How good is making new friends in a sweet, good time space while pretending to work but really just watching animal docos? So good, gang.
In an (un)surprising turn of events, you can now do all of those things at the Coast’s sweet new co-working and events space in the suburb that may just be our new fave – Miami.
The gist is this. Lemana Lane is a kind of urban, cool kids paradise that was once only home to mechanics and warehouses hording who knows what. Now though, it’s a place you definitely want to be, what with the recent opening of Hotel Miami and a coming soon gin distillery.
Hotel Miami’s creators realised the areas potential far before the rest of us, nabbed themselves a warehouse space and filled it with all kinds of goodies. There’s velvet couches, handmade desks (ask ‘em how that went down) perfect for Insta-snaps, a dartboard and best of all, a Yamaha parked right in front of a neon sign that reads “fuck yeah”.
Oh and there’s a photo studio too. See, good times.
The idea was to open a space that would allow co-owner Nick to escape from the confines of his bedroom and a cat whose actual name is Winston Smushface.
Jokes. It was so Nick, along with his fiancé Jessie (the boss) and mate Darran, could create a place to hang out with other creatives, “work” on their various other businesses and create a fun little Miami community. They adapted a community event they used to attend in Venice Beach where local businesses would come together and showcase their goods while also making rad new friends.
The point is, you can rent one of those handmade desks for a day or on a fulltime basis (recommended for bulk good times) and there are upstairs offices up for grabs too.
The photo studio can also be hired for any fun projects you’ve got going on and there’s super speedy Internet and everyone’s other favourite thing – air conditioning.
As of April 6th there’ll be an event on the first Friday of every month (dubbed First Friday to make writing about it easier) that’ll showcase local artists and finally bring Gold Coasters the live music we need and deserve.
Whether you’re in the market for a new workspace or not, get down there and check it out, the crew are keen to meet all the like-minded creatives they can muster.
And they’re not bad at hilarious banter either.
LOCATION: 1/49 Lemana Lane, Miami
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Wednesday is usually not the day associated with cool events, but it is now!
Tucked away on a Miami side street is Miami Marketta.
Known as the Gold Coast’s weekend spot for tasty street food, fun cocktails, boutique shopping and a live band, the Miami Marketta is all around awesome, but a seemingly little known fact is that Miami Marketta is not just for the weekenders! You can experience Marketta’s awesomeness 4 nights a week!
I’m a big fan of the Miami Marketta and have done some serious eating there more than a handful of times over past weekends, but I had my maiden voyage to a Wednesday Marketta last week. Imma tell you about it…
Firstly, parking was a breeze! A sign for good things to come. As I made my way to the entrance it started to drizzle. As a former weekend Marketta-er I was a bit bummed because Ithought that would mean standing in the rain to wait for my food. – NOT ON A WEDNESDAY!
Wednesday is tapas night at Miami Marketta and they host a smaller selection of vendors, which means that they all fit under the twinkly lit steel canopy.
On weekends long rows of communal tables occupy the space under the shelter of the canopy pushing the vendors outside. During the week the tables are turned to stand alone making for a more intimate setting amongst friends, and creating covered space for the vendors to set up. (Keep that in mind for rainy days)
Now, just because Wednesdays do not boast the same number of vendors as the weekends do, it does not mean there is any shortage of flavour or options. One of my favourite things about Miami Marketta whether it be a weekday or weekend is that it’s ethnically ambiguous. In a few short steps, you can go from smelling the frying corn chips at the Mexican stand, to the mouth-watering meat being grilled for the Mediterranean salads and kebabs. The smell of a wood fired oven filled with Italian pizzas mixes with the sweet scents of Belgian waffles and it’s a glorious overload making it nearly impossible to choose just one thing. –But on Wednesday you don’t have to, nor should you! All dishes start at $6 so the tasting and sharing is easy and inexpensive!
In front of flamingo wallpaper is a liquor bar specialising in hand crafted cocktails and beside that was the coffee and sweets bar. The coffee bar wasn’t that popular in the late evening, but the cocktail bar was pumping. Drinks served in glass jars were adorned with funky fun straws and tasted like sweet sweet love. If you were in the mood to keep your drinks simple, they had a nice selection of beer and wine.
And just because the coffee bar wasn’t popping at night, doesn’t mean you should skip out on it. Marketta Cafe is open Tuesday – Saturday starting at 6am to fill all your early morning coffee needs!
The Marketta celebrates the arts and always has something nice going on to feed your soul and not just your mouth.
Wednesdays there is a DJ spinning relaxed beats and this particular Wednesday there was a local designer putting on a fashion show. The mix of two was such a treat. Not your usual Wednesday night dinner entertainment 🙂
Boutique shops sold mostly homewares and clothes. art. -All very cool pieces I might add!
The grill smoke trapped by the rain swirled against the ceiling, models strutted in casually elegant clothes, the DJ spun smooth tempos, the food was tasty and cheap, and the patrons were delightfully hip and laid back.
Successful Wednesday night.
Miami Marketta is open
Wed 5p-10p
Fri 5p-11p
Sat 4p-11p
Ahh Miami. I mean the name alone gives cool vibes for days, and this southern GC suburb does not disappoint. In fact, Miami has risen through the ranks over the last few years to become one of THE places to see and be seen at.
Here are 18 reasons why we can’t get enough and LBH, if it’s good enough for Will Smith to sing about, why wouldn’t we write about it?! (a different Miami but, same same).
Paddock Bakery
This place has awards coming out of every orifice and for darn good reason. Turning a 70-year-old Queenslander home into one of our all-time fave bakeries, Paddock hits a homerun every time. With seating options in the gardens, cottage, loft, rooftop and barn, it is the perfect brunch spot. You won’t give a hoot about the calories in their bakery goods because they are worth not being able to fit into your skinny jeans.
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Granddad Jacks
I mean it’s a distillery, and we feel this is enough of a sales pitch… With award-winning spirits galore made by this family-owned business and a super cool rustic vibe, it’s a no-brainer for an awesome arvo. Try the Two Pencils Gin and the Coffee Liqueur…or maybe don’t coz a trip to Dan Murphy’s will just never cut it again. Also, it’s BYO food so there’s more in the kitty to blow on booze.
Where: 45 Lemana Ln, Miami
Heartfill Store
If you haven’t been in and emptied your bank account yet, you are not worthy of calling yourself a true Gold Coaster. With homewares, art and craft, flowers, clothes and vintage bits and pieces, this little gem is pure girly heaven. Described as a creative retail space inspired by living slowly and consuming mindfully, it encourages sustainable futures and celebrates creativity. Yay!
Where: 1/29 Lemana Ln, Miami
Kira & Kira
This place is a home decorator’s happy place. Carrying timeless and unique pieces carefully curated from local and global designers and artists, Kira & Kira value true craftsmanship. Their ethos is: buy once, love forever…and we’re here for it. Featured in the who’s who of abode styling magazines, Kira & Kira is a true local treasure and we feel like proud parents watching her grow and conquer.
Where: Cnr Gold Coast Hwy and Kratzman Ave, Miami
Miami Fish Market
If it’s responsibly sourced and sustainable seafood so fresh it’s still swimming (literally) you’re seeking, then this place is your new BFF. If you don’t feel like cooking up their plethora of seafood in your own kitchen, you don’t have to as it also boasts a raw bar with oysters shucked to order, sashimi and specialist conservas from Europe. How good?!
Where: 1/54 Paradise Ave, Miami
SPEC
This moody, industrial-esque beer garden and tapas haven is a refreshing change from the Palm Springs-inspired venues which rule the GC right now. With mouth-watering bites, fine wines, local beer goodness and of course, cocktails, it’s where we’re spending our Saturday arvos. Hosting regular events like comedy nights, they also serve Halloumi Tacos and do we really need to say anymore?
Where: 2176 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
Miami Hill
Okay so the view from atop Miami Hill is just beyond. It is a steep (but brief) climb, but well worth pushing the ‘ole bod to see our beautiful GC in all its glory from north to south. And if you’re keen to burn off the weekend’s indulgence, the stairs on the north side of the hill are a popular choice for those wanting to raise their heartrate.
Where: At the south end of Miami (you can’t miss it)
The Miami
Known as Miami Tavern in its past life (or the Shark Bar if you’re older than that), The Miami has been an iconic destination for those after quality pub grub and good times since 1925. This two-storey newly renovated pub draws inspo from its beautiful beachy surroundings, overlooking Miami Hill. It’s a staple for a fun day or night out with the gang.
Where: 2043-2047 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
Pizzey Park
If you grew up on the GC, you’ve been to Pizzey Park. A premium sport and recreation precinct, it’s one of the biggest and most popular parks on the Coast. With an area for your pooches to roam, a skate park for the kids to run themselves ragged, and beautiful areas to sit down with a picnic lunch, it’s also the perfect backdrop for an Insta snap-fest.
Where: 80 Pacific Ave, Miami
Piccolo Espresso
Going for a scenic stroll along the Esplanade and then rewarding yourself with a Merlo coffee, fresh smoothie or yummy brekkie is good for the soul…and Piccolo Espresso knows it! A fave amongst locals, whether you want to sit down and take in the beach views or grab something to go, you’re sorted. Insider tip: the Avo and Fetta Mash is a winner.
Where: 2 Hythe St, Miami
Miami Marketta
What would a Miami hotspot list be without our beloved Miami Marketta. It could be the backstreets of Thailand, Barcelona or New York City but nope, this epic night market is right here in our city my friends. A family friendly destination, it dishes up a giant slice of multicultural goodness with stalls, street food, live music and events. A must-see in anyone’s books.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami
The Jolly Roger
Serving only Aussie and NZ catches, this funky fish joint promises the freshest seafood and is furry friend friendly! With a great range of homemade snacks and flavours, plus offering a keto fish and chips meal (bravo) and vegan tofish (get it?!, sounds like something we’d come up with…), it caters to one and all. Ahoy me hearties!
Where: 3/110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
UGG Since 1974
Because we all love a good UGG. An Aussie-owned and made institution, the UGG will never lose its sparkle. Literally – you can get a pair of custom-made UGGs here with Swarovksi crystals. Not.even.kidding. With a huge selection of colours and patterns plus the option to take a tour of the factory, it’s un-Australian not to check it out.
Where: 23 Christine Ave, Miami
Lumber Punks
Yes, this is the place where you go to throw axes for fun. It’s actually a thing, and a super fun and strangely satisfying thing at that. Perfect for date night, social outings, birthdays, bucks, break-up (I mean, we didn’t say that) or even corporate events, learn from axe throwing gurus who will get you nailing bullseyes in no time. If it’s good enough for Jason Momoa, it’s obvs good enough for us.
Where: 19 Ozone Pde, Miami
That’s Amore
Looking for a feed that’s Italian? That’s BYO? That’s a family-run biz? That’s…Amore! This crowd-pleasing local haunt never fails to knock our socks off. Its reasonably priced menu means we can afford to go every week (if we can get in that is) and its food is as good as it gets. With everything you’d hope to find on the menu, you can taste the love in every dish.
Where: 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
Daymaker Espresso
This industrial-style space serves up coffee that is off the charts and the menu is loaded with fan-favourites and vegetarian-friendly delish eats. It’s the perfect place to meet up with the crew, take your laptop for a change of scenery during the work day, or pop in for a pre-beach bite. Both Andrew Madgwick and Dylan Nesbit will warmly welcome you!
Where: 44 Pacific Ave, Miami
Trader Trove
Another family-run fave, Trader Trove is a curation of handmade rattan furniture, unique home décor, stunning soft furnishings, beautiful giftware collections and so much more. Its worldly wares inspired by slow and intentional living, with a nod to the bohemian and coastal luxe interiors, makes us swoon every.single.time!
Where: 22 Christine Ave, Miami
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Things have changed in our world during the last 12 months. And likely, the most notable in many people’s lives is the newfound acceptance and normality found in working from home.
At first, working from home is great. There’s no painful commute and you can idly take Zoom calls fresh out of bed. However, fast forward a smidge and after a while the shine begins to fade on WFH. You inevitably miss putting on nice clothes and washing your face.
Lucky for you, cowork spaces have slowly been creeping into the Gold Coast in recent years. Couple this with the increased number of people no longer required to come in for the weekly watercooler meeting and you have a ripening scene of freelancers and creatives crafting their work from uber-cool spaces now. After all, sitting in the corner of a café nursing a 2-hour old long black and dodging the dirty looks of staff only has a certain shelf life.
These spaces are hubs to bring people together, to share ideas and bask in the general ambience of being around other people throughout the working day. Our list of cowork venues is sure to set fire to those innovative juices — and help you refrain from watching the clock scratch its way to 5pm.
Karma Collab Hub
Creative spice and deep productive Zen is pouring out of the walls at this Miami coworking spot. What was once an engineering workshop has become a haven for digital nomads and people who crave great coffee and a reliable internet connection: all in the name of getting sh*t done. Karma accepts drop-ins, has regular desks, showering facilities, a podcast room, and even a weekly Pizza Friday encouraging workers to come together over carbs and discuss their next big project or exciting collaboration.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
CoSPACES – Old Station Co. Southport
The biggest name in local coworking spaces, CoSPACES have a number of sites around the suburb of Southport. Their original space, however, is the Old Station Co. which is home to everything from private rooms to communal areas and is complete with outdoor areas and a coffee shop for when it’s time to step away from that blue light. Located on Nerang Street, Southport (and directly in front of G:Link Southport station) the space is next door to epic rooftop bar and deli, Mr PP’s. CoSPACES also has a photography studio and perfect little event space so you can host or get involved in anything your heart desires. Should you be the social type, you’ll be pleased to hear there is a sizeable contingent of local legends hanging out — sorry, working — here too.
Where: 45 Nerang Street, Southport
The Productive GC
The Productive GC is the handiwork of mother/daughter duo Ashley and Angelique, and hats off to them: we can’t help but notice the place is teeming with good vibes. You can expect an all-white space and hanging plants and lolly jars scattered everywhere, ohh and the very best part is, you can BYO pets. That’s right, there are numerous dogs in residence on any given day, and you can take as many pat and stroke breaks as you need. The space lives on Upton Street, and there’s parking for days, which is nothing short of super convenient. Then throw in the fact you are central to everyone and everything in our city, and you’re onto a winner.
Where: Unit 5/21-23 Upton Street, Bundall
Flockd
Flockd is the daydream you once had of an idyllic office somewhere mashed with the upbeat and cosmopolitan vibes of Burleigh Heads. The result is dreamy, minimalistic style furnishings with airy and light surrounds, creating a mini utopia of productive behaviour and inspired work. You have the option of two slightly different buildings right next to each other where long-termers and hot-deskers converge as one. There’s even an adjoining café and craft store thrown in there for good measure, and all of the dogs are made most welcome — hopefully, they don’t distract you too much, though.
Where: 4 Starling Street, Burleigh Heads
Hotel Miami
This Miami favourite (right next door to Karma Collab Hub) is just the most fun and quirkiest place you can pull out your laptop. Neon signs, velvet couches in bright hues of pink and blue and stacks of art help set the mood. Not to mention the resident motorbike, dartboard, photography studio and occasional blow-in, Winston Smushface the cat (famous the world over). Owners Nick, Jessie and Darran, opened Hotel Miami with the idea of building somewhere to hang out with other creatives, all while work on their various businesses and create a fun little Miami-based community. Least to say they have nailed it. Get down there for some next-level banter, STAT.
Where: 1/49 Lemana Lane, Miami
WOTSO WorkSpace
Anywhere with a ping pong table that actively encourages you to rally with your co-workers between emails and proofreading documents will find its way onto this list. Of course, there are also meeting rooms with funky wallpaper and leafy green views, the highest speed Internet we’ve ever experienced, lounge-style spaces, phone booths and of course, desks for the actual working. The Varsity Lakes space is part of a larger organisation, which boasts 11 sites across Australia, combining a rich culture of work provoking energy and offering full 24/7 access and all of the other perks to its permanent members.
Where: Level 2, 194 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes
The Communal House
Towards the Southern end of the Gold Coast, The Communal House is the spot to check-in and put yourself into serious work mode. A bright and airy space, filled with greenery and comfy couches, an event and studio space and hot desks upstairs on the mezzanine level. The chic warehouse space has a little kitchen area and pairs up nicely with its mighty fine neighbour, Refinery Café, just next door. Also, the ever-gorgeous Currumbin Beach is just a quick bolt down the road for when you need saltwater to reinvigorate your creativity.
Where: 3/37 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
