Broadbeach is now the new Melbourne.
Broadbeach is now the new Melbourne.
In a very Melbourne-esque move, two local lads will on Monday August 28th open a hole-in-the-wall takeaway café, that’s set to bring a whole new vibe to Broadbeach.
Located next to Envy Hotel, HAND Coffee will be serving up your favourite morning beverage made with Industry Beans Coffee, a Fitzroy roasting house that has never before graced our Gold Coast shores.
Luke Dempsey-Ceh and Mitch Kavic, both of whom have done the rounds of many of your favourite local cafes, went on a taste testing mission to Australia’s home of coffee and cool kids (tough gig hey) and brought home the best of the best, and something a little bit different, for your drinking pleasure.
Their venture came about when they realised Broadbeach is somewhat lacking when it comes to specialty coffee, particularly in the Broadbeach Mall.
They were made aware of the unique space, previously a florist, and jumped at the opportunity to combine their experience and set up shop under some stairs.
The name HAND, because we know you’re curious creatures, stands for Have A Nice Day, which you will, once you sample the sweet toffee apple tastes that are sure to flood your tastebuds upon first sip.
You’ll also be able to grab yourself a jaffle, some banana bread and protein balls for a snack on the go once things are up and running.
There’ll be a seating area in the coming months and no doubt plenty of good vibes from Broadbeach folk who love a quality cup of joe.
LOCATION: Shop 1A, Niecon Tower, Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
HOURS: Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Nestled amongst the Broadbeach strip on Albert Ave you can find yourself a little bit of Italy, a little piece of France and a side of the Tuscan Hills. Twist On Broady is offering up quality Gold Coast produce with European finesse.
A quirky bar and smart restaurant surrounded by warm hues and soft lighting make for the perfect dinner setting. The impressive menu will be a favourite for seafood lovers with dishes like Victorian Black Mussels in light tomato white wine broth with hint of chilli and fresh herbs, served with crusty ciabatta bread, Harvey Bay Scallops, gratinated with Tarragon & Tomato Butter or Grilled fillet of Barramundi topped with crushed macadamia nuts and shredded coconut, served on a prawn & coriander risotto, with a coconut curry broth moat.
For the meat lovers a selection of Eye Fillet Steaks, Lamb Rack, Pork Belly and Chicken Breast. Pasta enthusiasts a mouth watering selection of Ravioli’s, Linguini’s and Risottos. All of which can be accompanied by a sultry red, a fruity white or perfectly paired bubbles. The staff are enthusiastic and educated, matching the perfect wines with your meal.
Twist on Broady, the perfect place to indulge in finer foods and fantastic service.
Tuesday – Thursday 5pm – late
Friday 12pm – late
Saturday – Sunday 7am – late
Shop 11, 23 Albert Ave, Broadbeach
By Amy Merridan
It’s almost a rite of passage of our youth, sloshing (stumbling) around in muddy fields for days on end, the never ending festival queues and lost mates. So what do you do when your love of live music remains but the mere thought of that sentence makes you feel like a nap, and your mud tolerance left right around the same time the bottle-o stopped asking you for ID? Well, *drumroll pls* because our beloved Blues on Broadbeach, is swooning and crooning its way back to us for its 24th year!
One of Australia’s largest free music events, this year the beachside fest that never misses a beat will transform Broadbeach from Thursday 15th May until Sunday 18th. And after striking a chord among music lovers for some two decades now, this GC institution sure knows a thing or tune about showing us a blue-dy good time!
Set to take the stage over four funk-filled days, this year’s line-up is jam-packed with headline acts including Aussie rock legends The Cruel Sea, guitar-slinging powerhouse Diesel, soulful sister duo Vika & Linda, and electrifying American bluesman Eric Gales.
With gigs going down across 17 of Broady’s finest venues and stages, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling the ultimate guide to the best spots at which to grab bevvy and bite while you soak up the best of the ‘Fest.
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
If you’re revelling in or around the Kurrawa beachfront and find yourself in need of a refuel, The Oasis Shopping Centre is going to be your jam for all things delish and refreshing. Though it may be the most convenient pit stop to the Kurrawa Park Stage, you’re certainly not compromising on choice or caliber when it comes to dining options. If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed or bevvy – the likes of Elk Espresso, Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar and Grand Dynasty are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Nude Amigos
Perched right by all the Victoria Park stage action, this Mexican eatery and margarita bar is the perfect venue to sit back with a cocktail, treat the tastebuds and drink in those live tunes. Fresh, local produce takes centre stage for the entire lineup of enticing eats – in the form of next-level authentic Mexican fare. The menu ranges from bites that will perfectly pair with any of the signature margi’s, to a full blown banquet option – top it off with the toe-tapping sounds of some world-class acts and you’re in for a wine-derful time.
Where: Lot 1, 70 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Vida Broadbeach
If you’re frolicking in the vicinity of the Federation Park Stage and feeling a little famished – our suggestion is to head to Vida Seafood without delay. This dapper crowd favourite has well and truly found its groove – serving up elevated seafood, Mediterranean flavours and crafted sips, all wrapped in seriously good looks. If festivities fuelled by Chilli King Prawns and Seafood Linguine are wrong, we don’t want to be right.
Where: 95 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Ciccio’s Pizza & Gelato
Hanging near the Surf Parade Stage with a craving only carbs can cure? Make a beeline for Ciccio’s Pizza & Gelato – where the vibes are Italian, the dough is dreamy, and the pizza game is next level. With over 30 wood-fired wonders to choose from (hello, Purple Rain), plus dessert pizzas topped with gelato, this place is basically a food festival of its own. Buon appetito, baby.
Where: East Tower The Phoenician Building, Shop 10/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
kōst Bar & Grill
This contemporary bar & grill concept, boasting one of the city’s only charcoal wood-fire grills, has redefined the way we meet and eat in Broadbeach. Luring us in with the hypnotising aroma of flame-grilled food and an equally enticing facade kōst Bar & Grill has a front row seat to all the action on Oracle Boulevard.
Treat yourself to everything from boujee ‘bar snacks’ like coal roasted potato, labne, smoked roe, through to the roll of the moment, bay lobster roll, gem lettuce, kōst signature sauce, and the premium Australian wood-fired lobster where 24 hours notice is required #worththewait.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
It’s Broadbeach’s 365 home of jazz and blues – so it’s only fair that Den Devine should get its own dedicated Blues on Broady stage! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
Harajuku Gyoza
Gyoza load of all the festival action, then hop on over to Broady’s very own beer stadium and dumpling bar, Harajuku Gyoza to top up the tank. It’s dinner and a show x2, since you also get to watch the chefs prep goodies through the kitchen’s open glass windows. There’s also an array of Japanese-inspired cocktails and craft beer on tap – aaah, that should put the pep back in our step after all those questionable dance moves (… just us?).
Where: 2/26 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat, and the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their very own stage – some might say it’s a real Blues on Broady ‘moose-t do’! A tap house with a prohibition themed twist, the vibes here are always immaculate – one of the best if you’re looking to grab a well-deserved drink after bopping away all day/night long.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
A stalwart watering hole for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis – The Broadbeach also gets the honours of being one of the official music hubs for the festival, as is good and proper! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven, so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put two and two together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub across two epic levels, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
If your ideal Blues on Broadbeach experience includes ocean breezes, ice-cold cocktails and a killer kingfish sashimi, Cora, within The Beach Hotel Broadbeach is where you want to be. This coastal gem is serving up serious style with fresh, ocean-inspired eats by Executive Chef Tapos Singha (think Negroni sashimi and Singapore chilli mussels), plus live music during the festival. Tuck into share-style plates, sip something crisp and soak up the atmosphere – the vibes are high and the flavour’s even higher.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen & Belinda Symons
There are some things in life that must be seen to be believed and what we’re about to share with you is one of those. You’ve no doubt noticed quite a bit of work going on in the middle of Broadbeach of late and, just in time for summer, the reason for that ruckus has been unveiled.
The Broadbeach recently emerged like a phoenix from the ashes of what was once much-loved drinking hole, Broadbeach Tavern (aka Liars Bar), in prime position at The Oasis Shopping Centre.
A familiar phrase that’s slung around when Broadbeach Tav is mentioned is “oh I’ve had some good nights there in my time”, and it’s true, there has indeed been many a good time had at the Broady Tav.
Which is something that will certainly continue, only now with more of a bright, summer holiday, take-the-kids-along-for-a-wholesome-family-dinner vibe. It’s a mind blowing transformation so let’s unpack it shall we.
First of all, it’s the perfect addition to the beachside centre and will no doubt be buzzing every day and night for the rest of time so hats off to the team. It’s due in large part to the oceany, good time feels they’ve managed to create with a spacious deck, lots of natural light, white exposed brick tables and the bar itself, wooden accents and fun feature tiles, plants hanging from the ceiling and pillars that both hold up the ceiling and are painted with tropical animals and jungle-type scenes. So many pretty things.
It’s open and airy and there are fresh flowers everywhere and it’s very much the new summer hangout of your dreams.
Of course, the menu has a whole new lease on life too and it’s exactly what you’ll want after a long day on the beach or to accompany an afternoon of tasty beverages on the deck with the crew.
There are plenty of share plates and starters including Beef Ragu and Mozzarella Arancini and Charcuterie Boards, which are two of our favourites things on Earth.
If you’re after something more substantial, that’s a-okay, there are plenty of delicious pizza and pasta options plus your favourite bar meal situations in the form of Taco Bowls, big old burgers, fish and chips and the like.
We would also HIGHLY recommend the Fig, Haloumi and Walnut salad because that is a combination for the ages.
The very best thing though is something known as the The Broadie Board which is made up of many tasty treats including Calamari, kaarage chicken (love you), arancini balls, baked brie, Amalfi prawns, oyster shooters, flatbread and dips. So all the best ones.
The dance floor is being prepped and will open in three weeks so you’ll have everything you need, right in the one sweet little space.
Props Broady Tav, it was lovely knowing you but The Broadbeach is where it’s at.
LOCATION: Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
HOURS: 10am until 5am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
