Owners of Sobah, non-alcoholic craft beer.
Owners of Sobah, non-alcoholic craft beer.
Clinton and Lozen Shultz are the clever creators of Sobah, a Gold Coast-based non-alcoholic craft beer infused with the goodness of Aussie bush tucker and breaking down the stigma of Australia’s social drinking culture.
The couple created the company as a response to the lack of interesting premium, non-alcoholic beers on the Aussie market and they are changing the game both at home and nationally.
We sat down for a chat with Clinton and Lozen about the realities of our drinking culture and where you can find Sobah throughout Dry July.
How long have you been Gold Coast locals?
My family has been here for a few generations while Lozen moved here nearly 15 years ago after growing up in Central QLD and a brief stint in Sydney.
What do you love most about living here?
There is so much to love: the surf, the beaches, the hinterland, the weather. We live semi-rural and only 10 minutes from Burleigh Heads so we are blessed. It’s a great place to have an active, healthy lifestyle.
Tell us about your business, Sobah…
Sobah is Australia’s only non-alcoholic craft beer currently brewing a range of brews infused with Aussie bush tucker. We created the beers as a response to the lack of interesting, premium non-alcoholic beers in the Aussie market, but also to address the issue of alcohol in our society and raise funds to support programs in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Sobah is here to provide an alternative to alcohol for anyone looking to have a break from booze whether just for the night or for longer term sobriety.
How did the idea come about?
I went sober in 2014 after my eldest son asked me to “stop drinking silly drink”. I didn’t think I had an issue with alcohol but the more I worked in drug and alcohol rehab and interventions, I was confronted with my poor relationship with booze. I thought if I was out telling others about the negative effects of drinking and relationships with alcohol, I’d better have a good one myself. I couldn’t get a non-alcoholic drink when I went out that wasn’t soft drink or soda water which was frustrating. I love beer so I started drinking imported NA beers and realised decent, tasty NA beers were missing from our market.
What did it take to build the business to what it is today?
Money. Faith. Goals. Support. Luckily as a start up we have a source of income (as I work full-time in my psychology consultancy and as a lecturer at Bond University) to support the growth of Sobah. Lozen has been running Sobah for two years and is the real grease and oil behind the business. We have a deadly (awesome) community behind us giving us positivity and encouragement, which helps immensely. Also, our desire to give back is a massive driver. We want to see Sobah succeed so we can help others find a healthier way of living and being, and to support charities and organisations that provide healing programs.
Why do you think it’s important businesses like yours exist?
Sobah was created with a social impact purpose. Reciprocity is one of our philosophies. We truly believed we are blessed and while we work hard, we are lucky enough to be in a position to give back and make things easier or better for others. Having a strong sustainability focus and positive culture within the business, is also important for us but also everyone around us. Big companies are beginning to look at ways they can have a positive impact, following the trend of smaller businesses and this says something about what we, as a society and as consumers want.
Dry July is coming up, where can we find Sobah on the Gold Coast?
There are a few cafes and bars on the coast, including Rosella’s Bar in Burleigh and Greenhouse Canteen in Coolangatta. Flannery’s will also be stocking Sobah at their Miami and Robina stores. We’re certainly keen to get Sobah seen more locally.
Any advice for someone looking to start their own business?
We’re not experts, but we have definitely learnt from rookie errors. It’s okay to make mistakes and cause chaos, but you have to be willing to apologise too. Honesty and transparency goes a long way when building a strong customer base and business relationships. Don’t rush or push for things to happen. An organic growth will create better foundations. We always want things yesterday so patience has been a big part of our work-lives. For couples going into business together, make sure you clock off and stop talking about work after hours, like ban work talk in the bedroom haha.
What’s the plan for Sobah for the rest of 2019?
We have reformulated our existing product range and up-scaled to a new brewery. We are distributing nationally with a strong and growing customer base in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The opportunity to export is also there. We are setting up our HQ in Burleigh Heads to handle distribution for our online store and provide a place for locals to pop in for a yarn and pick up their brews. Once set up, we will be hosting an opening event and other events throughout the year, and collaborate with other businesses. We recently sold some shares and hired staff, and we hope to bring more people into the Sobah crew before the end of the year.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast…
Cafe for breakfast: Heritage Hideaway Cafe in Tallebudgera Valley just a minute from home
Coffee spot: Social Espresso Coffee Roasters with my climbing crew or Nook Espresso has always done a great coffee which is enjoyed watching the surf from Burleigh point, and days when I’m at Bond Uni I grab one from Blackboard Coffee.
Restaurant for dinner: Greenhouse Canteen at Miami and Cooly
How does your weekend usually look: This time of the year our sons play footy, so the most part of Saturday is taken up with sport and if the Titans are playing a home game we will usually go to the footy. If there is surf, I’m surfing and the kids love the beach all year round. If there is no surf and weather isn’t great, we can be found at Paramount Rock Climbing gym where I train regularly. Sometimes Lozen and I leave the kids with family so we can hang out, go for a drive and grab coffee and a feed somewhere on the Coast.
Current Mood: Jolly AF!
When it comes to Christmas on the Gold Coast, we usually think of beachside barbies and a pav with more humidity than dignity.
But come July? It’s game on for festive feasting, fuzzy knits, and enough mulled wine to make even the Grinch smile. So sleigh the mid-year slump and yule be sorry if you miss these jolly good celebrations happening across the Coast.
A true Gold Coast festive MVP, D’Arcy Arms is back with their classic 2-course Christmas feast. Think roast turkey, pork, ham, Yorkshire puds, and veg so good even your nan would approve. Finish strong with homemade sticky date pudding and enough butterscotch sauce to drown your seasonal sorrows. Irish pub vibes, fireplace, and all the trimmings? We’ll toast to that. $50pp
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise
When: Throughout July
If luxury was on your Christmas list, the Imperial Hotel just gift-wrapped it at Il Barocco. Their Christmas in July dining experience is elegance on a (very festive) plate. Start with a silky parsnip soup, then choose between award-winning Wagyu or Lilydale Chicken with all the wintery trimmings- hello, creamed kale and honey-glazed carrots. Cap it off with a yuzu-spiked pavlova that’s basically Queensland summer in dessert form. It’s giving sleigh, but make it fine dining. $59pp
Where: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
When: Sunday 20th and 27th July
If a buffet is your love language, Green Fields heard you loud and clear. Cosy up under heaters with blankets and load up on traditional fare that brings all the nostalgic Chrissy vibes. Lunch and dinner sittings run across three glorious days, and honestly, we’re considering all three. Is that… too festive? No such thing. From $49pp
Where: 94 Laver Dr, Robina
When: Thursday 3rd – Friday 4th July, 11.30am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm. Saturday 5th July, 5pm – 9pm
Running Friday and Saturday nights from 27th June to 19th July at Shoreline Restaurant, this festive buffet is bringing all the holiday cheer (and none of the sweaty Santas). Adults dine for $99, teens for $49, and kids for just $39, with epic eats like Bundy rum and maple-glazed ham, Aussie oysters, rib-eye steak and a dessert table that’ll make you believe in Christmas magic again (hello, chocolate lava pudding and rum balls). There’s also live music and drinks included, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
Where: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Friday & Saturday nights, 27th June – 19th July (closed 29th June – 2nd July).
Eggnog on arrival? Say no more. Mr PP’s rooftop soirée comes stacked with entertainment, a Christmas in July menu (hi, pork belly and reef cod), a raffle, and a festive dress code that basically demands a novelty knit. Finish with Tuscan trifle and a dash of rooftop magic. Warning: may cause uncontrollable cheer. $75pp
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
When: 10th July, 6–10pm
It’s Christmas meets cocktails at this tropical-meets-twinkly fairy light haven. Kick off with mulled wine, feast on a festive menu, and dance the night away to live music. For an extra jolly boost, add the three-hour drink package or dive headfirst into a trio of specially crafted Xmas cocktails. $106.14pp
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Rd, Bundall
When: 5th July, 6pm–9pm
If Christmas was more thongs than thermals, this tropical twist is your mid-year miracle. Labrador’s Christmas in July is turning up the cheer (and the sunshine), with Aussie Santa rocking boardies and a whole day of barefoot-style festivities. Think classic old-school games, a jumping castle, free craft and sensory fun for the kids, a disco dance party with DJ Hartley Love, and market stalls galore. There’s even a Reindeer Games Arena hosted by Brett Johnathan, with prizes up for grabs. Round it out with food trucks, face painting, and all the summery vibes you never knew Christmas needed. Best of all? It’s totally free.
Where: Labrador Community Centre, 57 Billington Street, Labrador
When: Saturday 26th July from 10am – 3pm
Terraces Restaurant’s signature long brunch is back on Saturday 26th July, and this time, it’s wearing a Santa hat. Sip, Savour & Soirée is serving up all your seafood faves with a festive twist, including Stradbroke Island oysters, lobster rolls, sashimi, Balmain bugs, charcuterie, Nimbin Valley cheeses and sushi, plus glazed Christmas ham, king prawns and a decadent dessert station. Tickets are $179 per adult and $89.50 per child, including a luxe seafood buffet, a 3-hour free-flowing drinks package, live music, roving entertainment and complimentary parking. It’s indulgent, it’s vibrant, and it’s set to sleigh.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Saturday 26 July, 12pm–3pm
Bust out your Christmas sweaters, dress festive and enjoy a fun arvo with the Miami community. Free entertainment for the kidlets, live music, eats and drinks by Little Itoshin and The Jolly Roger (with more to be announced), it’s a street style event you won’t want to miss. Make sure you wear your ugly sweater, bring a chair or picnic rug and most importantly, bring your family and/or crew for Christmas in July with a street-style twist.
Where: Miami Village Shopping Centre, 110 Mountain View Avenue, Miami
When: 2pm – 6pm Sunday 27th July
There’s nothing quite like Christmas in London, but we’ve found the next best thing, and that’s the Fox & Hounds’ Christmas in July lunches. Tamborine’s wintery, hinterland feel makes you feel like you’re tucked in a pub in the English countryside. There’s a reason people travel from near and far for a seat at the South East’s favourite English Pub. Cosy up by the fire and tuck into a classic roast of turkey and beef and don’t forget to save room for dessert because it’d be sacrilege to not have a taste of Christmas pudding and custard to finish the feed. Served daily and from $40, it’s a whole lot cheaper than a flight to the UK. Thank us later.
Where: Cnr Oxenford Tamborine Road & Elevation Drive, Wongawallan
When: Throughout July from 11.30am, bookings essential for groups
Pimpama’s going all in on a one-day-only lunch event dripping in nostalgia and cranberry jus. Two classic courses- including turkey, ham, and apricot & pine nut stuffing– followed by a lucky dip dessert round. Pav or plum pud? You won’t know until it hits the table. Surprise! A$42.61
Where: 102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama
When: 24th July, 11:30am–2pm
The Ducks are decking the halls and firing up the ovens for a cosy Christmas in July celebration on Sunday 20th July from 5pm to 8pm. For just $79 per person, guests will enjoy a festive menu filled with seasonal favourites, starting with smoked trout blinis, followed by roast turkey, glazed ham, bacon-wrapped sausages, and all the trimmings (hello, roast veggies, cranberry sauce and rich, velvety gravy). Dessert is a traditional Christmas pudding, of course. Mulled wine and cider will be flowing, alongside their wine special of the day, Mountadam 550 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the full drinks list also available for all your sipping needs.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, The Farm, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 20 July, 5pm–8pm
Looking to sleigh your Christmas in July party this year? Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta is serving up glam, glitter and gourmet good times with an exclusive festive feast for private groups. Whether you’re after an elegant seated dinner or a chic cocktail soirée, this one’s all about luxe vibes, delish bites, and serious holiday sparkle. Think Christmas cocktails on arrival, a three-hour drinks package, themed décor, and enough merriment to make Santa blush. Bonus points: you can even add a Drag Queen, DJ, or Christmas photobooth for extra razzle-dazzle.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Available on Marketta open days throughout July
Price: From $70pp (cocktail) or $120pp (seated)
Capacity: 20–70 guests (private events only)
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
A new Aussie-inspired bar for Burleigh Heads.
They say Australia is the lucky country and in particular those of us who call the Gold Coast home (made that bit up, but look around friends). Well, in the last week the lucky country got even luckier and (again) in particular a little place on the south east coast of Queensland, we like to call Burleigh Heads.
The latest little pot of gold comes to us in the form of a brand new bar but not just any brand new bar friends, it’s the kind that dreams are made of.
Rosella’s Bar flew into town just last week ahead of the Australia Day long weekend and it is the refined Aussie-inspired bar you never knew you needed in your life. But need it you do and, as usual, we’re here to tell you why.
It’s the work of local lads Jon Debeere (next-level wine connoisseur) and Jack Connor (ex-Aloha cocktail creator extraordinaire) who are both passionate about all-Aussie adventures and wanted to showcase the work of local wine and craft beer makers, plus do a little making of their own.
It’s an intimate space found on the highway in Burleigh, where a little hairdressing salon once lived, and streuth is it a beauty. Louvered windows open out into the street so you can perch yourself up there and watch the (unfairly good looking) world go by while a couple of booths and high tables line one wall and, of course, you can perch at the bar and have a chat with the boys (or talk their ears off if you’re us).
Brightly coloured, Aussie-inspired artwork is hung throughout, vintage, stained glass light shades hang overhead and Ken Done cloths line the bar. It’s beautifully put together, refined with a side of tongue in cheek and we are absolutely here for it.
Let’s chat drinks though because they are, of course the star of the show. The cocktail menu is unlike anything you’ve seen before with over 10 signature cocktails plus all your old faves. Each one is made with Australian spirits and each one is way more epic than the last.
The Ironman, for example, is made with Beenleigh white rum, Bundaberg small batch rum, lime, banana and a Nutri Grain Orgeat (a housemade syrup type situation) and topped with, you guessed it, our beloved Nutri Grain. It’s a gamechanger and our new go-to tipple.
The Rosella is made with White Light Vodka, rosella jam, Australian bitter, lemon and lilly pilly and served in a rosella shaped glass, all delightful and refreshing. Honestly, they’re all some of the best we’ve ever sampled so do yourself a favour and get there ASAP.
The wine list is equally as impressive, filled with natural, Australian-produced wine made with minimal intervention, many of which you won’t find anywhere else on the Gold Coast (or Queensland for that matter).
Rosella’s are all about showcasing Pet Nat wines (Pétillant-naturel) which refers to sparkling wines produced in the ancient way where the wine is bottled before primary fermentation and finished without the addition of secondary yeasts or sugars.
Sounds fancy, is amazing. We taste-tested quite a few and, let it be known, they are some of the most flavour-filled, clean tasting wines we’ve ever come across. And we’ve come across a lot.
Oh and there’s also Fosters. In a can. Not to mention MANY other Aussie beers you’ve probably never seen before. We’re in love.
Now to the food.
The menu has been designed with a nostalgic nod to the Aussie eats you know and love but minus the throw-it-on-the-barbie-and-hope-for-the-best attitude your Dad was all about.
Think Vegemite Beef Jerky, Bug Sambos, Raw Aussie Beef Burgers and Prawn Cocktails but all made with a refined, sophistication to match the exceptional drinks menus.
Last but not least, there are jaffles. The very best jaffles at that. How does Vegemite, Cheddar and Wattleseed butter sound? Yep. There’s also Onepot Lamb with soft herb cheese and spiced chutney.
Okay we’re done. Seriously just go. Right now. We’ll seeya there.
Love you ‘Straya.
LOCATION: 6/1730 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
HOURS: 4pm until late weekdays and 12pm until late weekends
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
Now serving up the vegan goods in Cooly.
If there’s one thing that’s certain in life, it is that vegetables are very good for you and also, you can never eat too many (unlike say, Tim Tams).
The gals at Greenhouse Canteen know this better than anyone, which is why a second (technically third but more on that later) vegan eatery recently opened in everyone’s favourite southern suburb, Coolangatta.
The Cooly Canteen is as beautiful as you’d expect with rustic wooden dining settings placed amongst a vintage white-walled backdrop. Hanging plants and strings of fairy lights are suspended from the peaked glass ceiling, allowing guests to star gaze and devour gourmet goodies all at once. Bunches of native greenery are strung throughout and the signature, hand-scrawled “it’s cool to be kind” sign sets the scene on the front deck.
The latest venue was opened by long-time Greenhouse Canteen customer and equally passionate, plant-based advocate Jenny Madigan as a franchise of the original space and, of course, it is perfectly befitting of the brand.
The food is to die for (except you won’t die because, veggies) and there are cocktails and desserts and good vibes and catch ya later hard-earned cash.
Choose from small or large eats or a combination of both and for the love of God don’t go past the Eggplant Parmigiana made with baked eggplant, Napoli, basil pesto, almond feta and crispy kale. Also the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings which are besan (gram flower) battered florets with ranch dressing and house-made tomato relish are too tasty to not eat every single day.
Owners of the Miami venue (Charlie and Natalie) were met with rave reviews when they first opened in Kirra and when that venue closed, they made the (blessed) move to Miami.
From there it’s been the Greenhouse gang taking over the world. Hallelujah.
BRB, moving to Cooly.
LOCATION: 1/140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
HOURS: from 5pm until late Tuesday to Sunday
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
