‘I sold my home to open it’: Inside Gold Coast’s newest music venue

He sold his home to pay for his dream - to open a music venue on the Gold Coast. The only catch was, COVID-19 hit. FULL LIST: WHAT’S OPENING IN YOUR SUBURB

A JAZZ and blues bar by the beach had always been the dream for Alan Lord Zara, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that he decided to sell his home and take the leap.

Now, having gambled his savings to open new Broadbeach jazz bar Den Devine, the world traveller said his passion for old-world style and good music has paid off.

“Every time I went to the Broadbeach blues festival, I always thought, why didn’t we have that here all the time. My family has owned jazz clubs in Washington DC, Baltimore, and I have owned bars in Majorca and Bali, but on the Gold Coast I found paradise.

“People can’t go elsewhere during COVID, so why not set up now, if I can’t get people in a city of 600,000, I shouldn’t be in the business.”

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Den Devine the new jazz and blues club on Broadbeach. Picture Glenn Hampson

The bar has live music Wednesday to Sunday, and a Mediterranean menu with an array of top-shelf spirits.

“This is a city with so many venues for the young – I want to offer a space for those who are older and enjoy the finer things in life, it is all about luxury.

“This is a place to make friends not just about drinking.”

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Den Devine Owner Alan Lord Zara, celebrity Ian Maurice and guitarist Robbie Karena from Friday night show at Broadbeach. Supplied by Michelle Cop photography.

Mr Lord Zara hopes Den Devine Restaurant & Bar will encourage others to open music focused venues.

“I want there to be 20 others like it on the Gold Coast, I want people to have a choice with their music. I want the Gold Coast to have as much of a reputation as places like Paris.”

The venue which replaced Old Tom’s Bar and Restaurant has been fully booked in its first month, and has showcased artists such as radio personality Ian Maurice and James Street Blues.

EVERY NEW VENUE OPEN ON THE GOLD COAST

Dozens of Gold Coast cafe, restaurant and club owners are being approved for extra liquor licences in a rapid hospitality industry expansion.

The city social scene is diversifying its offering apace despite the tough climate, new data from the state liquor and gaming watchdog reveals.

In the past three months at least 20 venues have secured a new liquor licence or taken over existing premises.

A raft of new licenced venues are also cropping up across the Gold Coast, including a new traditional fine dining restaurant in Hope Island. The Little Japan restaurant, part of a small chain, offers traditional hot and cold meals and fresh sushi, made to order.

Bisque, an elegant French and aussie fusion restaurant has taken over the licence of old Nero Dining restaurant at Broadbeach Waters.

GOLD COAST’S MOST SURPRISING RESTAURANT TRANSFORMATIONS

Staff member Toni Woods with a glass of wine at Cafe Radcliffe in Paradise Point. Picture: Jerad Williams.

According to Bisque chef Sachin Abeyrathna, the last month has seen strong support from customers keen for their casual take on French cuisine.

“We have a modern Australian touch that people like.”

Records show a new licence has also been secured for a Chevron Island eatery with the mysterious name of Mr Kojima. While no other details have been confirmed, it is understood Jon Hizola, the chef Mr Hizola’s in Burleigh is working behind the scenes.

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Those hungry for a fresh Mexican-Mediterranean fusion can look forward to the opening of HolyJala in Coolangatta. The restaurant, which secured a liquor licence earlier this month, is seeking a head chef. HolyJala will take over the old Greenhouse Canteen and Bar site in Coolangatta.

In the city’s north, a new motor museum has been given approval for an on site bar by the name of Stanley’s Bar.
The Coomera based Gold Coast Motor Museum, yet to open to the public, has peaked the interest of car lovers across the Coast, but little is known about the owners.

The Rydges Gold Coast hotel and bar at the Gold Coast Airport, to open next month, also got the tick of approval for their on-site commercial hotel licence.

Staff members Toni Woods and Laura Reyes pouring drinks at Cafe Radcliffe in Paradise Point. Picture: Jerad Williams.

For the team at new Paradise Point eatery, Cafe Radcliffe – a new liquor licence opens up a world of opportunity and has propelled them to launch a dinner menu this weekend.

Cafe Radcliffe, named after the family’s property having opened in February, has managed to survive a tough first year despite ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Family member and supervisor Toni Woods said they were keen to adapt.

“The whole cafe was inspired by our grandmother’s property in the Hunter Valley, so it is a passion for all of us,” Ms Woods said.

“We have gone from sit-down to takeaway and back again, now why not extend your chance for business and offer dinner as well. It is all about being flexible.

“We specialise in good quality Aussie food.”