December is already looking very good Gold Coasters, summer is here, it’s almost Christmas, 2021 isn’t far away and we get to frolic in our sparkly city, sipping frosty beers and exploring all the epic things going on here.

The latest of which, happily, is the opening of a brand new Miami brewery combining both said drinking of frosty beers AND exploring epic things.

It’s called Precinct Brewing Co. and it’s the work of The Imlach Group who, as you know, are the creators of SO MANY impressive local venues including Bine Beer Bar, Mr Hizola’s, Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, Nightjar, Nightcap and The Backyard Cafe.

They’re a busy lot but no rest for the wicked as they say and that absolutely works for us.

Precinct Brewing Co. can be found on Christine Avenue and if you’ve ventured down there lately, you’ll have seen the colourful, graffiti-covered entrance promising a world of good times within. As is the norm with anywhere that has the names Simone Tunbridge, Scott Imlach and Michael Craighead on it.

Not to mention Head Brewer Jeremy James, who has more experience brewing a tasty drop than any of us have drinking it – which is a lot because we all Gold Coasters.

But back to the venue. Once you’ve stepped through the doors you’ll be welcomed into a sleek, all white space with greenery dripping from up high, their signature art adorning one wall and an absolute slew of tanks brewing up some tasty treats.

Precinct features 12 taps and four direct-pour tanks behind the bar meaning there’ll be sixteen brews to taste and Jeremy has quite the penchant for unique tastes. Mango-flavoured Kettle Sour anyone? Yep.

For opening week, there’ll be four new beers and a few from local brewers to get things started PLUS all of the Mr Consistent cocktails, a range of local, sustainable vegan wines, Hard FIZZ Seltzer and local spirits. It’s pretty much the best selection of sips around and we are absolutely pumped.

Of course, there’s food to go with all those drinks and it’s delicious, as you’d expect.

There’s starters like Precinct Fried Chicken, Fried Crispy Zucchini and Wagyu Beef Bao. But we’ve tried and tested the gourmet pizzas, so share a Parma, Italian Pork Sausage or Capricciosa variety.

What more could you want? Nothing is what.

Precinct Brewing Co. opens Friday 4th December and you should definitely get down there.

LOCATION: 17 Christine Avenue, Miami
HOURS: 11am until 10pm Monday to Thursday, 11am until midnight Friday, 12pm unil midnight Saturday and 12pm until 10pm Sunday

Words and photos by Kirra Smith

If it’s romance you want, it’s romance you’ll get here on the GC this Valentine’s Day. Hubba hubba!

We’ve compiled a list of what’s on and where, so that you can dial up the love-o-meter and treat yo’self and yo’partner to a Valentine’s Day (or night) experience to remember.

* Please note that unless indicated otherwise, all Valentine’s Day specials mentioned will take place on Tuesday 14^th of February.

JW MARRIOTT GOLD COAST RESORT & SPA
Citrique
Indulge with your Valentine in a decadent five-course degustation dinner menu, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and team of culinary experts. Accompanied by a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne, tantalise your taste buds with Scallop and Yuzu Pearls, King George Whiting and Avruga Caviar, Lobster Fricassee, Roasted Duck Breast and Truffle Farro, and Chocolate Rose and Raspberry Sorbet to finish. Prices start at $129 per person (level up with a $49 wine pairing). Get your tickets here.

Chapter & Verse
Inspired by a resort tradition, indulge with your loved one in a Valentine’s Day high tea, curated by Executive Chef Paul Smart and his esteemed team. Accompanied by a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne, devour the likes of Raspberry Macaroons, Chocolate and Salted Caramel Slice, Strawberry & Cream Scones, Smoked Salmon and Caviar Rose, Beetroot & Cream Cheese Sandwich, and Prawn Roll With Lemon Aioli to name a few. $89 per person. Get your tickets here.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Oyster Bar & Grill
Head Chef, Christopher Dodds has crafted a truly endearing five-course degustation menu where you will enjoy the likes of Spiced Duck Breast, served with pan fried scallop, spring vegetables, lobster bisque, Fresh Oysters served with lemon pepper pearls and Prosecco mignonette, Roasted Rack of Lamb or Ocean Trout served with poached King Prawns, broad beans, tomato, hazelnut vinaigrette. To finish, indulge in the famous White Chocolate Raspberry Dome served with freeze dried raspberry cremeux, candied pistachio crumble, and chocolate Grand Marnier gelato. $119 per guest. Get your ticket here.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

White Rhino Bar & Eats
Whether you’re looking for a romantic destination for you and your lover, or want to enjoy dinner with the girls, White Rhino has it all. Choose between two and three course Couples Packages ($150 for two vs $190 for three) which include a bottle of Bleasdale Cabernet Sauvignon. Or round up a table of four (minimum) of your fave chicks and go with the $220 Galentine’s Package, with two entrees, four mains, two desserts and a bottle of Prosecco. Just add live entertainment and winner winner Valentine’s Day dinner.
Where: Circle On Cavill, Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise

Surfers Pavilion
It’s time to spoil your loved one with the ultimate aphrodisiac; an Oceanside Seafood Platter for two, plus a bottle of Wild Rock Gris ($189.00 per couple). Or, splurge on a sumptuous 2-course feast washed down with a bottle of Totara Sauv Blanc, with the likes of Bug and Prawn Linguine, Wild Mushroom Lasagne, or Sirloin for mains. Swoon!
Where: 30/34 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise

Cali Beach
With Valentine’s Day theming, creative expression and an unforgettable flamboyant performance, the infamous and inclusive SQUIRT hosted by vibrant reality star, David Subritzky, is back! Think rose petal covered daybeds, a glitter booth, topless waiters…or try and resist Cupid’s chokehold at the kissing booth! This flirty and frivolous Sunday session features dazzling Drag Queens, special guest DJs, cheeky interactive games and captivating entertainment. Sunday 12^th February from 11am. Entry is FREE!
Where: 21a Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise

The Bedroom Lounge Bar
Shred your ex – literally (well, a photo of them) this Valentine’s at The Bedroom! Bring along a photo of your ex and delight in watching The Bedroom staff shred it on arrival! Oh-so satisfying! They’ll also throw in a free gift….. #SoSold.
Where: 26 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Miss Moneypenny’s
Head chef Tapos Singha has curated a memorable Valentine’s Day menu that is sure to wow! From Alaskan King Crab Leg to Squid Ink Tagliatelle and Miss Moneypenny’s Gay-Time this menu is pure love from go to whoa. Lunch and dinner sittings, but be sure to book as this one will book out.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach

Harajuku Gyoza
Does a special Japanese Valentine’s set tickle your fancy? Available for lunch or dinner, we’re talking  Hiramasa Kingfish Sashimi, Karaage Chicken, Classic Grilled Pork Gyoza, Garlic Butter Crab Gyoza, White Sesame Salad and Ferrero Rocher Gyoza. YUM!!! Available 10 – 14^th February. $40 per person.
Where: The Oasis Shopping Centre, Broadbeach

Mozza Mozza
Eat, drink and get loved up at Mozza Mozza! Spoil your special someone with a 3-course feast featuring their creamy Burrata, divine Blue Swimmer Crab Spaghetti and the sweet-dream Raspberry Cannoli for dessert. Bellissima! $75 per person.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen Avenue & Musgrave Avenue, Southport

QT GOLD COAST
Bazaar
For an extra spesh dinner, treat your date with a Bazaar Marketplace ‘Lover’s Feast’. Complete with bubbles on arrival, enjoy trawler-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats, Asian delights and gourmet salads, sweet treats, acoustic tunes, and even personalised chocolate love notes! $159 per person.

The Spring
LBH, Valentine’s Day in a cabana under the stars is romance 101. Spoil your QTie (get it?!) with dinner for two in a luxury poolside cabana with a glass of the bubbly stuff (Mumm Sparking may we add), followed by four delicious courses perfect for sharing. Dream date alert! $300 for one cabana (two people).

Yamagen
Yamagen is bringing Honmei Choco to the Gold Coast; the gesture of giving carefully handmade chocolate to a lover or love interest. Nawwww. But first, Yamagen’s finest a la carte menu followed by the new dessert, The Volcano (as if sparks weren’t flying already.)

And PS – They say two’s company, and at QT, throuples are a vibe. With every dinner booking for three on Valentine’s Day will include Aphrodisiac Hour – a half-dozen oysters on the house.

Fixx Café
Grab your lover or the girls for a Fixx Café High Tea. $59 per person including coffee or tea, or $78 per person served with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne and bottomless tea or coffee.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

THE STAR GOLD COAST
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Spoil your other half (and your tastebuds) with an exclusive Valentine’s dessert made with luurve. Designed to be enjoyed together, savour the textures of the Valrhona Chocolate Share Plate. $19 and available for dinner only.

Cucina Vivo
In typical passionate Italian form, Cucina Vivo is also serving up an extra spesh dessert offer! It’s called the Italian Kiss, made with Italian pastry, crème fraiche semifreddo and macerated strawberries. $14, available for dinner only.

Kiyomi
Not to be left out of the exclusive V Day dessert-fest, Kiyomi is also offering a special sweet finisher for Cupid’s favourite night of the year. The Peanut Fondant with chocolate fondant, peanut butter, chocolate and vanilla ice cream is sure to dazzle the object of your affection. $25 and available for dinner only.

Azure Spa & Fitness
Azure invites you and your beloved to connect and unwind with a Rejuvenating Massage for Two. This rhythmic body massage will ease away tension and re-align energy flow #yesplease. Plus, enjoy the sanctuary of an Azure Spa private cabana. $600 per couple and available throughout February.

Love in Luxury
Indulge in a luxury stay at The Star Grand Hotel or The Darling, including a daily $50 dining credit, daily breakfast per guest, and a late check out until 12:00pm. You’re guaranteed 25% off the best available rate, leaving more in the kitty for extra cocktails and a few trips to the roulette table #PutItAllOnRed. The offer is valid until 31^st May.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach

THE LANGHAM GOLD COAST
Lobby Bar
Celebrate in style with a collection of special Valentine’s Day delicacies sourced for the occasion. Go all out with a Seafood Tower with caviar or opt for the Sweet Treats Tower as you enjoy the bespoke Valentine’s beverage list.

Chuan Spa
Travel deeper into relaxation with Chuan Spa’s Valentine’s Couple Experience. This two-hour package includes a couple’s 90-minute True Langham Gold Stone Massage, 30-minute access to the private Steam Room, sweet treats and champagne to be enjoyed at the end of your treatment. Available throughout February.
Where: The Langham Gold Coast, 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

SkyPoint Observation Deck – Q1
Shout your love from the top of the Gold Coast at Australia’s highest dining destination and devour a five-course degustation meal, flowing drinks, and live entertainment. The Gold Package has sold out but never fear peeps, the Silver Package is still available! At $120 per person it is the perfect place to romance your loved one while taking in views of the Gold Coast city skyline.
Where: Q1, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise

Words by Bianca Trathen.

First of all, yes we are experts and second of all, there’s nothing wrong with consuming an entire packet of Tim Tams while binging on Gossip Girl for the fifteenth night in a row (Mum said so).

But in case that’s not your jam (insert eye roll), and because we’re keen to widen our circle of single lady pals, here are a few things to do on the Gold Coast if you’re sans a significant other.

Dance, dance, dance
Not only is channeling your inner Beyoncé a fun way to work off those pesky Tim Tam calories, it also boosts the feel good vibes and gives you the perfect excuse to down an extra margarita or two (because seeya inhibitions). We recommend Retros Cocktail Lounge in Surfers for the old school beats and spacious d-floor.

Try all the foods
No, not Tim Tams (unless Cold Rock is involved then by all means). There’s something liberating about eating out alone and, with the ridiculous amount of five-star restaurants on the Coast, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you stay at home and order UberEATS every night. We recommend starting with Burleigh because a. good-looking people watching and b. Rosella’s, Iku, Nightjar, Jimmy Wah’s, Rabbath, Rick Shores, Lockwood Bar, etc.

Treat yo’self
Spa days are the ultimate single gal good time. Go solo or grab your girl gang and make a day of it. There are plenty of places to indulge on the Coast from escape-for-a-week retreats like Gwinganna to the sophisticated, Moroccan chic vibes of The Bathhouse for massages and magnesium baths. Smooth skin and super chill vibes await.

Get crafty
Making stuff is a good time. Unless it’s an intricate recipe that takes four hours to create, only to be devoured within four minutes. Anywho, crafts and the like are fun. The Craft Parlour in Miami run MANY workshops like intro to ceramics, macramé weaving, watercolour 101, all the creative things. Plenty of people sign up solo so we suggest you do the same and make a few new friends while you’re there.

Shop up a storm
Retail therapy is a thing y’all (experts on this topic too). Not that any of us need therapy (right!?) but new clothes are always a good idea and you’re gonna need ‘em for the dancing and the eating out solo. Pacific Fair is our pick for a splurge and Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre on a budget, unless you’re more of an online shopper then we definitely recommend supporting the many local brands around these parts.

Get fit
Or die trying. After you’ve bought all the pretty activewear, you might want to take up a new active hobby. How about hiking? Fresh air and fitness, it’s a combination for the ages. OR, join a random touch football team and expand your social circle while getting fit and having a good old laugh at how unfit you’ve become thanks to the irresistible allure of Netflix and Tim Tams.

Put a fork in us, we’re done. Admittedly, all that sounds pretty tiring, anyone got any good Netflix recommendations?

Words by Kirra Smith.