Nobbys rooftop venue Split Upstairs taken over by Mermaid Beach bar Tropic Vice
The owner of a new rooftop bar has revealed what customers can expect when it opens within weeks. FULL DETAILS >>>
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MELBOURNE hospitality entrepreneur has moved to the Gold Coast to create a venue designed to make customers “feel like you’re in the Mediterranean”.
James Tantsis-Hall has taken over the area that once belonged to Split Upstairs in Mermaid Beach.
The 32-year-old will be launching his new venue, Tropic Vice, from September 30.
He said the rooftop restaurant and bar aims to give guests an overseas experience while still in the Glitter Strip.
“The whole idea of the concept is essentially based around the fact that Covid has happened and no one can go travelling or do anything,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
For his first restaurant Mr Tantsis-Hall has teamed up with Vincent Valliere, but he is no stranger to the hospitality scene, starting when he was 16 and having 10 years managing experience under his belt.
Since Split Upstairs closed in May, following six months of operation, the pair have been renovating the space to be ready for the opening date.
Mr Tantsis-Hall said guests could expect an elevated casual dining experience – but not the late-night partying that once occurred at the site.
“We’ve got a grassed area which is sort of our garden bar, the whole idea is putting in quirky details to make it memorable for people,” he said.
“We transformed the venue into a light and vibrant space using colour schemes of bright colours, pink, aqua bella and baby blue floors.”
Tropic Vice will be open Wednesday to Thursday from 4-10pm and Friday to Sunday from 12-10pm.
Mr Tantsis-Hall said the venue is targeted towards a demographic of 25 years and older.
He said the menu will feature Flank steak with chimichurri, grilled prawns, fried eggplant tacos with miso glaze, fish tacos, and ceviche.
Bottomless brunch will also be on offer on Sundays with a choice of Mumm Champagne or cocktails.
“We’re also incorporating a Brazilian barbecue night from the second Friday onwards with a Brazilian chef,” he said.
“It’s still going to be a fun and vibrant place where people can come and enjoy the space but we are focusing on the quality menu and restaurant aspect.”
FIRST LOOK: New Nobbys venue taking over rooftop spot
September 15, 2021
A ROOFTOP bar that split opinions during its six months in business has changed hands and will be reopened within weeks with a new name and new look.
Last summer, Split Upstairs opened on a Mermaid Beach rooftop in the popular Nobbys strip to great success.
Running from December 2020 to May this year, the venue closed for the colder months and has changed ownership during that time.
Renovations have started on a new look bar.
The Bulletin understands former owners Stevie Filipovic – who also co-owns Light Years – and Jeff Bennett – partner of Three Blue Ducks – have moved in a different direction and handed the Mermaid Beach venue to James Tantsis-Hall.
Mr Tantsis-Hall announced the rooftop bar will be called Tropic Vice on social media.
The venue is opening from September 30 and its website says it’ll be open Wednesday to Thursday from 4-10pm and Friday to Sunday from 12-10pm.
Mr Tantsis-Hall’s LinkedIn page shows he has past hospitality experience in Melbourne, including being the venue manager at Eve Bar for more than three years and assistant general manager at the Duke of Wellington for five months.
Last summer, Split Upstairs copped criticism on social media from some local residents claiming noise in the area had never been an issue until the venue opened.
“We have a baby and we are listening to rave music eight hours a day every day now,” commented one. “It hasn’t always been this way and it’s terrible to feel like you may be forced out of your long-term home because of it. I feel so stressed.”
Another agreed, writing: “Been here 20+ years and the majority of the operators have been respectful and aware this is a largely residential area”.
More Coverage
Originally published as Nobbys rooftop venue Split Upstairs taken over by Mermaid Beach bar Tropic Vice
Major road closed after serious crash
A major thoroughfare near the Qld-NSW border has been closed after a serious two-vehicle crash, leaving motorists stuck in heavy afternoon traffic. Here’s the latest.
Woman’s despair after tobacconist firebombing destroys home
A woman living above a firebombed northern NSW tobacconist has been left devastated after the inferno ripped through her home, leaving her with “nothing but the clothes on her back”.