There’s little doubt we are a lucky bunch here on the Gold Coast. The lifestyle and beaches have long been our strong points, but now we have a dining scene to rival the big cities. So why shouldn’t the two collide? Beachside venues from top-notch hospo cats are creating great spaces for you to enjoy incredible fare with unrivalled views. Sure, we haven’t been able to jet off to Europe in the last 12 months, but when you can wine and dine with the views we have — is it really such a tragedy?

One such talented bunch is Artesian Hospitality (the team behind White Rhino, Sin City, Cali Beach Club and more), and boy, do they have some news for you… they have announced a brand-new waterfront venue on the Gold Coast that is sure to blow minds.

Opening in May and located in the heart of Surfers Paradise on Ferny Avenue (previously home to Helm Bar/Titanium Bar), Surfers Pavilion is set to excite guests with expansive and uninterrupted waterfront views — as well as new mooring for those who wish to pull up their boat or jet ski GC style.

Mathew Keegan, Managing Partner at Artesian Hospitality muses, “It was somewhat crazy to us that given the Gold Coast boating lifestyle, that there wasn’t a waterfront venue that facilitates a large number of boats and jet ski riders that was publicly accessible, however, we’ll be changing that in a big way. This is for our locals and visitors from interstate and beyond, and we are certain they will love Surfers Pavilion.”

Fan of food? Good, because the extensive menu of fresh and locally sourced seafood and traditional ‘pavilion’ style dining will be there for the taking. Surfers Pavilion will feature a dedicated frosé bar and interactive oyster and Champagne stations, where guests can mingle and discuss everything from their recent Netflix binge to the day’s boating conditions.

Locals and visitors will be spoilt with choice with the extensive menu boasting a wide range of locally sourced seafood created by Group Executive Chef for Artesian Hospitality, Michael Dominici. Set to feature delicious dishes including fresh prawns, traditional fish & chips and a decadent signature cold and hot seafood platter. There’ll also be ample offerings for those who aren’t seafood-lovers (gasp!), like burgers, char-grilled striploin and a Pavilion club sandwich. YAS!

The venue aims to make everyone feel welcome, whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, dedicated boatie type, corporate hotshot or just somebody who loves good food and good times. The ethos is simple: arrive in your boardies or turn up in your suit. There really will be something for everyone at Surfers Pavilion.

Fabulous food, interactive stations and views for days — grab a jet ski or an uber; either way, we’ll see you all there.

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

Happy days have arrived in Surfers Paradise and they come in the form of a sleek new, double-storey corner space that’s bringing all your Jumanji dreams to life. Except pretty and not at all terrifying.

White Rhino is complete and will open its’ doors to us, the food and beverage loving people of the Gold Coast, late next week and Surfers is set for a little shakeup friends.

There’s a lot to unpack here so buckle up and let’s get into it. As mentioned, White Rhino is an expansive corner space on Cavill Ave and it’s all open and airy and filled with quirky little delights.

Let’s begin with the bar, because, obviously. Lit from behind with a digital ocean montage, it’s quite the mesmerizing sight. Above, a rock formation complete with its’ very own waterfall sets the scene.

Drawing your eyes around the room, you’ll notice a tree, smack bang in the middle of the venue, a stunning wrought iron staircase winding it’s way to the top floor (as staircases tend to do) and, tucked in behind it, are the stars of the show; the white rhino and her (could be his) baby. The pair are meticulously crafted really quite ah, realistic. Love them.

A step up above the casual bar section you’ll find a slightly more formal dining area artfully decorated with velvet and high gloss wood plus, our favourite, two booth-style arrangements with leafy green backdrops and bulk people watching opportunities.

Upstairs, on the mezzanine level, there are three stunning velvet booths overlooking the rest of the venue and out into the street, perfect for gathering the crew and enjoying a slightly more private style of party.

The entire venue has been crafted with an outdoor feel in mind and indeed, no matter where you are, the open space and seamless transition to the actual outdoor section gives a balmy, can-it-be-summer-already vibe.

Now to the food. It comes courtesy of someone you know and love, Adam Dundas-Taylor of Firecue, London’s Nobu and many other fine establishments, obviously.

The menu offers both a fine and casual style of dining and it is all of exceptional quality and even better taste, as you would expect.

The Spiced Pumpkin Salad is a colour-filled treat with chilli and fennel roasted pumpkin tossed in baby spinach leaves with cous cous, pomegranate seeds mint and hummus. It’s both beautiful and delicious.

The Chilli Bug Linguini is also a must-try with chilli and garlic Moreton Bay bugs with sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in brandy and seafood stock reduction and served with fresh linguini. Oh yes please.

Let us not go past the Slow Cooked Beef Ragu (12 hours slow cooked no less) stirred through a rich tomato sauce, tossed with fettuccine and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (love you always Parmesan).

There are also epic pizzas and options from the grill like Crispy Skin New Zealand King Ora Salmon and Peppercorn Cut Eye Fillet. YUM.

The cocktails are to die for (but don’t die, because there are many to be sampled) including an extremely tasty Espresso Martini made with beans from our faves Locale Espresso.

An exceptional breakfast menu will also roll out from Saturday the 3rd of November.

The unique venue is certain to take Surfers Paradise to a whole new level and, with a few more exciting additions on the way, you might want to rearrange your life to include a little more time there.

White Rhino officially opens on Friday November 2nd and prepare for a summer of fun friends.

LOCATION: 55 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: 11.30pm until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

It’s certainly going to be a summer to remember Gold Coasters. Probably the best on record in fact which is due, in no small part, to what we’re about to tell you.

After waiting for what feels like our entire lives, our sunshiny city is getting our very own beach club and now there’s really no need for us to ever leave!

It’s called Cali Beach Club and it’s set to be an absolute banger when it opens in August 2021 – the year we’re tipping to be the best the Coast has seen for quite some time.

Touted as a luxury, beachside bar and entertainment precinct, the expansive newbie will include all your favourite things in the one sparkly new spot.

Think luxe poolside cabanas, a world class restaurant and multiple premium dining outlets, multiple bars, sports facilities and even an outdoor cinema. There is literally nothing more we could ask for.

Cali Beach Club will be located in the heart of the Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise, on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Elkhorn Avenue.

The brand-new entertainment destination is four storeys above street level and boasts a spectacular outlook over Surfers Paradise beach and unparalleled views of the Surfers Paradise skyline. Day or night, it’ll knock your socks off (don’t wear socks it’s way too hot).

You’ll enter via an impressive 26-person glass elevator from street level on Elkhorn Avenue and once those fancy doors open, you’ll be greeted by a place that simply oozes style and sophistication…Queensland style.

Inside you’ll find an impressive rooftop sand covered beach volleyball court and over the pool bridge, a slick restaurant boasting unobstructed ocean views.

Turn left to appreciate Cali Beach Club in all its glory. Not one, but three large beach-edged pools, a DJ booth, endless sunlounges and daybeds, bars, exercise areas, open air luxe showers and of course, VIP Cabanas.

It’s the Gold Coast, but not as you know it.

Cali Beach Club is the work of Artesian Hospitality who have for over 15 years experience in breathtaking venues just like this one. Lucky us.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months and once again, bring on those summer good times.

LOCATION: Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Elkhorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
WHEN: August 2021