Inside the opening of Nineteen At The Star: who’s who, unisex toilets and divisive music choices

NINETEEN At The Star has officially opened, and you’ve probably seen pictures of the infinity pool on your news feeds. But if you’re dreaming of taking a dip, better think again. All the gossip from the opening here...

THE local social set replaced Thursday night’s Sydney and Melbourne-based VIPs on Broadbeach Island last night for Nineteen at The Star’s official launch party.

While the rooftop venue occupies pride of place on the 19th floor of the property’s new luxury suite hotel The Darling, patrons have to walk through the existing Star building and its ground floor gaming area to access the mirrored elevators that whisk them to the venue.

It’s why the Star is referenced in Nineteen’s name — to help guide patrons to the property’s main entrance — and why the rooftop venue is only for those aged 18 and over.

If The Star Entertainment Group-curated guest list for Thursday’s function ticked off a who’s who of local politics, business and tourism, last night’s party people are more likely to become some of Nineteen’s most loyal clientele.

Dan Anstey and fiance Clare Dufty at Nineteen at The Star on Friday night. Picture: Instagram.

Friday funsters included world champion surfer Joel Parkinson and wife Monica, actress Jodi Gordon, model Erin Holland, Instagrammers Tammy and Emilee Hembrow, House Rules winner Daniella Winter, ironman Matt Bevilacqua and ironwoman Brielle Cooper, a Papal delegation of rising real estate moguls and enough Bond University graduates to fill Basil Sellers Theatre.

Ironman Matt Bevilacqua and ironwoman Brielle Cooper at the Nineteen at The Star launch.

Mayor Tom Tate and wife Ruth, Deputy Donna Gates, Gold 92.5 early bird Bridget Daly, Sea FM’s Dan Anstey and fiance Clare Dufty, model and TV presenter Kris Smith (trying to avoid attention hiding under a black felt hat that ensured he stood out from the crowd) and a handful of Nineteen’s favourite media mates (including social snapper Andrew Meadowcroft, backing up to celebrate his 34th birthday) were among the extremely small group of guests who scored invites to the launch double.

The Nineteen at The Star restaurant team. Picture: Instagram.

They backed up alongside Nineteen’s partners Simon Gloftis and Jackie and Billy Cross — surely the hardest working trio on the local hospitality scene during the past few months.

Gloftis managed to escape the kitchen to clink crystal glasses with chef Kelvin Andrews and mates in Nineteen’s swish upstairs lounge last night while the Cross’s busted a few moves on the dancefloor.

Ben Hannant and VIP friends at the official opening of The Darling on Thursday night — just hours before he became a dad for the 7th time. Picture: Instagram.

Thursday night guest Ben Hannant wasn’t able to return Friday — he spent the time between parties at John Flynn Hospital, where he and wife Emma welcoming their seventh child, a new baby boy.

Party patrons at both launch events were surprised to learn they won’t be able to test the water in the venue’s magnificent infinity pool — it’s for the exclusive use of guests staying at The Darling.

Erin Holland helped celebrate the launch of Nineteen at The Star. Picture: Supplied.

While sneaky smokers have tried to stake their claim on the area they can expect a stern warning to butt out if they’re caught.

Meanwhile the venue’s unisex toilets are already dividing opinion. Several female guests were less than thrilled with the boarish commentary provided by loud, leery male guests during their visits to the loo.

The soundtrack on both Thursday and Friday nights has also been a source of great debate — expect the playlist to find its groove as the venue gets to know its clientele.