Surfers Paradise may not be a place you’re usually keen to frequent on a night out but hold up haters, we’ve got good news.

Retros Cocktail Lounge opens this week and if you’re one of the (highly intelligent) people in the world who love yourself some 80s and 90s beats, strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to party.

Located on Orchid Ave, Retros originally opened in Brisbane to rave reviews and now Surfers Paradise gets to share in the love.

The tunes will be old school (strictly 80, 90s and noughties) and everyone’s favourite way to consume cocktails (in a fishbowl) is on offer. Everything from the design to the music and drinks are inspired by those epic decades.

Mirrored disco balls and neon lights illuminate the room and guys, best of all, there’s glow paint E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.

You can rent yo’self a VIP Bottle and Booth from $350, which includes a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and a dedicated host to serve and pour drinks. So it’s basically like you’re Britney Spears (pre breakdown) and her entourage and what could possibly be better.

If dancing until your feet ache, sipping from a shared (or not) bowl filled with delicious alcoholic beverages and reminiscing on the good old days are your idea of a good time, you should definitely hit up Retros ASAP.

Party on Wayne.

LOCATION: 5-7 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
HOURS: Thursday from 9pm until late, Friday and Saturday from 8pm until late.

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

So this is exciting news for Gold Coasters; beloved British chef Jamie Oliver has opened his very first Australian pizzeria right here in our pretty city on Saturday 16th November and we, quite obviously, love both pizza and the man himself so this madeus very happy.

Aptly titled, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, the menu is inspired by Jamie’s many visits to Italy (lucky him) and featuring simple, tasty eats made with exceptional produce at a great price.

What’s not to love?

The authentic, artisan dough is tossed by hand and cooked in specialty ovens to create world-famous pizzas that are loved the world over. With venues in Dubai, Portugal and Hungary, we’re joining quite the international lineup.

The focus is on classic Italian flavours and a passion for food and entertaining which are things we also love very much.

If the overseas menus are anything to go by, we can expect pizzas topped with Chicken alla Diavola, meatballs, Neapolitan-style, the classic pepperoni (YUM), a vegetarian goodie and of course, specialty garlic bread unlike any other.

If we’re lucky, there may also be appetizers along the lines of crispy squid and maybe a pasta or two in case pizzas aren’t enough to fill your belly.

Fresh, delicious salads and delightful desserts are also on the menu so the next time you’re shopping up an absolute storm at Pacific Fair you can also look forward to an epic Italian feast to recharge the batteries.

Excitingly, Jamie is somewhat of a revolutionary in the food industry and the local newbie will see new recipes and concepts along with tasty and affordable food, exceptional service and a good time atmosphere.

Jamie’s Oliver’s Pizzeria is now open on the Gold Coast, so get yourself down there asap!

LOCATION: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach

Words by Kirra Smith
Photos by Brittani Johnson

There can never be too many Irish things in the world if you ask us, people, accents, beers, bars, keep them all coming, all day long please.

Which is why it brings us great pleasure to report on the opening of Finn McCools, an Irish bar that swung open its’ doors in Surfers Paradise late last month.

Taking up space where the Coast’s beloved Fiddlers Green once lived, Finn McCools is keeping the Irish tradition alive on Cavill Ave bringing hearty eats and a pint of Guinness or two to the people.

The legend goes that Finn McCool was a mythical giant, hunter and warrior who battled a Scottish giant defeating him with cunning trickery. It is said Finn McCool now sleeps in a cave beneath Dublin ready to one day defend Ireland in the hour of her greatest need. The luck of the Irish hey.

The space earned itself a whopping $2 million makeover when Hallmark took the reigns and began the process of transforming the venue into a space not unlike their Brisbane haunt.

A huge bar runs down the left hand side of the space, with a stunning stained glass feature overhead, high tables take up the front section of the space while booth seating is an option along the opposite wall and in the upstairs section, overlooking the crowds. Huge TV screens broadcast all of the sports you could ever hope for and the general good vibes Irish bars are known for, are certainly evident here too.

It’s all dark greens and wooden furniture with Irish sayings and vintage signage plastered all over the walls plus, of course, plants dotted throughout to complete the picture.

Food-wise you can expect all the Irish favourites you’ve come to know and love including Beef and Guinness Pie, Chicken Curry, Pork and Cabbage and an all day Irish Breakfast. It’s all flavour-filled and nourishing and there definitely won’t be any going home hungry here.

Of course, you can also indulge in pub favourites like Chicken Parmi, Battered Fish, burgers and steaks.

There are daily meal offers and we highly suggest you get involved in that. Monday is steak night with a rump for $11.90 and a rib fillet for $17.90. Tuesday is $3 taco day, Wednesday grab yourself some 50 cent chicken wings, Thursday is $11.90 chicken parmy night and Sunday is, of course, roast night for just $12 including roast meat, potatoes and veggies and Yorkshire pudding with gravy. It’s the goods.

There’ll also be live music on Sunday afternoons so good times aplenty friends.

To be sure.

LOCATION: 39 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
PHONE: 07 5629 0722
HOURS: Open daily from 11am until late
WEBSITE: https://www.finnmccools.com.au/

Words and photos by Kirra Smith