Mermaid Beach's funky new alleyway brunch spot.
Mermaid Beach's funky new alleyway brunch spot.
Brunch is a hell of a time, not quite breakfast (so you don’t have to get up too early) and not quite lunch (so you can also have lunch).
So, it is with great pleasure, we bring you the news that a brand new brunch spot has opened in Mermaid Beach offering up tasty eats in a sweet new, you-worthy space.
Monty’s Alley can be found on the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach where a fish and chip shop took up residence for 12 years (!) prior. As you may have gathered, a little side alleyway is the feature of the space with fresh whiteness all about and a few epic murals we shall now discuss.
There are two in the alleyway, both by local artist Tere Gottlieb, and both delightful. A sunflower scene complete with a sweet little message takes up one wall and a second stating “life happens, coffee helps” is all pretty flowers and the truest statement we’ve heard in awhile.
Inside the ordering section of the café (next door), a colourful mandala mural sits opposite the coffee machine, bringing the two sections together to create a funky, welcoming community style vibe in downtown Mermaid.
Now let’s chat food because it’s our favourite thing and this is a menu worth discussing. It’s both breakfast and lunch (and brunch obviously) friendly and includes Monty’s unique spin on all the dishes you love to consume.
The Spud Cakes are a firm favourite consisting of crunchy potato cakes, sautéed spinach, smashed avocado, poached eggs, chipotle sauce (love you) and fresh greens. Wash that down with a Wilde coffee, straight outta Melbourne, and you’ll be one happy bruncher.
Let’s also discuss the Smashed Avo because it is not your regular, piled high with all the avocado, Persian feta, pomegranate, black sesame, baby coriander, hummus, lemon and served on toasted Flinders Range sourdough.
The Mango Passionfruit Bowl is a housemade special with blitzed mango, passionfruit and coconut topped with fresh banana, coconut flakes, goji berries and cacao nibs.
Everything on the menu is made with healthiness in mind but there is also Nutella Croissant French Toast so don’t be alarmed. The Chefs are Bondi Wholefoods alumni so you know the eats are both good for you and very delicious.
Monty’s Alley is the work of husband and wife duo, and total legends might we say, Brooke and Nathan Ogden. It’s their first venture but you wouldn’t guess it from the quality of all the things. The café is named after Nathan’s Granddad Monty who was a café man himself back in his day and ain’t that sweet.
So there yo;u have it Mermaidians, a sweet new spot to spend your weekend mornings with a quality cuppa and even better company.
LOCATION: 9/2462 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: 5.30am until 2pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
It’s the destination we all know and love. Relaxed, a little bit retro and constantly surprising us with new places to eat and play. It’s the much-loved suburb that flies under the radar when visitors come to town but to locals, it’s pure magic.
To show our love for this beachside beauty, here are ten things we locals love about Mermaid Beach.
The North Room
Recent receivers of a very prestigious hat, The North Room is an intimate restaurant serving up some absolutely stunning contemporary dishes that you’ll want to wrap your mouth around ASAP. Bookings are essential and they open for lunch Friday and Saturday and dinner Thursday to Saturday so you’ll want to get in quick. Huge fans of this place.
Where: 1/2527 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Little Mermaid
There’s a lot to be said about infusing a space with tropical, feel-good vibes and Little Mermaid, on the highway, has done exactly that. Decked out with plenty of greenery, a laidback beachy feel, and tons of space for all your friends this is the place to be. The bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which more often than not, is overflowing with folks having the time of their lives as the sun goes down. Little Mermaid has earned the love of locals for their tasty eats, creative cocktails, and generally cool aesthetic – so get there now.
Where: 2557 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Borrowed Nursery
Never before has a plant nursery gained such a cult-like following so quickly (or perhaps ever). The Borrowed Nursery draws plant lovers and photographers in droves due to its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and bespoke greenery. While you can certainly purchase the potted petals for your humble abode, you may also like to hire them for an event (which is quite the concept if you ask us). The stunning space also hosts workshops and yoga classes amongst the leafy greens but if that’s not your jam at least pop in for some healthy retail therapy and an Insta-snap.
Where: 42-44 Cronulla Ave, Mermaid Beach
Lupo
Italian food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and particularly when it comes from Mermaid’s Lupo. Tucked away in the little complex that’s also home to Bonita Bonita, Lupo’s menu is one you’ll never forget. It’s a quiet, laidback space, low-lit & moody, and did we mention one of the very best spots for drinking incredible cocktails and filling your belly with goodness.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Zeppelin Barbers
This is one for the fellas… Zeppelin Barbers is the best on the Coast if the man in your life is looking for a fresh cut. Jase and the team are absolute weapons with the scissors and they deliver quality chat and a frosty beer while they’re at it. Good vibes always.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Surf Club
How good are surf clubs? Mermaid’s is right on the ocean with uninterrupted views, delicious meals that will fill you right up, and of course, a sweet selection of drinks to sip on. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sun go down with the crew and always provides a quality atmosphere with a buzz of people.
Where: 172 Hedges Ave, Mermaid Beach
Soak Bathhouse
It only opened recently but already Soak Bathhouse has become a firm favourite amongst those who are a little bit partial to some rest and relaxation in a beautiful environment (so everyone). It’s a stunning oasis featuring a magnesium pool, massage rooms, a sauna, spas, and a cold plunge pool. Plus you can get an LED facial and just generally kick your feet up and chill – tried and tested by us and we highly recommend it.
Where: 2532 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
The Glenelg Public House
Serving up premium steak and boutique wine (among other delicious things), The Glenelg Public House is an absolute must-visit in Mermaid Beach and just generally on the Gold Coast. If for some reason you’re not into steak, everything on the menu is top-notch and they have a selection of some of the best sides we’ve ever sampled. There are also small plate options and it’s all mind-blowing. We vouch for the gnocchi. Just. Trust. Us.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Bonita Bonita
Mexican eats at their absolute finest can be found at Bonita Bonita. Taco Thursdays are a favourite amongst the locals and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options should that be your thing. Right next door is Bon Bon Bar so you should also head in there for bulk margaritas before sampling all of the epic eats on offer.
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club
Barefoot bowls is never not a fun time and so, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club. Round up the crew on a Sunday afternoon for bulk beers and a little ball throwing (bowling) and then venture onto one of the many eateries (like those listed above) to round out the night.
Where: 2418 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Surely we have convinced you that Mermaid Beach is the place to be by now?
Words by Kirra Smith.
