December is already looking very good Gold Coasters, summer is here, it’s almost Christmas, 2021 isn’t far away and we get to frolic in our sparkly city, sipping frosty beers and exploring all the epic things going on here.

The latest of which, happily, is the opening of a brand new Miami brewery combining both said drinking of frosty beers AND exploring epic things.

It’s called Precinct Brewing Co. and it’s the work of The Imlach Group who, as you know, are the creators of SO MANY impressive local venues including Bine Beer Bar, Mr Hizola’s, Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, Nightjar, Nightcap and The Backyard Cafe.

They’re a busy lot but no rest for the wicked as they say and that absolutely works for us.

Precinct Brewing Co. can be found on Christine Avenue and if you’ve ventured down there lately, you’ll have seen the colourful, graffiti-covered entrance promising a world of good times within. As is the norm with anywhere that has the names Simone Tunbridge, Scott Imlach and Michael Craighead on it.

Not to mention Head Brewer Jeremy James, who has more experience brewing a tasty drop than any of us have drinking it – which is a lot because we all Gold Coasters.

But back to the venue. Once you’ve stepped through the doors you’ll be welcomed into a sleek, all white space with greenery dripping from up high, their signature art adorning one wall and an absolute slew of tanks brewing up some tasty treats.

Precinct features 12 taps and four direct-pour tanks behind the bar meaning there’ll be sixteen brews to taste and Jeremy has quite the penchant for unique tastes. Mango-flavoured Kettle Sour anyone? Yep.

For opening week, there’ll be four new beers and a few from local brewers to get things started PLUS all of the Mr Consistent cocktails, a range of local, sustainable vegan wines, Hard FIZZ Seltzer and local spirits. It’s pretty much the best selection of sips around and we are absolutely pumped.

Of course, there’s food to go with all those drinks and it’s delicious, as you’d expect.

There’s starters like Precinct Fried Chicken, Fried Crispy Zucchini and Wagyu Beef Bao. But we’ve tried and tested the gourmet pizzas, so share a Parma, Italian Pork Sausage or Capricciosa variety.

What more could you want? Nothing is what.

Precinct Brewing Co. opens Friday 4th December and you should definitely get down there.

LOCATION: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
HOURS: 11am until 10pm Monday to Thursday, 11am until midnight Friday, 12pm unil midnight Saturday and 12pm until 10pm Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba!

We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where, so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yo’self and yo’partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.

*Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned take place on Wednesday 14^th of February.

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Citrique
Treat your valentine (and yo’self, lbh) to a decadent five-course degustation dinner date, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and team of culinary experts. Accompanied by a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, tantalise your taste buds with Kingfish and ponzu pearls, Poached Lobster and caviar, Lobster fricassee, Roasted snow fish with beurre blanc sauce and salmon pearls, Wagyu flank steak and a decadent Chocolate mousse and praline dessert to finish. Prices start at $149 per person (level up with a $59 wine pairing). Find out more here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Oasis Shopping Centre
Roosevelt Lounge
Love is in the air at Roosevelt Lounge, and the eternal romantics are busting out all the stops – with an indulgent, four-course menu and optional wine pairing upgrade to really woo your boo, whilst the sounds of love ballads fill the air courtesy of live tunes by Teagan Mills. All wrapped up in the kind of sultry, speakeasy ambience that makes you want to cosy up and play footsies under the table like a couple’a loved up youngun’s.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Sofia’s Restaurant and Bar
If whispering sweet nothings over wine and woodfired pizza is your love language, then look no further than Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar this V-day. If there’s one thing the Europeans know how to do it’s romance, and Sofia’s has it in spades. A sophisticated, Euro-style gem lurking right in the heart of Broadbeach bedecked with crisp white tablecloths and dripping in trailing greenery – we suggest letting them take the lead with an expertly-crafted cocktail and curated, four-course menu experience for $110pp. Find out more here.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

The Star Gold Coast
The Star Gold Coast’s stellar array of eateries are channelling their inner Cupid to sprinkle your V-day with every type of decadence imaginable. From curated, tasting menu encounters backdropped by a twinkling GC skyline, romantic Italian-style feasting to feeding your lover chocolate-dipped fruits from the chocolate fountain at Harvest Buffet. Seriously?! Surely these options have been plucked straight from the pages of a romance novel.
Go here for all the salacious deets on The Star’s Valentine’s Day food offerings.

Azure Spa & Fitness
Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Relaxation Massage and a 45 minute Retreatment Botanic Express Nourishing Facial. Enjoy a glass of champagne post-treatment and a complimentary gift. $260 and available throughout February.

Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel and The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm. You’re guaranteed 20% off the Best Available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails. The offer is valid until 31^st May 2024.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Skypoint
Want to make your significant other’s heart skip a beat? Devouring a five-course degustation at the Gold Coast’s highest dining destination oughta do it (and if it doesn’t, we’re all out of ideas, just quietly). You’ll both be on cloud nine with an evening of live entertainment, wining and dining your way through flowing drinks, Beetroot and Ink gin cured trout and Ruby filled dark chocolate tart. Sorry, Casanovas – the Gold Package has sold out but never fear, the Silver Package is still available! At $134 per person it is the perfect place to romance your ride or die and soak up one of the best views on the Coast.
Where: SkyPoint Observation Deck, Level 77, Q1, Surfers Paradise

QT GOLD COAST
Bazaar
February 14 sees the return of the ‘Lover’s Feast’ at Bazaar Marketplace, serving up a lust-worthy twist on its decadent buffet experience. Get your aphrodisiac fix with oodles of Sydney rock oysters, trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, tossed salads, with some love-themed sweet treats and a flowing chocolate fountain. There’s also acoustic tunes, a love potion on arrival and even personalised chocolate love notes, from $109 per person, (with optional beverage package upgrade).

Twilight Cabana Dinner Under The Stars
LBH, Valentine’s Day in a cabana under the stars is romance 101. Spoil your QTie (get it?!) and cosy up with dinner for two à la luxury poolside cabana – including a glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Champagne on arrival, followed by savouring three delicious courses under the stars. Dream date alert! $320 for one cabana per couple.

Fixx Café
Grab your lover or skip the clichés and round up your squad for a Galentine’s get-together. $75 per person including coffee or tea, or $95 per person served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne or really splurge with a bottomless spritz package for $109 per person.

Yamagen
Romance is hot on the menu at Yamagen with an extravagant 8-course menu curated by Executive Chef, Adam Lane. Think Sashimi Tacos, House-Made Wagyu Gyozas, Kushiyaki lamb cutlets, Wagyu Beef Sirloin ms6+… ’nuff said. $125 per person.

Get A Room
The thought of an evening of fanciful feasting with your heart-throb got you feeling some kind of way? Oh, GET A ROOM, already! No, we mean literally ‘Get a room’, the month-long Valentine’s celebration at QT. Just spend the night in Feb and you go in the draw to win – not just your loved one’s affections, but the contents of the whole dang room… right down to the designer bed and fluffy robes. So, why not upgrade that dinner date to a pampery, poolside staycay.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Videre
For one wonderful (or should we say wine-derful) and whirlwind evening only, RACV Royal Pines pop-up restaurant, Videre, will open its doors in the name of love. The Valentine’s exclusive event, brings a set menu of Mumm Champagne dressed Oysters & Pearls and Confit Ocean Trout to the unique, sweeping vantage of Royal Pines’ 21st floor, with wine pairings and specialty cocktails also available. Nothing but the best for you, babe.
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Resort is throwing a luxurious and love-themed feast for the occasion, with a delightful 3-course menu, served within the lush surrounds and intimate ambience of The Green – for a very respectable $75 per person. Share in some creamy, Prawn Linguini (Lady and the Tramp style, of course) or mouth-watering Beef Tenderloin served with Potato gratin, followed by a Dessert Tasting Platter – a guaranteed way to win the complete adoration of any sweet lovers.
Where: 64 Palm Meadows Drive, Carrara

The Fireplace
Craving a rom-com vibing Valentine’s spent canoodling by the fire, but, y’know – in a Southern hemisphere friendly way? Enchant your valentine with an exquisite culinary showcase at The Fireplace, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. For $149pp, toast to your true love with a welcome glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, and delight in a degustation style evening featuring The Fireplace’s finest – such as Citrus cured kingfish and melt-in-your-mouth beef served three ways, surrounded by charred figs, roasted fennel, grilled zucchini and lemon myrtle jus. Be still, our beating hearts.
Where: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

eforea spa
Indulge in the language of love this February at eforea spa Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences. Choose a romantic couples’ escape or indulge in solo pampering with personalised spa packages. As an extra touch of luxury, relish a complimentary glass of sparkling wine post-treatment. Save 10-15% off couples and singles packages.
Where: Level 2, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences, 6 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise

voco
Craving some relaxed romance with your honey, this Valentine’s? Make a (dinner) date with Clifford’s Grill and Lounge, because love is in the air, baby! Opt to leave the choice in expert hands of Clifford’s cupid crew – cooking up an unforgettable, three-course feast, plus a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for just $89pp. Or, see where your cravings take you (straight to the dessert menu, LBH) with la carte menu also available on the night. For extra cute-points, finish it off with a moonlit saunter by the Surfer’s beachfront.. but hey, take our love advice at your peril.
Where: 31 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Sofitel Room81
Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom, as far as Sofitel Broadbeach’s resident French darling, Room81 is concerned this La Saint Valentin.  Sweep your ma chérie’s and chéri’s off their feet with a swoon-worthy, degustation dinner-date rendezvous – city of love style. Featuring five sumptuous courses of romantic French fare, including escargot, sabayon and spatchcock, whilst savouring a crisp bottle of Minuty M Rosé together. Not to mention, there’s also the luxuriously-appointed Superior Ocean View Rooms and Suites right upstairs, if after all that you’re in the mood… to make a night of it.
Where: 81 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

The Imperial Hotel
Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace, in case it’s been a while between rendezvous) has put together the pièce de résistance of staycay’s to share with your sweetheart. For the month of Feb, soak up some R&R in complete luxury, with complimentary welcome cocktails in the hotel bar (to kick start you into mini-holiday mode) combined with a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and decadent chocolates, buffet breakfast – and copious amounts of lagoon pool lazing – for you and your boo daily. They really have thought of everything – including an exotic, lychee-spiked Bath Bliss experience (and accompanying lychee martinis) to be enjoyed in the couples spa. Oooh-la-la.
Where: 94 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach

Soak Bathhouse
Come one, come all, for a heaven-sent celebration of love and luxury at Soak Bathhouse this Valentine’s. For a day where romance and relaxation intertwine, both locations in Mermaid Beach and West End will be dialling up the ambience with soothing live tune serenades (we’re imaging angels softly strumming harps) romantic decor, and candle-lit surrounds to bask in. Along with serenity on steroids, Soak Bathhouse is all about that equal opportunity indulgence – with a range of amenities and packages so everyone from the lovebirds to those flying solo can partake in a spot of self-care… so, assemble the Galentines, y’all.
Where: Shop 20, 2532/2540 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach

Dracula’s
If you’re looking for a saucy and scintillating way to spend your V-day with bae, why not shake things up with an extra spicy, Valentine’s edition of cabaret at Draculas. A night out that’s already known for its racy and raucous ways, the kinky Drac’s crew will no doubt be descending into all-out debauchery – promising an evening that will make hearts stop and panties drop, plus a complimentary G-string rose… to do with what you will *blushing intensifies*
Where: 1 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Elements of Byron
When it comes to Valentine’s, there’s nothing like spending a few satisfying hours with your one-and-only, luxuriating in course after course of mind-blowing morsels to dial the romance-o-meter up to max. And one recreation haven that’s no stranger to those adjectives, Elements of Byron is throwing an exquisite nine-course degustation dinner for the pinnacle of Valentine’s Day decadence. From $195, savour Carpaccio, Ceviche, Spring Vegetable Gnocchi with your significant other, and share in some Raspberry, Macadamia & White Chocolate and choc-dipped Strawberries to finish.
Where: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

First of all, yes we are experts and second of all, there’s nothing wrong with consuming an entire packet of Tim Tams while binging on Gossip Girl for the fifteenth night in a row (Mum said so).

But in case that’s not your jam (insert eye roll), and because we’re keen to widen our circle of single lady pals, here are a few things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re sans a significant other.

Dance, dance, dance
Not only is channeling your inner Beyoncé a fun way to work off those pesky Tim Tam calories, it also boosts the feel good vibes and gives you the perfect excuse to down an extra margarita or two (because seeya inhibitions). We recommend Retros Cocktail Lounge in Surfers for the old school beats and spacious d-floor.

Try all the foods
No, not Tim Tams (unless Cold Rock is involved then by all means). There’s something liberating about eating out alone and, with the ridiculous amount of five-star restaurants on the Coast, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you stay at home and order UberEATS every night. We recommend starting with Burleigh because a. good-looking people watching and b. Rosella’s, Iku, Nightjar, Jimmy Wah’s, Rabbath, Rick Shores, Lockwood Bar, etc.

Treat yo’self
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. Go solo or grab your girl gang and make a day of it. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the sophisticated, Moroccan chic vibes of The Bathhouse for massages and magnesium baths. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.

Get crafty
Making stuff is a good time. Unless it’s an intricate recipe that takes four hours to create, only to be devoured within four minutes. Anywho, crafts and the like are fun. The Craft Parlour in Miami run MANY workshops like intro to ceramics, macramé weaving, watercolour 101, all the creative things. Plenty of people sign up solo so we suggest you do the same and make a few new friends while you’re there.

Shop up a storm
Retail therapy is a thing y’all (experts on this topic too). Not that any of us need therapy (right!?) but new clothes are always a good idea and you’re gonna need ‘em for the dancing and the eating out solo. Pacific Fair is our pick for a splurge and Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre on a budget, unless you’re more of an online shopper then we definitely recommend supporting the many local brands around these parts.

Get fit
Or die trying. After you’ve bought all the pretty activewear, you might want to take up a new active hobby. How about hiking? Fresh air and fitness, it’s a combination for the ages. OR, join a random touch football team and expand your social circle while getting fit and having a good old laugh at how unfit you’ve become thanks to the irresistible allure of Netflix and Tim Tams.

Put a fork in us, we’re done. Admittedly, all that sounds pretty tiring, anyone got any good Netflix recommendations?

Words by Kirra Smith.