Bar 11 in Southport opens on Gold Coast

New York City style may have inspired the Coast’s newest watering hole, but its owner has one prize on his mind of becoming Australia’s number one cocktail bar.

Bar 11 proprietor Richie Did. Pic Tim Marsden

NEW York City style has inspired the Gold Coast’s newest watering hole.

The brainchild of restaurateur Richie Dia, Southport’s Bar 11 is a Manhattan-themed cocktail bar that opens this weekend.

Cheers to that! Pic Tim Marsden

Born in Japan, Mr Dia, who made his name as the head chef at Sydney cocktail joint Donny’s Bar and has worked extensively overseas, said he was inspired by his experiences working in the US.

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Bar 11 proprietor Richie Did and photos around the premises. Pic Tim Marsden

Inside Bar 11. Pic Tim Marsden

“I am really excited by this and I want to have the No. 1 cocktail bar in Australia,” he said.

“This will be very different from anything else the Gold Coast has, from the menu to the design.’’

Getting ready to open. Pic Tim Marsden

Mr Dia, who has worked in bars and restaurants for more than 30 years, arrived in Australia in 2000 and said he was passionate about design and creating an exciting atmosphere in his eatery.

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Situated on the ground floor of the Sundale building, news of the bar was first revealed by the Bulletin late last year when a development application was filed with the Gold Coast City Council. The application asked for the bar to operate daily from 10am-12am.