Tropical Caribbean vibes shimmy into Mermaid Beach.
Tropical Caribbean vibes shimmy into Mermaid Beach.
Radiating good vibes and a tropical, Caribbean theme perfectly suited to its balmy just-off-the-beach location, Poké Poké is bringing brightly coloured bowls of goodness to Mermaid Beach.
Poke bowls have taken the world by storm of late but in case you haven’t heard, the healthy bowls originated in Hawaii and are made up of crunchy salad, tender chunks of fish or meat, mouth watering sauces, nuts, seeds, noodles…any number of things and Poké Poké is leading the charge.
From the street, the first thing you notice is a custom carved front wall boldly enticing you to join the party. Inside the space pops with colour – an emerald green bench seat lines one wall while a neon pink sign beams in the corner declaring “okey dokey time for poké” and bunches of green bananas hang in a wide, sun-lit window.
It’s reminiscent of a tropical island takeaway joint with plenty of space to perch inside and watch the magic unfold or outside on the grass if you’d prefer.
Owner Morgan Walsh, one half of Mermaid Beach favourites Bonita Bonita and BonBon fell in love with the bowls on a recent trip and, as a lover of all things colourful, knew there’d be a market for them here.
At Poké Poké bowl options are abundant. Fresh Off The Boat is made up of the freshest salmon with edamame, zoodles, seaweed and radish on brown rice with wasabi mayo. If you’re in the mood for something warm, the Caribbean inspired roti bowls are for you. Go with the Chicken Curry bowl made up of taro and potato on coconut rice with roti.
Smoothie bowls are a thing too – try the Avocado and Kale with spinach, almond milk and banana.
Of course there are fresh and cold press juices, wine and beer and a soon-to-be-launched cocktail menu. You need never leave.
Don your most colourful Hawaiian get up and your favourite pluggas and get down there, there’s way too much fun to be had.
LOCATION: Cnr Alfred Street and Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: 8am to 8pm 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.
Longtime Mermaid Beach favourite Vintage Espresso will launch their new autumn menu on April 1st and it’s sure to be a hit.
Colourful, comforting and with plenty of fun flavour combinations, you might find yourself scheduling a breakfast date every day of the week.
First up, there’s the Pumpkin and Feta Mash with pistachio dukkah on toast and poached eggs perched on top. It’s sweet and savoury and it will warm you from the inside out.
Grilled Madeira, a traditional English dish, is a rich, buttery sponge cake with honey mascarpone, fresh strawberries and coconut and is the perfect choice when you feel like something a little sweeter.
For the healthy breakfast lovers, the Rainbow Bowl is filled with sautéed kale, asparagus, green beans, roasted pumpkin, beets, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage and black sesame rolled poached eggs.
Last but certainly not least try the Quinoa Crusted Chicken Burger with slaw and house pickles. It comes with a side of chips – the Smiths crisp kind – for a unique crunchy spin on your lunchtime burger.
All in all, the new menu is perfectly balanced with a long list of delicious choices that you should definitely hot foot it down to try.
As a pre-launch bonus, small takeaway coffees are only $2 Monday to Friday from 6am to 8am until the 1st of April.
HOURS: Monday to Friday 6am to 2.30pm. Saturday and Sunday 6am to 3pm.
LOCATION: 43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
Bright, bold and bubbly are the words that spring to mind upon stepping into Mermaid Beach’s newest neighbourhood café, Honey Bee and Saint.
Keep your eyes peeled for the cheerful blue and white stripes which stand out as you cruise south on the Gold Coast Highway. The café is a first for owners Mel and Larissa.
Since opening last Friday the spacious, eye-catching cafe, on the corner of Seabeach Ave, has been serving up fresh baked treats, healthy sandwiches and wraps, all made in house.
Think homemade banana bread, spinach and cheese savoury slice, chocolate muffins with cream cheese icing and a variety of cookies (you know it’s all good because Larissa has a bakers license).
Larissa (the Saint part of the name due to her kind –hearted nature) is passionate about baking everything herself.
Like a bee to honey, you’ll be buzzing once you’ve tasted it all.
The cafes official opening weekend is March 11th and 12th when the café will also offer hot breakfast dishes and fresh juice.
On Tuesday nights Honey Bee and Saint will offer tacos from 4.30pm and on Thursday’s it’s fish and chip night.
With a homely, happy vibe that makes everyone feel welcome, Honey Bee and Saint, at the Montego Beach Hotel, is the spot to stop in for your morning coffee on the way to work.
Conveniently, if you’re holidaying in the area, Honey Bee and Saint is in the direct path of the beach so you can grab your snacks on your way to spending a day in the Gold Coast sun.
HOURS: 6am to 4pm weekdays and 6am to 3pm weekends.
LOCATION: Out the front of the Motego Motel at 2395 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach (on the corner of Seabeach Ave).
Words and photos by Kirra Smith.
