Get excited ‘cause Southport’s got a new bar — PP’s Deli and Rooftop

A FEW mates and a passion for Southport combine to create SoPo’s newest bar that southerners might even travel for. Here’s what it’s all about and the story behind the quirky name.

MR PP’s Deli & Rooftop is far more than another new bar.

It’s history, character and revitalisation, mixed in with the more conventional ingredients of a modern venue.

Co-owner Ben Howe and his family own the neighbouring ambulance building, operating CoSpaces, a co-working site.

He says being in such proximity every day, he’d always seen the building’s potential, so when it came up for auction he and business partners Arran Woollams (owner of design company Spacecubed), Kiel Sinclair, Sam Rees and Matt Williams raised their paddles and set about creating their very own venue.

Mr PP's Deli and Rooftop in Southport serves up food to make your mouth water. Picture Mike Batterham

“I started doing research and found out the building was the old Maternal Welfare Centre, built in 1967 and designed by quite a famous mid-century modern architect, Karl Langer,” Ben says.

“It took me a long time to figure out what it was before that. I spent quite a long time trawling through a lot of photos and newspapers when I found an old newspaper article talking about how they built the post office in 1909 and next to it, the post masters residence.”

Mr PP's Deli and Rooftop from the neighbouring ex-ambulance station. Picture Mike Batterham

That’s where Mr PP, a very real character, comes in.

“We stumbled across this character called Mr PP Agnew, he was the first post and telegraph manager in Southport,” Ben says.

Mr PP's Deli and Rooftop’s delicious pizza. Picture Mike Batterham

“He came down from Beenleigh to set up the first telegraph line in 1883. There were lots of news articles about him.

“He used to write plays and star in them, he’d act out four or five roles in these plays and entertain everyone.

“He was a really great illustrator, artist and photographer, just a really funny character.

“We thought, ‘This guy’s fantastic’.

Just a taste of what diners can expect at Mr PP’s. Picture Mike Batterham

“We wanted to unearth the historical nature of the site and he seemed like the perfect fit.”

That’s why you’ll find tributes to Mr PP everywhere, from the name to original examples of his work Ben and Arran unearthed by tracking down the post master’s living relatives.

As for the food and liquid assets, downstairs is a European themed deli with high quality cheeses, meats and canned delicacies you can mix and match to nibble on while sampling whiskies and wines.

The rooftop is super cool. Picture Mike Batterham

Upstairs is for relaxing, with the open balcony and a menu of antipasto, mains and pizzas making it ideal for post-work wind-downs and casual weekend drinks.

If you’re not yet convinced to head SoPo side, southerners, Mr PPs head chef is Jimmy Atto, of Justin Lane fame.

“I think something like Mr PPs has been lacking in Southport, and the northern end really, for so long,” Ben says.

Or maybe come for the cocktails, they’re light, refreshing and made by the pros. Picture Mike Batterham

“Just adding more venues into Southport is going to make it more of a destination.

“You can catch the lightrail, go to Chinatown, there’s two really quirky karaoke bars — it’s a really fun, urban setting.

“People will start realising there’s a lot more to Southport and that’s what we want to do, we want to make it a destination.”

Mr PP's rooftop boasts wide open views of the CBD and is just a stone’s throw from the tram stop. Picture Mike Batterham

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop, 43 Nerang Street, Southport (two shops down from the Council Chambers). Open 4pm — 10pm Tuesday — Thursday and midday — midnight Friday and Saturday.