Mermaid Beach bar brings apres-ski culture from the slopes to the beach

AFTER spending three winters in Switzerland enjoying the snow season, the term apres-ski became a way of life for Richard O’Hanlon.

AFTER spending three winters in Switzerland enjoying the snow season, the term apres-ski became a way of life for Richard O’Hanlon.

French for “after skiing entertainment”, Richard felt inspired to bring some of that lifestyle back to the Gold Coast.

On Friday night the former carpenter, along with business partner James Angell, opened the doors to Mermaid Beach’s first after-surf haunt, Après Surf.

Dubbed as a “friendly neighbourhood dive bar with an eclectic coastal theme”, Richard says the pair are setting their focus on creating a menu full of simple, delicious food.

“We’re doing everything from German sausages to fish burgers, chicken wings, salads, curries as well as toasted sandwiches to cure post surf hunger pangs,” he says.

Acres Surf’s tomato salad with fetta, toasted pine nuts and salsa verde dressing.

“We are covering all bases as we just want to do a couple of things but do them really well.”

With black and white checkered floors, vintage furniture and moody chandelier lighting, the walls of Après Surf are coated in old band posters and Australian memorabilia — including fish taxidermy.

Having worked in several Swiss bars, Richard, a keen snowboarder, says it was the combination of lifestyle and atmosphere that drew him to a career change.

The bar at Apres Surf.

“It does seem like a lot of chippies these days want to swap the tools for a better daily grind,” he says.

“For me, because I enjoyed living in the snow so much I wanted that life here. It’s good to work at night and have time to be more productive during the day.”

Inside Apres Surf.

Chilli kransky with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and curry ketchup.