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
We’re lucky on the GC. For many reasons (we could unpack this all day long…), one of which is our cracking events, entertainment and festivals scene which becomes more awesome every year. One of the highlights is the inaugural Blues on Broadbeach festival which never misses a riff or a beat. Now in its 21st year and kicking off Thursday 19th May going until Sunday 22nd May, the line-up is lit coz you only turn 21 once AMIRITE?
With headline acts like James Morrison accompanied by his band in The James Morrison Motown Experience, Robben Ford, Karise Eden, Osaka Monaurail and Mia Dyson just to name a few, the festival is coming out swinging – quite literally! Both local parks and fave eats and entertainment spots are playing host to 12 stages, including the new addition of Federation Park, a hop skip and a jump from some jazztastic watering holes and eateries.
Speaking of, here’s a list of places to grab a bevvie and a bite whilst you listen to the smooth sounds and absorb the unforgettably cool atmosphere and vibrancy of this iconic festival. So get your crooner on and get down there!
Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
It’s the perfect place for a stage and Blues on Broadbeach know it! With oodles of space and the picturesque Kurrawa Beach right next door, live music in this setting just sounds better! If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed, or an hourly festival cocktail, The Oasis Shopping Centre’s hot spots have you covered. The likes of Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar, Spice Kitchen & Bar and The Roosevelt Lounge are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Victoria Park Stage
Gemelli Broadbeach
A perfect place to take in the many genres of Blues dropping in Victoria Park is the Italian Stallion of GC restaurants, the rustic Gemelli Broadbeach. With products imported from Italy infused with locally sourced seafood and meat, the menu is the real deal. Their wine list is also off the charts, awarded “One Glass” by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and who doesn’t love a fancy wine with their tunes?
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Federation Park Stage
The Vault Bar & Tapas
If it’s upscale ‘saxy’ tapas eats and drinks you want to get you all jazzed up, The Vault Bar & Tapas is a no-brainer. With its curated selection of high-end whiskies, cognacs and rums, and specialty cocktails, you won’t know what to drink first. Its relaxed yet sophisticated feels mixed with the opulent black, glossy and art deco fit-out suits the Blues on Broadbeach vibe to a tee.
Where: Shop 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Surf Parade Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
With a name like Unicorn Seafood Restaurant, Captain Obvious has spoken and declared this new Mediterranean seafood-infused restaurant o-fish-ally worthy of Blues Festival hangs. Boasting an all-day menu including a seafood platter to die for, why wouldn’t you?! Set in a space rich in relaxing blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
Oracle Boulevard Stage
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
With awards up the wazoo, Mamasan Kitchen & Bar’s traditional and modern South East Asian chow will give you sustenance to bust many-a-move! Shining the spotlight on the popular share food philosophy, the authentic flavours have earned local street-cred and not just critical acclaim. The zesty Asian-inspired cocktails are all the motivation we need and side note: they also serve up a mean Sake.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Den Devine Stage
It’s the home of jazz and blues so duh, naturally it was the logical choice for a Blues on Broady stage provider! 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
The Envy Hotel Stage
I mean, who hasn’t had a meal, snack, drink and boogie at this place? With the recent addition of Cocktails & Keys Duelling Piano Bar, is it not the perfect location for a Blues on Broadbeach stage?! (Rhetorical question.) Opening up on to the Broadbeach Mall, there is atmosphere for days. It’s a popular stop on the Broady entertainment map for a reason.
Where: Niecon Plaza, 17 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis (Level One) Stage
Madison’s Café & Patisserie
We reckon long-time fave Madison’s Café & Patisserie on the ground level is an ideal spot for a festival caffeine hit, sugar fix, feed, or glass of vino. Their blow-ya-mind cakes are an institution on the GC, and the hospitality here is second-to-none. Always excellent for people-watching, just add the sweet sounds of live rhythm and blues and voila, it’s perfection.
Where: Level 1, The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose Stage
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 also now the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their own special Blues on Broady stage! Plus, should you find yourself depleted after bopping away all day/night long, there really is no better place to refuel and grab a well-deserved drink.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
The hub for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis is also one of the music hubs for the festival! 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
The Lucky Squire Stage
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 2 and 2 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, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting a stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up fun factor when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.
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
