And why you will too!
And why you will too!
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.
The old adage “you eat with your eyes” is the philosophy behind Mermaid’s latest foodie location The North Room and the European-inspired, tapas-style dishes certainly are a sight to behold.
A bright, naturally lit space sets the scene with navy, natural wood and copper accents giving it a coastal, laidback vibe. Get up close and personal with a seat at the bar or kick back on the blue velvet, booth-style lounge.
The menu is created for share-style dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and will be ever-changing, as will the wine list. The premise is simply based on using the freshest of ingredients and encouraging diners to always try something new.
For the initial weeks, The North Room are plating up dishes to delight all your senses including Green Eggs and Ham consisting of duck ham, scrambled organic eggs, nettle and kalettes (half way between kale and brussel sprouts) and Whipped Cod with white anchovies, pickled onion and rye.
Don’t go past dessert and in particular the Beetroot, Strawberry and Yoghurt that sounds unassuming enough but actually consists of beetroot meringue, fresh strawberry sorbet and sour yoghurt. It’s an absolute flavour sensation.
The North Room was named for owners Tim and Shannon Stewart’s gradual “venture north” from Victoria over recent years and if opening weekend is anything to go by, it‘s definitely been worth the trip.
Probably best to book your spot in advance.
HOURS: Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner and Friday, Saturday, Sunday for lunch.
LOCATION: 2527 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach (between Ventura Rd and Cronulla Ave)
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Going back to work after holidays is a tiring time, as is not getting holidays at all while everyone else frolics and sips frosty beers right in front of you. It’s all a bit tiring isn’t it.
But luckily, there’s a solution for that and it comes in the form of ultimate relaxation right here on the Gold Coast.
It’s called Soak Bathhouse and it’s Mermaid Beach’s newest and most delightful new addition.
Found in the little precinct known as Pacific Square on the Gold Coast Highway, it’s a beautiful space and absolutely perfect if you need a little time out.
Stepping inside you’re greeted with a soothing, open area that will immediately have you floating away from the outside world.
Stone floors lead to a warm, communal magnesium pool set at a balmy 34 degrees with lounge chairs set along one side for when you need a little rest from all the relaxation.
There are massage rooms, an Infrared sauna and a room for LED anti-aging facials, all in muted colours and all absolutely oozing serenity.
Outside there are two outdoor hot tubs, a sun deck and a cold plunge pool set at a cool 12 degrees, plus a sauna and steam room and excuse us, we might just move in real quick.
There’s also a yoga and meditation room that offers digital classes (made by local instructors) all day long so you can do the chill thing and then add a little movement to round out the perfect day.
Now we know you might be thinking all that sounds lovely but experiences such as these can be quite pricey and that is often true but not at Soak Bathhouse. Nope, the team have created a unique offering in that you can choose from a weekly membership option to pop in any old time you feel the need or a choose your own adventure for casual sessions where you can attend just for a soak or team it up with massage, yoga or facial perhaps? The choice is yours.
Pricing starts from just $49 for a 90 minute soak session.
Also, the bathhouse is very much a self-service situation so you can access the pools, yoga, LED room, sauna and steam rooms and relaxation areas at your leisure meaning less people are needed to ensure you’re having a good time.
Of course, you’ll need to book a massage and your private infrared sauna time but other than that, the bathhouse is your oyster. Weird, but true. Oh and if you’re a work-from-home type, you can work from the complete peace and quiet that Soak offers at one of their co-working desks.
Owners Nicky Dean and Alexis Dyson have quite the impressive backgrounds in the health and wellness industries and have combined their powers to create something quite special.
As we’ve all learnt (the hard way) in the last 12 months, taking care of our mental health must be a priority if we want to live our very best lives and a place dedicated to connection, relaxation and deep breathing is certainly going to be a big push in the right direction.
So, do yourselves the ultimate of favours and book in a session (or three) at Soak Bathhouse. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself as we roll into a new year.
LOCATION: 2532 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: Monday to Thursday 8am until 6.30pm, Friday and Saturday 8am until 8pm and Sunday 9am until 5pm
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
