Hellenika Gold Coast: New venue to take over Nobby Beach site

The signs are coming down and reno team moving in as the two-storey site of Hellenika is readied to reopen as a new venue much sooner than you would expect.

THE signs are coming down and reno team moving in as the two-storey site of Hellenika is readied to reopen as Loki as soon as this Saturday.

It will the second venue for the group behind Justin Lane Establishment at Burleigh – and general manager Brodie Millwood said it was wasting no time in capitalising on an unprecedented opportunity.

“It’s going to be a huge week but we want to get it open this weekend,” he said.

“The sale took longer than anticipated, but such is the nature. We’ve got a decent amount to do. We’re stripping it right back but luckily we have a beautiful framework to work with.

“We want to do as many venues as we can, so we’re constantly looking for opportunities.

Hellenika owner Simon Gloftis at the Nobby Beach venue. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“This was definitely one of the biggest opportunities we’ve ever seen.

“Nobbys already has a great scene and there’s three new venues opening here in the next couple of months.”

Mr Millwood said they wouldn’t just replicate Justin Lane: “But we feel like we have a model and know how to run a venue – something vibey and a little more lively.”

Loki will retain Hellenika head chef Justin Pries and debut with an all-new Mediterranean menu and a fresh focus on drinking, dining and dancing.

The lower level will be devoted to more intimate dining, while the rooftop will play host to DJs and musicians with a dancefloor.

Brodie Milwood. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“We’re working with Justin now on refining the menu,” Mr Millwood said.

“We want to do a really high level of food downstairs – we want to maintain that and even improve it, but still deliver it in a pretty casual way.

“Upstairs will be even more casual. We’re going to clean out a bit of the furniture to make it more versatile.”

Mr Millwood said the transfer of advance reservations was a decision for the departing Hellenika team but they would be happy to accommodate those diners where possible.

Justin Lane. Photo: Richard Gosling

“We’re not taking reservations yet but we’ll do our best to fit any of them in that want to come over to Loki,” he said.

“We’re most definitely going to have a functions program too, but that will take shape when we get a handle on the venue.”

Mr Millwood described the restaurant’s sale as a big shake up for the city food scene.

“I’ve worked at Justin Lane for eight years, known Simon for that long, and it’s pretty major for me and most people in my social group,” he said.

“We’re definitely excited to be launching this.”