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Broadbeach’s neat new Whisky Bar

The Vault is our sort of Whisky business.

The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

We all like the finer things in life. Opting for premium, over the everyday and spoiling ourselves when we have the chance is just part of being human. One new venue opening on the Gold Coast this week slots into this train of thought seamlessly. The two go hand in hand. A divine high-end drink offering, stylish settings and enticing contemporary tapas menu await you at Broadbeach’s hottest new venue, The Vault.

The focus of this new bar is to bring a premium high-end spirits experience to the central Gold Coast. By way of some of the finest whiskies, rums and cognacs you are likely to ever find within Australia. No expense has been spared, with products sourced from around the globe including Japan, the Scottish Highlands and the Caribbean and a scintillating food menu that draws inspiration from various much-liked cuisines. To say this bar will deliver an international experience is to put it lightly.

The owners behind The Vault are well-travelled hospitality veterans with experience of owning venues in the USA, London and Dubai. So after discovering the Gold Coast, naturally, they fell hard for our little slice of heaven here on the Coast. They aim to bring a premium drinks experience with great share style dishes to the bustling Broadbeach social scene; giving their guests not only incredible drinks in their glass but only the best eats on their plate also.

The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

The venue’s mood mixes dark and sophisticated with a spattering of jazz-era art deco feels. The U-shaped bar is central to the space and means you can watch the masterful bartenders mix up your next drink or catch the eye of the intriguing person you’ve noticed across the bar. All up, the venue has a capacity for 150 people (when restrictions relax) and will make use of an alfresco area to the front, which will allow guests to soak up the renowned ambience of the suburb.

For the spirit enthusiasts out there – and in particular whisky lovers – the venue’s top-shelf offerings include 21-year-old Hibiki and 18-year-old Yamazaki, both extremely hard to come by Japanese whiskies that come with a price tag to match. However, if whisky isn’t your thing, then luxury rum Zacapa XO might be more in line, as well as superior choices of vodkas, gins and tequilas.

Once you feel hungry, the internationally-inspired tapas-style menu with such highlights as Butter Chicken Gnocchi and Scallop Ceviche Tostada will continue to impress your senses. A considerable effort has been made to include some stellar vegan dishes – no half efforts here. The signature Vault Ensalada with winter leaves, Gorgonzola, balsamic marinated strawberries, and spiced almonds is sure to impress any palette, vegan or not!

The Vault tapas style menu (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
The Vault tapas style menu (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

A unique aspect to the business will be their very own memberships for the most discerning customer. Ranging from Gold, Silver and Bronze, members will have exclusive access to offers, gifts and invites to events. Those purchasing an entire bottle will automatically have gold membership and receive a key and personal locker space to leave their bottle for safekeeping until the next time they swing by. We’ll say this though, there’s room for more than one bottle in there!

Should you feel the need to take things up a notch and visit somewhere where you can indulgence yourself over signature cocktails, first-class spirits and memorable share plates, we think stopping by at The Vault is a wise decision.

Where: Shop 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
When: Mon-Thurs 5pm-9pm | Fri 5pm-11pm | Sat 11am-11pm | Sun 11am-9pm

Words by Alex Mitcheson.

The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)
The Vault (Image: © 2021 Inside Gold Coast)

15 reasons locals love Broadbeach

Exterior of The Star Gold Coast at sunset with Broadbeach in the background (image supplied)
Exterior of The Star Gold Coast at sunset with Broadbeach in the background (image supplied)

If you love to wine, dine and shop you’ll love Broadbeach. If you prefer to surf, laze in the sun or strut along beachfront esplanades, you’ll also love Broadbeach. From cult-followed cafes to shiny new eats, boujee bars and shopping boutiques, this burb’s an A-grade entertainer that shines bright in the eyes of locals and visitors alike.

There are many reasons locals – and Gold Coasters far and wide – love a bit of Broady, but here are 15 to get you started.

The Star Gold Coast
If ever there was a reason to call up the babysitter, it’s for a session at The Star. Here, you’re greeted with live music and a melange of premium food options- you won’t need to go anywhere else. Start with a few bevvies at the Atrium Bar before choosing your cuisine for the night. Will it be the fresh Garden Kitchen & Bar or the award-winning Cantonese at Uncle Su’s? Why not taste Tokyo right on the Gold Coast at Kiyomi, authentic Italian eats at Cucina Vivo or the ultimate buffet experience at Harvest Buffet? Or maybe you’re looking for the chic rooftop bar at Nineteen at The Star or a sneaky drink at the new look Veladora?
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach

Dracula's, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Dracula's, Broadbeach (image supplied)

Dracula’s Cabaret Restaurant
If you’re after a tried and tested, long-standing comedy cabaret, good ‘ole Dracs has been serving up frights, food and frivolity since we were all ankle-biters. Most people are sold when they hear there’s a ghost train alone, let alone the actual show, which changes every so often, so there’s always a reason to go back! Enjoy a quality 3-course dinner and a menu of magical and mystical cocktails and shots!
Where: Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar
If you consider yourself a gastronome, then this Oracle Blvd darling is for you. Social serves modern Australian flavours in a casual meets fine dining setting. For this, they’ve secured more hats than a Milliner’s workshop and have just won 3 glasses at the 2024 Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards. This comes as no surprise with Executive Chef Matthew Jefferson in charge. With a recently refreshed menu (promised to please even the most refined palates), you’ll experience a carefully curated range of bar snacks, charcuterie, and small and large share plates featuring the finest Australian ingredients and paired to perfection.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach

Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Social Eating House + Bar kitchen (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Blues on Broadbeach
Unlike our other listings, this one’s not here 24/7. However, it’s that much of a Broady icon that it would be criminal not to throw it a mention. As the name suggests, it brings us world-class blues music and jazz from locals and famous acts alike, performing across multiple venues over four unforgettable days. And it’s free. When does that ever happen?!
Where: Various Broadbeach venues

Elk Espresso
This place has never met an empty table; it’s constantly bulging at the seams with raving fans. Of course, we are one of such fans. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach, the coffee is all-time, the menus are seasonal and heavenly, and they do a Boozy Bottomless Brunch. And sold!
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, 12 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach

Elk Espresso, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Elk Espresso, Broadbeach (image supplied)

The Oasis
It’s an everyday escape for locals, and one of our top shopping centres on the coast (for good reason). The Oasis is home to stunning fashion boutiques, and the number of fabulous eateries at hand is impressive in of itself. In addition to the ones we highlight in this article, we’re talking Mario’s, Madison’s Café and Patisserie, Spice Kitchen and Bar, and The Broadbeach Tavern, to name just a few. It’s a #OneStopShop.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Broadbeach Bowls Club
Ahhh, good old lawn bowls. The game that never fails to deliver a good time. If you’re looking for the best way to spend a chill arvo on the GC, it’s with a game of barefoot bowls, brew in hand at Broadbeach Bowls Club. When you’re finished, they have a full bistro menu waiting with big portions of all your go-to pub-grub meals. They also have a canape package perfect for a laid-back birthday or celebration.
Where: 169 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

kōst Bar & Grill, Broadbeach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)
O’Connor Beef T-Bone, kōst Bar & Grill, Broadbeach (Image: © 2023 Inside Gold Coast)

kōst Bar & Grill
Just over a year old, yet kōst has already wriggled its way onto our hot list… sneaky bugger. Just kidding, they’re here for a reason, and credit is due! The contemporary style bar and grill is perfect for sophisticated sips, flame-grilled eats and boujee’ bar snacks’, all within a relaxed-luxury setting. Champagne with a side of caviar, anyone?
Where: 3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

No Name Lane
Well, if it isn’t No Name Lane making a name for themselves as Blake Lively’s favourite coffee. In her exact words “”the best coffee of her life”. We can attest to this, alongside the cafe’s cult local following. Not only are they adored for their cuppa, but their all-day breakfasts and gourmet lunches also go down a treat so if you haven’t been, remedy this immediately.
Where: 16 Charles Ave, Broadbeach

Pancakes at No Name Lane, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Pancakes at No Name Lane, Broadbeach (image supplied)

Kurrawa Surf Club
Ocean views don’t come any better than this. With legit THE most prime location, Kurrawa Surf Club has everything you’d want from a Surf Club…and more. With awesome regular members specials and fresh ingredients, there’s no such thing as a bad meal here. They host a trivia night and live music, and of course there’s the obligatory gaming lounge for those who like a flutter.
Where: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach

CHA CHA Japanese Restaurant
Gold Coasters have been CHA CHA bound for an authentic Japanese nosh-up which won’t break the bank for years, and that’s not about to change any time soon. The banquet menu is divine and every visit you’ll experience the same level of scrumptiousness. But the soy on the dim sum…it’s BYO and it’s hard to find an already affordable yet high-quality restaurant offering our 3 favourite letters. Score.
Where: 2705 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Pacific Fair, Broadbeach (image supplied)
Pacific Fair, Broadbeach (image supplied)

Pacific Fair
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of THE queen. Pacific Fair (aka Pac Fair) is any Gold Coasters first point of call when a new ensemble or therapy (retail or other) is required. It has every retailer you could possibly wish for, fabulous food options and indisputably the most gorgeous fit-out you’ve ever seen. Nothing rivals it.
Where: Gold Coast Hwy and Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Costa Taco
You bet we did a happy dance when news broke that our fav taqueria from Palm Beach had opened a third location in Broady (the second was Byron). For us, and many (most) Gold Coasters, it was a love at first bite. Costa Taco stole our taste buds with their authentic, flavour-filled eats and there was no turning back. And why would we? You would have to be coco to say no no to coconut margaritas?
Where: Cnr Armrick Ave and Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach

Costa Taco, Broadbeach (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)
Quesabirrias, Costa Taco, Broadbeach (Image: © 2024 Inside Gold Coast)

The Lamb Shop
In a pita shell, you’re getting bangin bar snacks and succulent souvlaki- what’s not to love? After a long day on Broadbeach beach (presumably), when you’re feeling sun-kissed and salt wrapped, is there anything better than biting into a tangy lamb-filled pita wrap to replenish exerted energy? No! The Lamb Shop’s entire menu is prepared in-house daily, using only fresh local produce, premium cuts and authentic grilling techniques. That’s why we love em!
Where: 1 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach
There’s no better place to snag a seat and sink a beer (or a Golden Hour Sour) on a Saturday arvy than at the brand new The Beach Hotel in Broadbeach. The airy spaces and indoor-outdoor flow let the sea breeze carry through the beer garden into the public bar. The vibe is set to ‘summer chill’, eats are delish, sips are refreshing and every corner is designed for the perfect gathering with your pals. After some spirited fun, head inside Cora, a restaurant within The Beach Hotel, where fine dining and a laid-back atmosphere come together to deliver palate-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired bites and crisp, cool drinks. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

The Beach Hotel Broadbeach (image supplied)
The Beach Hotel Broadbeach (image supplied)

New whisky bar and eatery set to shake things up in Varsity Lakes

It’s been a minute since we’ve had the pleasure of venturing out Varsity Lakes way but here we are with news from the crew there.

A new venue has arrived and it’s bringing all your whisky sipping, tasty snack eating dreams to life. It’s called The Rusty Barrel and it’s the work of local lad Billy Crean who sought to breathe some newness into Varsity’s bustling little business precinct.

And that he has with a new bar and eatery that’s serving up something quite different to the norm.

You can find The Rusty Barrel just behind Hotel CBD, it’s a 70-seat space with both indoor and outdoor seating areas and a sweet little garden area soon to be overgrown with greenery.

Unsurprisingly, the space is decked out with rum barrels, sourced from Beenleigh Distillery, a mural taking up the length of one wall and a delightful neon sign shining out from another stating “we’re all mad here” and same, to be honest.

Let’s chat drinks first and the cocktail list has been created by local legend Jesse Chan, who knows all of the things about tasty tipples and there are many on it you should sample.

Starting with a Kaffir Lime and Agave-infused Old Fashioned which smells as good as it tastes and (as with many of the cocktails on the list) is infused with a housemade syrup and is so very delicious.

Not only that one though, The Chilli Jam is made with House made chilli tequila, agave, grapefruit and lime and is a little party in your mouth. We also loved the PBJs which is made with Vizor Peanut Butter Schnapps, J Cartron Coconut Liqueur, strawberries, lemon and peanut crumble.

All the good sips guys.

To eat, there are both share-style and keep-to-yourself-style options so you can choose your own adventure in that regard.

 

Small plate-wise there are dishes like Port Lincoln Kingfish Ceviche with pickled jalapeno, coriander, kaffir lime, avo mousse and beetroot Wagyu, King Prawn and Barramundi Sugarcane Skewers and Koji-marinated Tuna Tartare with Buckwheat Bark. Tasty.

You may also indulge in big old burgers like the Barrel’s Brisket Ragu Burger, the Zucchini and Corn Cheese Burgers and the BBQ Peri Peri Chicken Burger. There’s a tasting trio of sliders if you fancy a little bit of everything.

Not only all of that though, there’ll also be live music on Saturday nights. How fun.

Get into Varsity and give them some love.

LOCATION: 11/228 Varsity Pde, Varsity Lakes
HOURS: Wednesday until Sunday 11.30am until late

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

A cosy, new whisky lounge opens in Mudgeeraba

In case you’re somehow unaware, whisky is the one tipple that will cure almost anything that ails you. Feeling a little melancholy after a long day at work? Whisky. Unable to leave your house to go to work? Whisky. Thirsty? Whisky. It’s a gift from above honestly.

Now we hear what some of you might be saying, “whisky only tastes good with Coke” or “it’s rocket fuel” etc. Well friends (who are probably called Karen), you’re wrong and/or you’ve been drinking the incorrect type for way too long.

Which is okay really because we are here today to inform you of both the recent opening of new venue in Mudgeeraba that is both the Coast’s first bar dedicated to whisky AND why you need to get in there and sample some of the good stuff ASAP.

Now, Whisky Lounge Mudgeeraba as it is aptly named opened only a few short weeks ago and is the work of two lads who moved all the way up from Melbourne (smart) to bring us this lovely newbie. Donald and Uwe had the dream of opening their own bar a few years ago and after Uwe moved his family up to the Coast and found the space, Donald decided to do the same and now we all get to drink whisky all the time. Perfect.

It’s a cosy little venue tucked inside the Village Precinct on Railway Street with plenty of natural light streaming through, comfy armchairs to kick back in and a bar absolutely stacked with sips from across the world.

The idea was to create somewhere with a strong community vibe where you can pop in for a drink or three, have a chat and learn a thing or two about delicious, delicious whisky from the pros. And that it is.

Scotland, Donald’s homeland is very well represented with brands like Aultmore, Macallan, Glen Grant and Glenmorangie on the shelf. Of course there are Japanese favourites like Matsui and Kensei, as well as bottles from the US, Canada, Ireland and indeed, Australia.

Yes friends, Australia is home to several world class whisky distilleries and we obviously recommend trying those first. Lark is a Tassie fave, along with Starward from Melbourne and Nant, also a Tassie drop.

There are over 130 to try right now, each with a distinct flavour and all aged uniquely and for varying amounts of time. More are added all the time so you might as well either plan to settle in for the long haul or go back time and time again.

Whisky Lounge is the perfect addition to Mudgeeraba and we absolutely guarantee you’ll find at least one (but probably 10) sips you adore. Oh and you can BYO food so that’s a good time too.

Pop and in pay the boys a visit, they would love to have you.

LOCATION: Shop 2A, 58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 3pm to 9pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 11pm

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

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