Owners of Sobah, non-alcoholic craft beer.
Owners of Sobah, non-alcoholic craft beer.
Clinton and Lozen Shultz are the clever creators of Sobah, a Gold Coast-based non-alcoholic craft beer infused with the goodness of Aussie bush tucker and breaking down the stigma of Australia’s social drinking culture.
The couple created the company as a response to the lack of interesting premium, non-alcoholic beers on the Aussie market and they are changing the game both at home and nationally.
We sat down for a chat with Clinton and Lozen about the realities of our drinking culture and where you can find Sobah throughout Dry July.
How long have you been Gold Coast locals?
My family has been here for a few generations while Lozen moved here nearly 15 years ago after growing up in Central QLD and a brief stint in Sydney.
What do you love most about living here?
There is so much to love: the surf, the beaches, the hinterland, the weather. We live semi-rural and only 10 minutes from Burleigh Heads so we are blessed. It’s a great place to have an active, healthy lifestyle.
Tell us about your business, Sobah…
Sobah is Australia’s only non-alcoholic craft beer currently brewing a range of brews infused with Aussie bush tucker. We created the beers as a response to the lack of interesting, premium non-alcoholic beers in the Aussie market, but also to address the issue of alcohol in our society and raise funds to support programs in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Sobah is here to provide an alternative to alcohol for anyone looking to have a break from booze whether just for the night or for longer term sobriety.
How did the idea come about?
I went sober in 2014 after my eldest son asked me to “stop drinking silly drink”. I didn’t think I had an issue with alcohol but the more I worked in drug and alcohol rehab and interventions, I was confronted with my poor relationship with booze. I thought if I was out telling others about the negative effects of drinking and relationships with alcohol, I’d better have a good one myself. I couldn’t get a non-alcoholic drink when I went out that wasn’t soft drink or soda water which was frustrating. I love beer so I started drinking imported NA beers and realised decent, tasty NA beers were missing from our market.
What did it take to build the business to what it is today?
Money. Faith. Goals. Support. Luckily as a start up we have a source of income (as I work full-time in my psychology consultancy and as a lecturer at Bond University) to support the growth of Sobah. Lozen has been running Sobah for two years and is the real grease and oil behind the business. We have a deadly (awesome) community behind us giving us positivity and encouragement, which helps immensely. Also, our desire to give back is a massive driver. We want to see Sobah succeed so we can help others find a healthier way of living and being, and to support charities and organisations that provide healing programs.
Why do you think it’s important businesses like yours exist?
Sobah was created with a social impact purpose. Reciprocity is one of our philosophies. We truly believed we are blessed and while we work hard, we are lucky enough to be in a position to give back and make things easier or better for others. Having a strong sustainability focus and positive culture within the business, is also important for us but also everyone around us. Big companies are beginning to look at ways they can have a positive impact, following the trend of smaller businesses and this says something about what we, as a society and as consumers want.
Dry July is coming up, where can we find Sobah on the Gold Coast?
There are a few cafes and bars on the coast, including Rosella’s Bar in Burleigh and Greenhouse Canteen in Coolangatta. Flannery’s will also be stocking Sobah at their Miami and Robina stores. We’re certainly keen to get Sobah seen more locally.
Any advice for someone looking to start their own business?
We’re not experts, but we have definitely learnt from rookie errors. It’s okay to make mistakes and cause chaos, but you have to be willing to apologise too. Honesty and transparency goes a long way when building a strong customer base and business relationships. Don’t rush or push for things to happen. An organic growth will create better foundations. We always want things yesterday so patience has been a big part of our work-lives. For couples going into business together, make sure you clock off and stop talking about work after hours, like ban work talk in the bedroom haha.
What’s the plan for Sobah for the rest of 2019?
We have reformulated our existing product range and up-scaled to a new brewery. We are distributing nationally with a strong and growing customer base in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The opportunity to export is also there. We are setting up our HQ in Burleigh Heads to handle distribution for our online store and provide a place for locals to pop in for a yarn and pick up their brews. Once set up, we will be hosting an opening event and other events throughout the year, and collaborate with other businesses. We recently sold some shares and hired staff, and we hope to bring more people into the Sobah crew before the end of the year.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Cafe for breakfast: Heritage Hideaway Cafe in Tallebudgera Valley just a minute from home
Coffee spot: Social Espresso Coffee Roasters with my climbing crew or Nook Espresso has always done a great coffee which is enjoyed watching the surf from Burleigh point, and days when I’m at Bond Uni I grab one from Blackboard Coffee.
Restaurant for dinner: Greenhouse Canteen at Miami and Cooly
How does your weekend usually look: This time of the year our sons play footy, so the most part of Saturday is taken up with sport and if the Titans are playing a home game we will usually go to the footy. If there is surf, I’m surfing and the kids love the beach all year round. If there is no surf and weather isn’t great, we can be found at Paramount Rock Climbing gym where I train regularly. Sometimes Lozen and I leave the kids with family so we can hang out, go for a drive and grab coffee and a feed somewhere on the Coast.
When we say Christmas on the Gold Coast, what comes to mind? Fireplaces, hot and hearty food with mulled wine and piping hot eggnog to warm us from the inside out, and (cringe) matchy-matchy pj’s to warm us from the outside in? Sleigh whattttt? Oh soz, our bad – we left out a couple of key words: Christmas on the GC… IN JULY.
So ho-ho-hopefully you’ve been saving room for a feast (or ten) because we’ve found a tree-mendous amount of Christmas in July options that would keep even the big guy in red’s hunger at bay. Get rid of that resting Grinch face because we’re not pudding up with it when there are this many options to treat yo’elf with, go on.. yule want to check them out.
Bon Appetea Teahouse
Fancy a Christmas inspired high tea in a 1900s building with garden tables and a huge sprawling veranda? Yeah, us too! Returning for another year our favourite Hinterland hideaway is bringing Christmas in July high tea back with Christmas carols, live music, mulled wine (eee), little pressies for guests (double eee) and loads of fairy lights. It’s pure Christmas (in July) perfection! Tickets are $80 for adults + $10 for a sneaky glass of bubbles (treat yourself, after all Christmas only comes around.. twice.. a year) and $30 for the kidlets.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
When: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July
D’Arcy Arms
There are three things in life that are certain… Death, taxes and D’Arcy Arms are going to put on one hell of a Christmas in July celebration. So if one Christmas celebration isn’t enough (it’s not), get your festive on all July long at D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub! Once again transforming their digs into a festive wonderland with all the Chrissy feels, there will be a roaring fire, succulent Christmas roasts, homemade sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and Oh-HO so much more. Tuck into a 2-course festive feast for $50 per adult and $25 per child.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
Spaghetti & Jazz
Spaghetti, Jazz and Christmas in July? Name a more iconic trio… Nothing says cosy, festive feast like a 4-course Italian feast while you listen to the sweet sounds of live music from crowd favourites Tabatha Ashmore and Ivan Fisher. A Christmas-themed cocktail on arrival is mandatory and probably necessary because the team at Spaghetti & Jazz say dancing shoes are a must. Get ready to get your jingle bell rock on.
Where: 30-34 Commerce Drive, Robina
When: 12.30pm, Sunday 21st July
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Get ready to jingle all the way to Aviary this July! They’re decking the halls and frosting the walls with three fabulous festive events you simply can’t miss.
From 12pm on Sunday 7th July, indulge in a Festive High Tea with high tea towers loaded with sweet and savory festive treats and live music. Elevate your experience (to rooftop level status) and enjoy Aviary’s signature authentic Italian pizzas that are sure to be more lit than a Christmas tree.
On Saturday, 20th July, from 1pm to 3pm, enjoy Sessions: Christmas in July Edition with a two-hour food & beverage package featuring yuletide-themed canapés, a festive grazing station, an eggnog cocktail on arrival, and a roving assortment of Aviary’s signature Italian pizzas (suddenly the stretchy red trousers make so much sense). Guys, tickets are just $65pp + bf… so we suggest you gift yourself a good time and book!
On Friday, 26th July, from 4pm for the White Christmas Party, where you can get your festive fashion on for the ultimate shindig! Dress in white, bask in the glow of UV lights, and enjoy a visual feast. And the best part? Entry is completely free!
Where: Aviary Rooftop Bar, 5 Melia Court, Southport
When: Various dates throughout July
Edgewater Dining
It would be rude-olf us to miss this waterfront gem off the list (if only Santa would bring us stunning water views this good on Christmas morning). Put a big ol’ circle around Thursday 25th July in your calendar this faux festive season and partake in a 4-course feed, Christmas-themed share-style dinner with paired wines for $110pp. To get the festive spirit going, start the night with mulled wine. Don’t forget there’s also prizes on offer, we’re talking proper wine and dining vouchers here folks. Get into the spirit with Secret Santa for an extra $10 and in case you needed an excuse to bring out the Christmas ‘fits, there’s a comp for best dressed. Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your appetite.
Where: Shop 3 G7, Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise
When: Thursday 25th July
Drag Queen Bingo at Miami Marketta
Secure your Christmas packages and hold on to your jingle bells ‘coz the famous Drag Queen Bingo is back at everyone’s fave night market, Miami Marketta…Christmas style. Sleigh Queen! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, this enchanting winter wonderland is an all-inclusive affair serving up endless lols. Featuring a lineup with names as big as the hairstyles – Scarlett Fever, Ivyy Monroe and Kathy Pacific, this night will be the gift that keeps on giving #it’sgiving. Don’t be ‘elf-ish and tell your friends! Tickets start from $39.99pp.
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: 6.30pm Saturday 27th July
The Collective
Tis the season (well, sorta kinda) and while technically this isn’t a Christmas in July theme, it’s Canadian so we’re going to go ahead and say it qualifies. Celebrate all things North America with The Collective’s Canada Day celebrations, the wintery themed Apres Ski festival is being good vibes and great tunes with a live DJ on the decks, and of course classic Canadian fare like Poutine and Chicken & Waffles to keep toasty and warm. Get in the spirit with their exclusive Grey Goose cocktail menu or snow cones for a taste of white Christmas. Entry is free, snow you won’t want to miss out.
Where: 1128 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
When: 6.00pm Monday 1st July
Greendays
Welcome to Christmas in July, Bali meets GC style (wow, these are really getting niche). Because who couldn’t use a little mid-year merriment and it’s scientifically impossible have a bad time situated in tropical surrounds with enough fairy lights to make the set of Mamma Mia! blush (unless of course you’re the Grinch, in which case, this may not be the list for you) #hohohoe into delicious food and drinks as Greendays transforms themselves into a winter wonderland with Christmas decos that would make David Jones jealous. Bust out your favourite Christmas attire and get ready for a jolly good time for $106.14pp.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 6.00pm Saturday 27th July
Fox & Hounds
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Café Metz
This cute little café in Canungra is famous for its homemade pies and cakes and now, their Winter in July! The fireplace is cranking and the wintery decorations have found the place, ready to turn this spot in a winter wonderland that locals can’t get enough because there’s snowplace like Café Metz. The locally sourced traditional roast ham will warm you up from the inside out along with soup-erb flavours with savoury mince and hearty soups already guaranteed to be crowd favourites. You might still be on the Gold Coast but their spiced mulled wine is giving apres ski so you can relax get cosy by the fire minus you know, the physical activity #winning.
Where: 37 Christie Street, Canungra
Where: Throughout July, from 5.30am to 3pm
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski
They say Australia is the lucky country and in particular those of us who call the Gold Coast home (made that bit up, but look around friends). Well, in the last week the lucky country got even luckier and (again) in particular a little place on the south east coast of Queensland, we like to call Burleigh Heads.
The latest little pot of gold comes to us in the form of a brand new bar but not just any brand new bar friends, it’s the kind that dreams are made of.
Rosella’s Bar flew into town just last week ahead of the Australia Day long weekend and it is the refined Aussie-inspired bar you never knew you needed in your life. But need it you do and, as usual, we’re here to tell you why.
It’s the work of local lads Jon Debeere (next-level wine connoisseur) and Jack Connor (ex-Aloha cocktail creator extraordinaire) who are both passionate about all-Aussie adventures and wanted to showcase the work of local wine and craft beer makers, plus do a little making of their own.
It’s an intimate space found on the highway in Burleigh, where a little hairdressing salon once lived, and streuth is it a beauty. Louvered windows open out into the street so you can perch yourself up there and watch the (unfairly good looking) world go by while a couple of booths and high tables line one wall and, of course, you can perch at the bar and have a chat with the boys (or talk their ears off if you’re us).
Brightly coloured, Aussie-inspired artwork is hung throughout, vintage, stained glass light shades hang overhead and Ken Done cloths line the bar. It’s beautifully put together, refined with a side of tongue in cheek and we are absolutely here for it.
Let’s chat drinks though because they are, of course the star of the show. The cocktail menu is unlike anything you’ve seen before with over 10 signature cocktails plus all your old faves. Each one is made with Australian spirits and each one is way more epic than the last.
The Ironman, for example, is made with Beenleigh white rum, Bundaberg small batch rum, lime, banana and a Nutri Grain Orgeat (a housemade syrup type situation) and topped with, you guessed it, our beloved Nutri Grain. It’s a gamechanger and our new go-to tipple.
The Rosella is made with White Light Vodka, rosella jam, Australian bitter, lemon and lilly pilly and served in a rosella shaped glass, all delightful and refreshing. Honestly, they’re all some of the best we’ve ever sampled so do yourself a favour and get there ASAP.
The wine list is equally as impressive, filled with natural, Australian-produced wine made with minimal intervention, many of which you won’t find anywhere else on the Gold Coast (or Queensland for that matter).
Rosella’s are all about showcasing Pet Nat wines (Pétillant-naturel) which refers to sparkling wines produced in the ancient way where the wine is bottled before primary fermentation and finished without the addition of secondary yeasts or sugars.
Sounds fancy, is amazing. We taste-tested quite a few and, let it be known, they are some of the most flavour-filled, clean tasting wines we’ve ever come across. And we’ve come across a lot.
Oh and there’s also Fosters. In a can. Not to mention MANY other Aussie beers you’ve probably never seen before. We’re in love.
Now to the food.
The menu has been designed with a nostalgic nod to the Aussie eats you know and love but minus the throw-it-on-the-barbie-and-hope-for-the-best attitude your Dad was all about.
Think Vegemite Beef Jerky, Bug Sambos, Raw Aussie Beef Burgers and Prawn Cocktails but all made with a refined, sophistication to match the exceptional drinks menus.
Last but not least, there are jaffles. The very best jaffles at that. How does Vegemite, Cheddar and Wattleseed butter sound? Yep. There’s also Onepot Lamb with soft herb cheese and spiced chutney.
Okay we’re done. Seriously just go. Right now. We’ll seeya there.
Love you ‘Straya.
LOCATION: 6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 4pm until late weekdays and 12pm until late weekends
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
If there’s one thing that’s certain in life, it is that vegetables are very good for you and also, you can never eat too many (unlike say, Tim Tams).
The gals at Greenhouse Canteen know this better than anyone, which is why a second (technically third but more on that later) vegan eatery recently opened in everyone’s favourite southern suburb, Coolangatta.
The Cooly Canteen is as beautiful as you’d expect with rustic wooden dining settings placed amongst a vintage white-walled backdrop. Hanging plants and strings of fairy lights are suspended from the peaked glass ceiling, allowing guests to star gaze and devour gourmet goodies all at once. Bunches of native greenery are strung throughout and the signature, hand-scrawled “it’s cool to be kind” sign sets the scene on the front deck.
The latest venue was opened by long-time Greenhouse Canteen customer and equally passionate, plant-based advocate Jenny Madigan as a franchise of the original space and, of course, it is perfectly befitting of the brand.
The food is to die for (except you won’t die because, veggies) and there are cocktails and desserts and good vibes and catch ya later hard-earned cash.
Choose from small or large eats or a combination of both and for the love of God don’t go past the Eggplant Parmigiana made with baked eggplant, Napoli, basil pesto, almond feta and crispy kale. Also the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings which are besan (gram flower) battered florets with ranch dressing and house-made tomato relish are too tasty to not eat every single day.
Owners of the Miami venue (Charlie and Natalie) were met with rave reviews when they first opened in Kirra and when that venue closed, they made the (blessed) move to Miami.
From there it’s been the Greenhouse gang taking over the world. Hallelujah.
BRB, moving to Cooly.
LOCATION: 1/140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
HOURS: from 5pm until late Tuesday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
