including live music, chef takeovers and pop-up art galleries, so expect exciting things. Marilyn’s is creative, unexpected and utterly captivating.

Marilyn’s is now open! Skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.