Brezel, Varsity Lakes: If you find yourself hanging out for Oktoberfest, not (just) for the steins but so you can devour your bodyweight in German pretzels (we see you), go ahead and get very excited for Brezel. The Varsity Lakes-based German-style bakery will specialise in authentic rye bread, rolls, German pastries, cakes, and other such niceties. The drool-inducing bakery is expected to open at the end of May and we’ll have all of the tasty details for you oh-so-soon. If you simply cannot wait, follow Brezel on Instagram and prepare to drool.

RaRa Ramen, Burleigh Heads: Sydneysiders are already familiar with RaRa Ramen with locations at Redfern and Randwick as well as the plant-based Lonely Mouth in Newtown and Rara Chan in Eveleigh. For the first time ever, owners Scott Gault and Katie Shortland are venturing north and bringing their signature house-made noodles to beautiful Burleigh Heads! Alongside its signature ramen, the new venue is expected to feature a cocktail bar for highballs and sours paired with bar snacks, as well as a couple of vegan dishes and a Tokyo-style chintan (clear soup). Rara Ramen in Burleigh Heads is anticipated to open in May 2021 – just in time for peak ramen slurping season.

Harris Farm Markets, Isle of Capri: In news that will thrill local-produce fans, the family-owned and operated Harris Farm Markets has (finally) announced its first store on the Gold Coast – hooray! The famed local produce and grocery market will open at Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri, in coming months and will showcase fruit and veg from over 320 Queensland growers as well as a gourmet grocery section of boutique local products, an extensive deli and offering of more than 200 cheeses, a bakery section with the best breads from sourdough to brioche, and a premium meat selection. We’re salivating already!

The Bathhouse at Ground, Currumbin: Whether you’re partial to pampering or just need some time to unwind and relax, friends, you will love this one. Get ready to bliss out at this tranquil space in Currumbin’s The Ecovillage, which is due to open in May. From infrared saunas nestled in secluded outdoor spaces to bathhouse treatments and mineral plunge pool soaks, The Bathhouse at Ground is set to be the ultimate sanctuary nestled in the Valley.

Stone & Wood Brewery, Murwillumbah: Beer lovers, this one’s for you – Stone & Wood has unveiled plans for a mammoth $50 million new brewing facility situated in the Nothern Rivers. The 34,000 square metre site overlooks the mighty Wollumbin (Mt Warning) and will eventually be home to a 200 hectolitre fully automated brewhouse that includes a visitor’s centre where you’ll be able to sip from the source. Construction of the brewery is scheduled to take approximately two years, so you’ve got a while to wait but in the interim, you can still pop in to Stone & Wood’s Byron Bay and Brisbane breweries.

In case you missed it …

Palette, Surfers Paradise: Feelin’ fancy? You’l love the cut of Palette’s jib. Set to open in coming weeks, Palette will form part of HOTA Gallery’s dining offering and focus firmly on delivering an elevated dining experience. The menu will feature sophisticated flavours paired perfectly with curated cocktails – what more could you need?

The Exhibitionist Bar, Surfers Paradise: If you’re partial to a champagne at sunset whilst soaking in spectacular city-wide views, get excited for The Exhibitionist Bar, which is set to open at HOTA in May. The brand-new rooftop bar and dining venue will be located on level five of the HOTA Gallery and will be centred around a sophisticated tapas-style bar menu with specialty sips including crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, house-made sodas and local craft beer. Suffice to say, we’re excited.

Chinderella, Chinderah: If you spend more time than you care to admit drooling over Bam Bam’s baked goods and crushing on Custard’s tarts, we have some very exciting news … the legends behind your favourite sweet-treat dispensaries have been quietly working on a casual outdoor coffee-and-doughnut spot in the heart of Chinderah. It’s called Chinderella, and it’s the fun, cute little sister to Cubby and oh boy, we’re excited. The crew is being tight-lipped on the delicious details however you can guarantee we’ll bring you all of the tasty tidbits as they come to light. Check out Chinderella’s ‘gram for a glimpse of the goods.

Do you have a hot tip on a fresh new opening? Give us a shout at [email protected]