Made is now open.
Made is now open.
It’s been a minute since we delivered news out of Tugun but here we all are with exactly that. And it’s good news too Gold Coasters.
You may have seen a bit of movement along Golden Four Drive of late and it’s all come together in the form of a sweet new space known as Made. It’s a barber and a specialty espresso bar rolled into one and it’s the perfect spot to stop in for an exceptional coffee and some baked goods, plus of course, a haircut if you’re a man in the market.
Made is the work of a couple of passionate locals; Brit Westcott and Josh Blair, who brought their combined passions together to create something we haven’t before seen on the Coast. Obviously the concept is a good one and with Josh on the tools pouring coffees and building the space and Brit behind the chair snipping hair, it works like a dream.
Brit has over 15 years experience as a barber and Josh has the same as a carpenter, so it was a no brainer that they would set up shop combining all the things.
At the front of Made you’ll find the coffee bar and you have a choice of everything from Moonshine coffee (LOVE) to Grounded Pleasures Chai (also love), teas, turmeric and Matcha lattes and cold press juices.
To eat, there are baked goods from the best at Fuel Bakehouse and obviously, you should sample one of everything.
Two barber chairs can be found at the back and it’s best you make an appointment with Brit, though walk-ins are possible should you need an emergency fade before an arvo on the beers with the boys at Burleigh Pav.
There are big communal tables, bench seats out the front and the space is dotted with greenery. It’s modern and cosy and we see a lot of it in our future.
What’s not to love right?
Head on down to Tugun to give Brit and Josh some love and then go for a stroll on the beach why don’t you.
What a time to be alive.
LOCATION: 2B/417 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
HOURS: Open from 6am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
All right be honest, when was the last time you made it south of the legendary Talle Creek? We Gold Coasters are creatures of habit and we’re kindaaaa guilty of not venturing too far from the familiarity of our own suburbs so you know that means two things… 1. There’s a whole city of gems waiting for you to explore and 2. The locals know what’s up which is why we’ve done some snooping around Tugun to find out their favourite hang outs so you can just go and lap up the good times.
Nestled at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Tugun (or Tuges, as the locals say) as a beachside village is sleepy no more, meshing laid-back vibes with a vibrant community spirit and we are here for it. It’s a slice of paradise that locals love for its stunning shoreline, thriving foodie scene, and unique mix of boutique shopping and wellness hotspots. Here’s why Tugun holds a special place in the hearts of Gold Coasters.
Something to sip and snack
The foodie culture down here is something else, to get the day going Niche & Co has long reigned the Southern GC as THE place to your caffeine and brekky fix to nourish the bod before you start your day – if a quick bite is more your speed then The Fox’s Pantry has pastries aplenty as well as other bits and bobs like gifts and groceries to keep you going. Okay so this one might not be your usual kind of coffee haunt but Made Barber & Barista have brought us the combo we didn’t even know we needed – pop down to grab your morning brew and leave with a sharp new cut, two birds one coffee!
When seaside it’s mandatory to treat yourself to a spot of lunch and beach walk – well in our book, anyway. Sticky Rice is the home of some of the GC’s best Thai dishes – if you haven’t tried their Street BBQ Chicken, do it immediately. If little bites are what you’re looking for Lucia Tapas’ coastal cool and Spanish style tapas are a must-try, bonus points if you can get there for tapas and drinks happy hour Wednesday through Sunday because cozzie lives guys, we’re here for value for money honey.
Who said daytime has to have all the fun? When the suns away the margs will play or something like that and as luck would have it, Backbone Bar have them well covered. Crack open a tinnie or watch your fresh draught pour from the tap and kick back with their signature Asian-fusion eats. Perfect for catching up with mates or kickstarting your night out.
Shop (local) ‘til you drop
Tugun might be small but their retail offering is absolutely mighty, Tugun Fruit & Flowers is a family owned gem that is known not just for the freshest produce in town, but for their killer acai bowls – a summer staple if you ask us – grab your groceries, a smoothie (go on, you’ve earned it) and treat yourself to their selection of seasonal blooms for the ultimate act of *self care*.
For those bigger shops, Tugun Market Co has a bit of everything so you can stock up the pantry with all of your favourite things – they’ve even got a dedicated fromagerie and since cheese is the way to our hearts you know we’re all about it – if you’re lacking in the cooking inspo department then worry not because these local legends have an epic selection of recipes from Lemon Asparagus Risotto to Veggie Soups to get the creative juices flowing.
So Cornerstone Stores is more than just a shopping destination, they’re basically a hub of all things boutique shopping, artisan cafes and wellness with curated must-haves and even its own Pilates studio! Its ultra-aesthetic vibe is what first caught our attention but the collection of goodies you won’t find at any old store kept us coming back – think of it as a modern-day village within a village.
Keep it clean
The locals down here have a rep for embracing sustainable living so you best believe we trusted them when we heard Consciously Clean is THE place to grab all the eco-friendly staples and low-tox products so we can all live cleaner lives, grab your bottles and fill up with refillable household items and bespoke gifts to treat yourself or someone you love.
Community and culture
Chances are you’ve already been to something mega fun at the faithful Tom Atkin Hall, the cultural heartbeat of Tugun, it’s been around since the 1960’s and locals are a big fan. They host everything from crafty workshops to theatre and line dancing, so hosting everything from art workshops to yoga classes. It’s the go-to spot for locals who love connecting, creating and sharing in the Arts. There’s always a load of fun things on the schedule so check it out and try something different for the first time in a long time!
Tugun Bowls Club is where community spirit meets laid-back fun. Tucked away in the backstreets, this clubhouse offers more than just bowls, but Barefoot Sundays are a local fave. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the greens with friends and family, soaking up the coastal vibes.
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
If we were asked to name some of the world’s most-loved culinary combinations, tacos and tequila would be at the very top of that list. Well pretty much any Mexi-eats and all of the salty, mouthwatering margaritas we can get our hands on, to be specific.
Luckily, we have once again been blessed with our foodie dreams coming true thanks to a brand new Mexican eatery and tequila bar by the name of Caracara Cantina.
The newbie opened last week in the space that was formerly home to Hidden Wine Bar and Café and it’s the work of two people who gave us beloved Burleigh bar, Lockwood. Brenden Yeo and Zac Wright opened the secretive speakeasy almost exactly two years ago and now they’ve launched an equally impressive space into the Tugun dining scene.
Caracara is made up of two sections – the first, at the front, is a sweet shade of peach with white wooden tables and cactuses of all shapes and sizes strewn throughout. Perfection.
At the back, the tequila bar is moody and lowlit bringing the Lockwood vibes we know and love with quite the impressive array of tequila stacked on bar shelves. Both high tables and corner spaces are made for intimate, late-into-the-night chats soaked with quality tequila. The best kind.
The menu starts with tasty, flavour-packed dishes like Spiced Bean Dip, Padron Pepper, Ceviche and Charred Corn Cob and each is an absolute must-try.
Moving onto tacos, they’re the authentic, charred, melt-in-your-mouth variety with options like Spiced Pumpkin, Caracara beans, Pulled Pork or Fish and we recommend eating at least one of each, they’re all that good.
Of course, there’s a Giant Burrito and a Roasted Sweet Potato Salad made up of a whole, oven-baked sweet potato and topped with a fresh herb and chilli salad, corn salsa and salsa verde. Much delight.
As you’d imagine (having no doubt visited Lockwood many a time), the cocktail list is a special one with five margarita varieties including the Classic, Breakfast, Tommy’s, Chilli and Coconut.
There’s also a couple of tipples that include both tequila and lager and we’re obviously big fans of those.
If you’re keen to get involved in both tacos and tequila tastings, we suggest a Mexi-feast at the front (accompanied by a margie or two to warm you up), then an after-party in the back bar where the good times will definitely be rolling.
It’s happy days for Tugun Gold Coasters, Caracara is going to be an absolute hit.
LOCATION: 455 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
HOURS: Open 5pm until late Wednesday to Saturday and midday until late Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
If there was one thing we Gold Coasters lacked, it was a walk-in cheese room found inside a store that also sells wine and olives and next door to four more beautifully curated retail spaces that literally sell all of your (our) favourite things plus the prettiest of eateries. Okay so we lacked a few things but NOT ANYMORE friends.
Cornerstone Stores opened in Currumbin over the weekend and good luck not emptying your wallet there on a regular basis. The bold brick building has taken up residence on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Farrell Drive and it is the actual perfect visual representation of all our dreams come true.
It’s tough to know where to start but the beginning usually works so allow us to walk you through the space.
Quince Fromagerie – Food
First up on the left is the new love of our lives, Quince Fromagerie which, as mentioned is home to the walk in cheese room (and coldest place on the Coast right now) plus an absolute next-level selection of wines, locally produced gin, olives, crackers, meats, sauces, you name it. BRB, moving in.
Prae Store – Retail
Next door is Prae Store and it is actually a gift from the Gods. Inside you’ll find the most aesthetically pleasing activewear from the likes of PE Nation and First Base, all the best organic skincare brands, crystals, natural perfumes, cookbooks, jewellery, candles and various other things that will make your life better and also prettier.
Zanzi Hairdressing – Beauty
Moving along we’ve got Zanzi Hairdressing, which is what we’d like our house to look like please. PLUS everything used inside is eco-friendly, there are no magazines (iPads instead – hi 2018), products are organic and the space is beaming out all the super chill vibes.
Borrowed Nursery – Retail
To the right is our beloved Borrowed Nursery and a room filled with greenery. Huge ceramic pots are scattered around the dewy space, a selection of smaller plants run through the middle and shelves stacked with flowing ferns, ceramic homewares, candles and woven lampshades complete the most beautiful of pictures.
Kind Curations – Retail
Continuing on we’ve got Kind Curations, a collection of unique brands the likes of which the Coast has never seen before. And wow are they something. Floaty fashion, ceramics, glassware, candles, stunning women’s magazines, beach umbrellas and eyewear make up the perfectly put together store and if you’re after the perfect gift for your lady loves, look no further.
Little Loves Studio – Retail
Last but certainly not least in the retail department is Little Loves Studio which is definitely what we would call a children and babywear goodies store if we had any business sense whatsoever. Little Loves (so good) is filled with tiny clothing cooler than anything you or I could ever wear, as well as beautiful books and toys to keep forever. We don’t even have babies and want to buy everything.
Stable Coffee Kitchen – Food
Last but not least, on the ground floor, is Stable Coffee Kitchen and you may as well move to Currumbin so this place can be your new local because it is gooooooood.
It’s made up of concrete benches offset by rustic red brick walls, blonde timber seating, an artistic masterpiece by local legend Claudio Kirac and a blush coloured marble table in the centre which was quite obviously put there for Insta-snap opportunities. Everything from the pink and navy takeaway cups to the Stable branded ceramics are pure perfection and the best part is, as a café, they serve food too. Shocking.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the emphasis is on real, good-for-you foods with plenty of love thrown in for good measure. We sampled the Folded Buckwheat Crepe with lemon ricotta, fermented rose honey, seasonal fruit and pistachio and the Sourdough of Valley Tomatoes and Avocado. They obviously looked and tasted as delightful as they sound. You can also pop in for a takeaway salad, of which there are five choices, made fresh daily. Good luck eating anywhere else ever again.
So who dreamed up this magical space? A local family who have lived in the Currumbin area for three generations that’s who. Renee Honey and her husband Ben run Stable, Renee’s mum Kath is the angel behind the fromagerie and brother Luke and his partner Bec created Prae Store.
The delightful family who are extremely passionate about the place we all call home, dreamed up Cornerstones after visiting cities and exploring cool laneways and boutiques and wishing there was something more cultural, intimate and with real substance closer to the Coast.
And after reading that story you can tell we’re very happy they did.
As will you be the minute you set foot inside the bustling little hub that has transformed Currumbin in only a matter of days.
Oh and forgot to mention there’s a big old grassy area where the kiddies (or adults if it’s that kind of day) can run around and have a play.
We’re in love and you will be too.
The end.
LOCATION: 570 Gold Coast Hwy, Currumbin
HOURS: Stores open 9am to 4pm daily and Stable Coffee Kitchen opens from 7am to 4pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.