Best new summer venues: Cali Beach Club, Hard Fizz Brewery, Lucia Tapas Garden, Kurrawa Beach Club, Tropic Vice, Apres Surf
From celebrity breweries to beach bars, these are the best new venues for partygoers this summer.
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The Gold Coast is known for its sun, sand and beaches and these new venues have made the most of the city's elements ready for partygoers this summer.
CALI BEACH CLUB
(Surfers Paradise)
The rooftop beach bar has been open since September but there’s no doubt the venue with pools, volleyball court and numerous bars is perfect for the summer months.
The Artesian Hospitality Group got Gold Coast DJs the Stafford Brothers to put together a massive line-up of internationally renowned artists to play at the Surfers Paradise’s bar, making it the perfect venue for those looking to let loose on the weekend.
The venue is bringing an “Ibiza” like feel to the party precinct according to Artesian managing partner Matthew Keegan.
“The group are excited that after almost 12-months of negotiations it can announce the resident artists for 2021/22,” he said.
“These recognisable names are people that have played at some of the largest venues in the world.
“It’s a real pleasure to welcome them to the Cali Beach family for the next 12 months.
“The Stafford’s have opened a lot of doors and our residency announcement today shows the results.
“At Artesian we feel that Cali is a venue unlike anything in Australia and we really wanted to bring an international level experience to Australia - now we have the talent roster to achieve that.”
HARD FIZZ BREWERY
(Miami)
The team at Gold Coast’s celebrity-owned Hard Fizz have expanded the company and has brought Australia’s first-ever seltzer bar and brewery to Miami.
The drink has helped its owners rake in more than $7.5m in national retail sales in under a year and now it can be enjoyed on a sizzling hot day at the Hibiscus Haven venue.
Owned by a slew of Glitter Strip identities including DJs Paul Fisher and Brooke Evers, the brewhouse is expected to pump out between one and two million units annually.
“We really wanted to put our stake in the ground and let people know this is where we’re from,” Chief of Fizz Wade Tiller explained.
Patrons will be treated to a range of fresh pours featuring core flavours and limited editions as they kick back to the roster of 15 DJs set to perform on the in-house decks from midday to 9pm, Thursday to Sunday.
LUCIA TAPAS GARDEN
(Tugun)
For the foodies out there this new Tugun venue’s menu is the ideal location for a summer long lunch.
Designed by head chef Lucas Biffi, Lucia's menu features Spanish “pinchos” (snacks) such as papas bravas, croquetas and huevos con jamon.
Not feeling peckish, enjoy the sun in the beer garden at the 110-seat venue on Golden Four Dr, previously occupied by a Tugun Craft Bar and Restaurant.
The venue is the brainchild of restaurateur and music festival promoter Oli Frost, known for owning Burleigh Heads eatery Maman with Matt Poole and running The Grass is Greener Festival.
Mr Frost said: “The past two years have been so unsettling and tough for so many people. They are craving connection and joy more than ever.
“We want Lucia to be a space where people can come and eat beautiful authentic Spanish food, drink quality cocktails and enjoy the company of the people they love the most.
Lucia is a unique and inspiring addition to the burgeoning Gold Coast food scene.
Mixologist Bree Erica’s passion for her craft can be tasted in every signature cocktail, with the Verde Smash and Bella Spritzer set to be the tipples of choice for sundowners this summer.
The beverage menu also includes Lucia’s modern twist on sangria, tap beer and local, international,organic and preservative-free wines.
KURRAWA BEACH CLUB
(Broadbeach)
For a family-friendly outing look no further than this beach club hitting the Gold Coast shores for the height of summer.
The temporary venue will run from December 4 to January 30 at Kurrawa Terrace, where the foreshore fronts the giant Pratten Park area.
The Australian Venue Co operated club will feature daybeds, casual dining areas, bookable VIP cabanas, a kids play area and a community recreational zone complete with volleyball nets.
The onsite container kitchen will deliver a fresh summer-inspired menu including snacks, seafood skewers, burgers and light salads plus dedicated kids’ menu using fresh, local seasonal produce.
A bar will serve homegrown brands Black Hops Brewing, Wheel & Spoon and Hard Fizz.
An entertainment line up includes live music from Gold Coast artists, a Sunday Family Day, all-age friendly activities such as yoga beach sessions and a community beach clean-up day.
Australian Venue Co chairman Bob East said: “Kurrawa Beach is a special place, and the team are thrilled to work with the City of Gold Coast to bring the beach club to life for the Broadbeach community.”
TROPIC VICE
(Mermaid Beach)
Looking for a Sunday session this summer, then this Nobbys rooftop bar is the place to be.
Melbourne hospitality entrepreneur James Tantsis-Hall has taken over the area that once belonged to Split Upstairs in Mermaid Beach.
Aiming to bring a “Mediterranean” vibe to the Gold Coast, the venue features Flank steak with chimichurri, grilled prawns, fried eggplant tacos with miso glaze, fish tacos, and ceviche.
On Sunday’s a bottomless brunch is offered with a choice of Mumm Champagne or cocktails.
“I wanted to create a space where people feel like they’re not in Australia, to take them overseas to feel like they’re in a different country,” Mr Tantsis-Hall said.
“This is reflected in the design of the venue, we’ve got neon signs and a new decking that we’ve just put in that feels like you’re in the Mediterranean.”
APRES SURF
(Burleigh Heads)
A good old fashioned pub that gained a strong following has re-opened its doors at a new location, ready for those wanting to let the hair down this summer.
The team behind the popular Apres Surf, once a Mermaid Beach fixture beloved for its weekly specials and laid-back culture since 2016, have opened in Burleigh Heads after more than a year out of business.
Mr O’Hanlon credited the trio’s now years of experience as a point of difference in the new venue’s look and feel, which took about six months of hard labour.
Vintage furniture, moody chandelier lighting and memorabilia pays homage to the adored Apres culture, while selections of local craft beer and wines again showcase The Glitter Strip’s own famous products.
“On tap we have Young Henry’s, Burleigh Brewing, Stone & Wood and Balter. We’ll also be rotating craft beers in the fridge and offering a range of natural wines,” Mr O’Hanlon said.
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