Breweries are always a good time and when news of a new one tickles our earlobes, we are there faster than you can do a shoey on a hot summers day.

New local legends Jarrod Blanning and John Walz clearly feel the same way and happily, the pair are opening Lost Palms Brewing Co. in Miami on November 10th. We sat down for a chat with the pair about pairing beer with the Triple J Hottest 100 and why you should judge beers on how they make you feel.

How long have you lived on the Gold Coast?
Jarrod: I’ve only lived here for about three months. Before that I was commuting down from Brisbane for a few months.
John: I’ve been living in SE QLD for five or six years but on the Gold Coast for about three years. It’s the best place in the world.

What do you love about living here?
John: We moved here for a lifestyle, a work life balance. It’s still a growing city, there’s lots of room for it to change and there’s plenty of space for everyone to move. Why wouldn’t you live here? I was always against living on the beach because I wanted to appreciate my holidays when I had them but why not appreciate it every day if you can.
Jarrod: People are so much nicer here. There’s plenty of clichés, the beach is closer etc. but it’s just a really good change from Brisbane. We were so happy to move down.

Tell us about Lost Palms Brewing Co.?
Jarrod: Lost Palms is really John’s baby, he’s done all the planning, infrastructure and groundwork to see if it’s viable. I previously tried to start something with Jo, our overseas partner, but it fell through. Once John did all the hard work, I jumped on board. We thought the Coast was the best market because it’s a great place to live and there’s more of an opportunity for starting breweries. We’re trying to create that neighbourhood oasis where you can just come and hang out.
John: We don’t want to set up a snobby food and beer matching thing. I don’t care about those rules. Our beers are made for a purpose and an experience, not to a rulebook. We follow guidelines of course but there’s no reason why you can’t tweak things. We make a beer for a purpose and an experience and the food is there to make it an event. We’ll have toasted sandwiches and sliders and in winter we’ll put on slow cookers, there’ll be chips, wings, poutines and things like that. We just want to create a good vibe and a good night out. 

Can you let us in on the types of beer we’ll be drinking?
John: We’re making the beers to certain styles  — from lights to darks and in between in terms of colours and intensity. We started home brewing and experimenting with our own recipes. For the example the Summer, I wanted to make a beer I could drink during the Triple J Hottest 100, from 100 down to one and last the whole day and it’s light and fresh and crisp, it’s a little dry on the aftertaste but it’s not a full bomb going off in your mouth. They’re made for a purpose. Likewise with the APA (American Pale Ale), that one was Jarrod’s baby. We’ve got a Porter, they’re all channels of what I like but we have tweaked a lot after people have come in to give us feedback.

Why did you choose Miami?
John: The other breweries are all south of here, we didn’t want to try and impede on their areas but further north it’s more difficult. We knew we wanted to be close to the beaches and as far north as we could because the tram line will be stopping down here. The area is also good in terms of growth.

How is Lost Palms unique?
John: We’re not trying to reproduce anything, we just want to create an experience. We make a beer to bring the feelings. I ask people not to think about what it tastes like but think about where it takes you. 

When are you opening?
Jarrod: Lock it in for the 10th of November. Our release is the Crafted Beer & Cider Festival. All of our beers will be there so people can sit down and try everything in the one spot for the first time.

Best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
John: F*#k the rules, do what you want.
Jarrod: A smart person learns from their mistakes, a wise person learns from other people’s mistakes.

Being Gold Coast locals, we have to ask your favourites:
Café: (John) Canteen, Parlour, Bam Bam Bakehouse and Mr Bengel
Restaurant: (John) Burgster is the best burgers, The Collective is a great concept, Greenhouse Bar & Restaurant (Jarrod) Tuesday night ramen at Bine Bar is good
Beach: (John) Palm Beach
What does your weekend usually look like? (Jarrod) John works. I research.

LOCATION: 11 Oak Ave, Miami

HOURS: TBC

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.

It is with happy tears and overly energetic typing fingers we bring you the news that Tweed Heads has jumped on the quality coffee/tasty eats/cool new venue bandwagon and you may as well pack your bags and move because things are heating up down there friends.

Hymn Coffee opened recently and it’s all glossy white tiles, raw concrete, plants aplenty and light fittings we would have stolen if no-one was looking (and stealing wasn’t illegal, obviously).

The thing that will catch your well-trained, interior appreciating eye though, isn’t a thing at all but a rather large, dried flower installation fixed to the ceiling. It’s a creative collaboration of the prettiest kind between co-owner Kelly and your fave curators of all the beautiful things, Gather Store (so you know it’s good).

The faces of Kelly and her partner KC are ones you may recognise from Palmy local Barefoot Barista. Mid last year the pair decided to go out on their own, then birthed a wee babe and opened Hymn Coffee (because two babies are better than one, right).

The menu is filled with dishes inspired by Kelly, and Head Chef Andy’s, New Zealand roots and feature familiar favourites with a refreshing twist.

For instance, the Hawker Roll is a fun (and DELICIOUS) take on the bacon and egg roll but with roti instead of a boring old bread roll. How good is roti. With the added goodness of Mum’s apple sauce, crispy onions and CONDENSED MILK MAYO, we’ve got ourselves a winner.

If heavenly bacon and egg dishes aren’t your thing (check yourself), go for the Fruit and Nut which features watermelon, little bananas, strawberries, cacao granola, whipped raw honey yoghurt, almond milk and basil. Fruity fresh.

Everything is made with seasonal, locally sourced produce and the menu will change as it sees fit.

Coffee beans are a blend called Orthodox from Melbourne coffee Gods St. ALi and is it just us or is there a theme here.

Because we love a good theme, here’s the punch line.

All your coffee drinking, epic food eating prayers have been answered, Tweed Heads.

Go now.

LOCATION: Shop 2, 99 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads
HOURS: 6am until 2pm every day

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.