Apparently there’s something to be said about sipping cocktails in a semi-outdoor space with views for days and an ever-present, balmy breeze.

So much so that rooftop bars are the Gold Coast’s new drinking destination of choice and, as of tonight (November 17th), Southport’s jumped on the bandwagon.

Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop Bar is the long-awaited venue that’s guaranteed to give the suburb a whole new lease on life thanks to the combination of everyone’s favourite things – cheese and cocktails.

Let’s start from the top. But actually the bottom. On the ground floor of the building you’ll find the deli section of the establishment, with an array of delicious meats and cheeses that will be brought together in platter form for your feasting pleasure. There’s also an old-school bar with a focus on whiskeys and quality wines. Probs gonna move in to be honest.

Up the stairs is where you’ll find the rooftop bar (shocker) complete with summery, feel good vibes and a brightly coloured “in good company” mural by local legend Claudio Kirac. The rooftop is all about cocktail jugs and tasty eats in the way of pizzas, share plates and a few fancy mains that’ll knock your socks off – we’ve got it on good authority the duck meatball hero is a party in your mouth.

All the foods can be eaten in both the bars so all you’ll need to do is decide whether you’d like to dine with a low-lit vintage vibe or in an open, airy space with bulk sunset-watching opportunities. Tough gig.

What else. The name of the place comes from Southport’s first main Postmaster who lived in the building from 1909. Philip Palmer Agnew was a poet, artist, scriptwriter and illustrator. We’re told he was a crazy character all the locals loved, who was renowned for putting on plays and drawing the world around him. And so, the bar was named after Mr PP and we reckon he would have loved it.

As will you friends. Race ya to the roof.

LOCATION: 43 Nerang Street, Southport
HOURS: Tuesday to Thursday 4pm until late and Friday and Saturday 12pm until 12am

Words and photos by Kirra Smith.

Our sweet, sweet So-Po. There’s something we just love about Southport, maybe it’s the fact that they’ve got bulk bars and restaurants so hunger never has to enter our vocabulary again. Or maybe it’s how you can get a coffee hit and hit of golf done in half a day and then soak up those Broadwater views for the rest of it – shall we go on?

All we know is that there are so many goodies in this CBD gem we couldn’t list them all or you’d be here all day and we know you’re all about less reading and more doing! (same). Here’s our round-up of local approved must-do’s!

The all-in-ones

The retailers in Southport get that you’re busy – it is the CBD after all – so time is of the essence and efficiency is the word over here. Brickworks Ferry Rd has everything from the Standard Market Co to get those dinner essentials or to make the perfect charcuterie boards, to Cardamom Pod, bring those ‘gram-worthy acai bowls and a brunch menu that will have you coming back for more.

Upping the ante with a little bit of everything, Queen Street Village is just off the Smith St Motorway, so you can pop in for the essentials from gourmet grocer Jones & Co IGA. No time to meal prep? Grab some Asian eats at Wu Kong with peckish plates to keep you going, or a classic pub feed from The Queen’s Arms for your parmy fix. When all that eating has got you zonked, get your caffeine hit at Sens Coffee and pop into DENDY to catch the latest flicks and a moment of peace and quiet.

Now, did we hear you say retail therapy? Enter: Australia Fair. With the big names in fashion all in one spot, along with our biggest vice Kmart, on the store list, say goodbye to your savings, but hello to a fresh new look. Once you’ve shopped till you dropped, it’s time to start your Tour-de-Food at Australia Fair Metro, think pho, dumplings and desserts by the dozen.

For Bakery Treats

No man is left behind at Made With Love who delivers on 100% vegan cakes, pies and pastries– because you know what they say, a doughnut a day keeps the doctor away…or something like that. And why should our vegans not be part of the action?!

Keeping the Euro-bakery vibes rolling is 5B2F Ciabatta, the Southport spin-off from the cult-fave Chirn Park bakehouse, slinging everything from flaky croissants and glossy danishes to ciabatta sandwiches stuffed with all the good things (hello truffle ham and cheese toastie). It’s a grab-and-go carb paradise where sourdough, dreamy pastries and show-stopping cakes are baked fresh daily – basically your daily bread, but make it boujee.

For A Coffee

Coffee addicts, Southport’s got you covered with experiences like SupermarCat Cat Café, which – you guessed it – comes with a side of kitty cuddles with your caffeine fix, it’s so good we won’t judge if you start purring along with your furry friends.

For the more traditional café vibe, Humble Café might be humble by name, but they’re big on variety from classic cold drips to matcha espresso.

Joining the caffeine crew, but with a twist, is Yellow & Butter. Tucked neatly inside Cloud 9 Car Wash, they’ve officially upgraded your car washing experience with a side of brunch. Our advice is to start with the cheesecake!

Cheek Café serves up wholesome bites, knockout coffee and top-tier banter, all wrapped in a peachy-pink, personality-packed space. While Broadwater Café is a local fave for its stellar brews and arguably the most scenic sip spot in Southport. Coffee with a side of waterfront wow.

If you prefer your coffee topped with cold foam, or paired with a sweet treat on the side (hello, Dubai Mochi Cookie) Milestone should be at the top of your hit list.

For A Drink

You already know we’re partial to a cold beverage to round out the day, but if you’re after a side of live music with that, then Vinnies Dive is the only place to get your fix and an ice-cold brew all in one.

Just across the tram line, nothing says Southport more than a cocktail (or 5) on Mr PP’s rooftop, perched above Nerang Street so you can people watch till your heart’s content. Keeping the rooftop vibes going strong, Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks have an epic cocktail menu that talks a big game, and luckily for us, it doesn’t just live up to expectations – it’s even better.

Also at Southport Sharks, Kaktus Bar is your go-to for a vibrant cocktail. Yep, this place delivers a thirst-quenching margarita as you’ve never tasted. One of those (or a few), paired with live music and a lineup of tacos, and you have yourself a fiesta!

Carafe Wine is an eco-conscious space offering top-notch wine from all the most renowned vino regions and zero-waste practices, plus a unique menu of sharing boards.

For Good Eats

Hello foodies, thought we forgot about you? We could never! Kicking us off is the Japanese eatery, KatsuCo which churns out iterations of its namesake dish – traditionally coated in crunchy panko crumb and slathered in curry sauce.

For those on-the-go looking for the ultimate grab-and-go, Shiro Gelato & Snack knows what’s up with a selection of Japanese market eats like housemade Onigiri to get you fueled up and ready to tackle the day and gelato to finish because there’s always room for a sweetie treatie.

River House brings waterfront dining to the table with relaxed Broadwater views and a modern menu that works just as well for long lunches as it does for sunset dinners.

A bit of a two-in-one is Fire Baby & Ember. Upstairs, Fire Baby serves up comfort by the slice; wood-fired pizzas crafted from premium ingredients. Downstairs, Ember is where you can get flame-licked steaks and charcoal-grilled seafood.

Since we’re on a food journey around the world, you’ll be happy to know that Southport is pretty much THE place to get your Korean BBQ fix – yep, we found and 6 smokin’ hot Korean BBQ spots on the GC and would you believe 5 of them call our humble CBD home. Yep, Southport officially has a license to grill.

Local Attractions

So, you’ve got your coffee fix and tum full- now you’re looking to get at one with nature? Obviously, your next stop has to be Broadwater Parklands. It doesn’t matter if you’re just there for a hot girl walk or trying to find a way to keep your tribe occupied, the shared pathway makes it the ultimate for everyone, whether you’re in your running era or just keen to take in the Broadwater views while you bike and play.

Fancy a bit more adventure, we hear you say? We got you. Tee off for a full day of fun at Southport Golf Club so you can let your inner Tiger Woods run wild on the green. If land has got you feeling like a fish out of water, then pop on over to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for a mermaid moment with things like group fitness classes – hello aqua aerobics – as well as Olympic-length swimming pools for the pros and splash pads for the little tackers.

If you’re keen to try something a little different, the Gold Coast Indoor Shooting Centre and The Shooting Centre both deliver a high-adrenaline experience with a strong focus on safety and guidance, making them approachable for first-timers and seasoned shooters alike.

If switching off and resetting is more your vibe, Vikasati Bathhouse is Southport’s answer to full-body bliss, offering hot and cold pools, saunas and spa-style experiences designed to melt stress away without ever leaving the city.

Words by Chelsea Ipsen

There are very few things that bring more pleasure than a night out with the girls, sipping on cocktails in a stunning, new bar. Throw in some tasty eats and oh, the opportunity to have your makeup, hair and nails done while sipping on said cocktails at said bar and you’ve got yourself the perfect evening.

Enter Southport’s brand new sipping spot, Boudoir Lounge and all of the above activities, which can be enjoyed simultaneously there. How fun.

Found on Como Cres in what’s quickly becoming a thriving little section of Sopo (as the kids call it), Boudoir Lounge opened recently to rave reviews thanks to a new concept and a beautifully put together space perfect for outings with your lady loves.

The space itself is filled with colour and boasting somewhat of a sleek, industrial vibe with velvet lounges and booth, gold accents and striking gold bar that stretches from floor to ceiling.

Owner Harvey Gebara set out to create a playground for women focusing on a unique experience, personalised service and exceptional quality and that is indeed what you can expect from Boudoir Lounge.

As mentioned, a beauty bar can be found within the venue and isn’t that a good time. Choose from hair washing and styling, facials, brow waxing and shaping, manicures and pedicures and makeup touch ups or go for the full experience and book yourself a (very affordable) package to kick off the night right.

Now while all that is happening you can nibble on Mediterranean little plates of goodness like Lightly Cured Beetroot Sashimi, Middle Eastern Spiced Squid and House Made Chickpea Falafels. All very delicious.

If you’re after something a bit more filling, there are large plates like Greek Inspired Chicken Skewers, Hand Rolled Beef Rissoles and Fresh Baked Fish with Tahini Sauce. There are also desserts and cheese plates and it’s all very lovely.

To drink, a perfectly curated cocktail menu with sips like the Boudoir Betty; made up of Pillars Gin, citrus and topped with sparkling, Carrie On with Four Pillars Gin, passionfruit and homemade ginger syrup and Maple Miley, a rich, flavoursome old fashioned that will definitely hit the spot. Rihanna, Gwenyth and Audrey all make an appearance too #yeahthegirls.

So there’s all of that AND the space can be rented for events with plenty already locked down including women’s empowerment breakfasts, wedding and baby showers (because a beauty bar + cocktails = perfection) and a Galentine’s event that includes canapés, and a beauty package for just $89.

All the things you love most are happening at Boudoir Lounge ladies, lucky Southport. Gather the gals and get in there.

LOCATION: 410/1 Como Cres, Southport
PHONE: (07) 5528 1104
HOURS: Bar and Restaurant; 12pm to 12am daily. Beauty Bar; 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday (plus special event nights).
WEBSITE: https://www.boudoirlounge.com.au/

Words and photos by Kirra Smith