Simon Gloftis, Billy Cross to run rooftop ‘sky castle’ restaurant and bar

IT’S the crowning glory of the Gold Coast’s multibillion-dollar Commonwealth Games building boom, a soaring sky castle that will be ruled from above by the two “Greek boy” kings of Glitter Strip hospitality.

IT’S the crowning glory of the Gold Coast’s multibillion-dollar Commonwealth Games building boom, a soaring sky castle that will be ruled from above by the two “Greek boy” kings of Glitter Strip hospitality.

The Courier-Mail has been given an exclusive look at the spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar that will crown The Star Gold Coast’s new “six-star” hotel and apartment tower — the centrepiece of a $850 million Coast casino upgrade ahead of the Games next April.

With sweeping ocean views, the luxurious 20th floor venue will boast a $20 million fitout featuring an infinity pool with daybeds, private dining level with a floor-to-ceiling 2500-bottle wine cellar, VIP bar and DJ lounge.

Leading restaurateur Simon Gloftis and entertainment guru Billy Cross, who together have hosted some of the biggest celebrities to visit Queensland, have been chosen by Star to run the venue and literally lift the bar in Queensland hospitality to new heights.

“This will be a game-changer for the Gold Coast,” Mr Cross said.

“It’s going to raise the bar to a level that’s never been seen before on the Coast or in Queensland.

“We’re going to see probably one of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Australia ... it’s really going to be a world-class venue.”

The new rooftop bar space taking shape at The Star’s new building, The Darling, at Broadbeach. Picture: Jerad Williams

A former male stripper in the Manpower troupe he founded in the 1980s, Cross went on to run a string of nightclubs in Surfers Paradise and later Las Vegas and then promoted music festivals including Summafieldayze and Falls.

His mate Mr Gloftis, a former kitchen-hand turned Maserati-driving foodie icon, was at the forefront of the Coast’s cafe boom before establishing award-winning Coast restaurants Hellenika at Nobby Beach and The Fish House at Burleigh Heads.

The Fish House, which Mr Gloftis sold last year for more than $2 million to help bankroll The Star venture, hosted celebrity diners including Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, Cate Blanchett, Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and the Rolling Stones.

“With a formidable power duo in Billy Cross and Simon Gloftis, combined with our world-class rooftop location and stunning Broadbeach skyline views, the restaurant and bar promises to be Queensland’s premier dining destination,” The Star Entertainment Group’s Queensland boss Geoff Hogg said.

The venue’s name and menu will be unveiled early next year.