Burly Gin brings refreshing sips to Currumbin.
Burly Gin brings refreshing sips to Currumbin.
Get ready to shake up your summer nights! Burly Gin is taking over Currumbin’s bar scene and we’re gin-uinely excited about it! Nestled in The Warehouses on Currumbin Creek Road, this innovative venue combines a modern aesthetic with a bold, flavour-forward approach to gin. It’s where sleek sophistication meets a spirited good time.
The Warehouses, the latest creation from the Cornerstone Stores crew, brings together work and play in an airy, industrial-style space that captures our coastal charm. Among the first to call The Warehouses home was Lobby, the go-to spot for your morning brew. Now, as the sun sets, Burly Gin takes centre stage, lighting up your nightlife.
The brainchild of Piri Bennett, Richard Bennett, Airhia Bennett and Rob Sendall, Burly Gin began as a passion project fueled by Piri’s time in New York. A seasoned bourbon distiller at Brooklyn’s renowned Kings County Distillery, Piri returned to the Gold Coast armed with expertise and a dream of creating a gin perfectly tailored to the subtropical climate. The result? A trio of gins – cucumber, citrus and berry – that redefine refreshing.
Step inside Burly Gin’s tropic-meets-New York lounge, designed by Will Rathgeber of Studio Plenty. From the industrial-chic elements crafted by Glenn Warren Projects to the bespoke furniture from Atelier, every detail whispers sophistication, with a mezzanine-level lounge perfect for private dining and events.
Will Rathgeber said, “it’s eclectic continental influence restrained by Japanese sensibilities – an experimental composition set in a masterful industrial redevelopment.”
Once seated, prepare for a gin-spiration overload. The bar serves the entire Burly Gin range through a dazzling cocktail repertoire. Not sure where to start? We recommend the tasting pallet – serving up all three signature gins – cucumber, citrus and berry – with your choice of mixer.
Then, take a walk on the herbaceous side with the Garden Smash, a mix of cucumber gin, lime, basil, cardamom and elderflower foam.
As the sun goes down, the Sunset Negroni of citrus gin, Davidson’s plum, rosé vermouth and orange tastes like a golden hour in a glass.
These libations pair seamlessly with a menu masterminded by Harry Robbins, previously of Stable Coffee and Kitchen. The culinary offerings lean into modern Australian cuisine, with standout dishes like the Anchovies with Egg Butter served on Toasted Focaccia.
For a zesty pop, there’s the Kingfish Ceviche with Fingerlime Ponzu. And for a comfort dish you didn’t know you were craving, the Roast Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce and Gremolata is a crowd pleaser.
Whether you’re a seasoned gin aficionado or just beginning to dabble in juniper delights, Burly Gin promises an gin-tastic experience. Like what you sipped? You can grab a bottle of Burly Gin directly from the bartender, making it easy to recreate your favourite cocktails at home.
So, why not gin-vest in your next night out? Drop by and let Burly Gin charm you one sip at a time.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
When: 4pm – late, daily
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Simplicity perfected at Currumbin's new cafe.
It had been a long time between coffees for DJ Swan, who once brought Tugun the ever-loved Good Day Coffee. After selling the spot and bidding hospitality farewell, DJ thought he was done with the buzz of café culture. But, in fantastic news for coffee aficionados, the irresistible pull of the bean brought him back. Enter Lobby—a new coffee haven inside The Warehouses on Currumbin Creek Road.
The Warehouses, the latest venture from the family behind Cornerstone Stores, marries work and leisure in a sunlit, industrial-chic space that feels as fresh as the ocean breeze. Lobby is among the first tenants to set up shop, and true to its name, it feels like the gateway to this buzzing hub.
This time around, DJ is doing things his way. Forget the stress-heavy hustle of a big café menu and sprawling operations. Instead, Lobby keeps it simple: boutique brews from Sydney’s Reuben Hills roastery, a short-but-sweet menu, and an intentional design that lets the space speak for itself.
The vibe? Purposefully understated yet utterly inviting. Think polished concrete floors, minimal décor, and a scattering of seating options—two-seaters outside, spots to perch by the coffee machine, and a mezzanine upstairs with room for around 40 coffee enthusiasts to sip communally.
The menu, as succinct as the space, is all about quality over quantity. You’ll find us deliberating over whether to pick the mouthwatering ham, onion relish, and comté jaffle or the curried eggplant jaffle topped with house-made labneh. Other options include roasted baby tomatoes with mascarpone and pickled eschallots on sourdough, fresh pastries from The Bread Social and house-made cookies that almost demand a second cup of coffee.
Speaking of coffee, Lobby takes its brew game seriously. Reuben Hills beans provide the rich, balanced flavour that fuels the café, proving that sometimes, less really is more.
As Currumbin locals know, community is king here, and Lobby’s early days have already been met with a warm embrace from its tight-knit neighbourhood. The nook seamlessly integrates into the thoughtful design of The Warehouses, where hidden corners, shared zones, and an overall sense of calm make it as much about connection as caffeine.
The minimalist vibe adds to Lobby’s charm. It’s refreshingly different—much like The Warehouses itself—a testament to thoughtful design and a relaxed pace of living.
So, whether you’re popping in for a quick takeaway or lingering over a latte in the mezzanine sunshine, Lobby promises a coffee experience that’s simple yet satisfying. This isn’t just a café, it’s a meeting place, a pause button in your day, and an unmistakable Currumbin vibe. We’ll meet you there—probably with a jaffle in one hand and a coffee in the other.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin
When: Monday – Friday, 5:30am – 1:30pm
Words by Belinda Symons
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Cat-ch a brew at Roji Cat.
In a very exciting Gold Coast first, a beer bar dedicated to Japanese brews has opened in Miami and it’s already a firm favourite amongst the locals. Roji Cat is vibrant, fresh and exciting and it’s perfectly at home, next to stalwart fave Granddad Jacks, on Lemana Lane.
Reminiscent of the neon-laden Dotonbori district of Osaka and downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, the entirely indoor space has been decked out to resemble an authentic, local alleyway complete with signage, lanterns and a cabinet displaying a huge collection of Bearbricks (a beloved cartoon-style bear) all brought over from Japan.
High tables run along the length of the space, brew tanks take up a huge corner in the back and there’s an open kitchen so you can watch your dishes being prepared. The vibe is high instantly upon entering the space and it’s all exactly what you’d expect to see when visiting a Japanese beer bar.
Perhaps the most exciting part though, is a specialty (sound proof) karaoke room just off the main bar area where you and your crew can belt out a tune to your heart’s content without a single note being heard outside. There’s also an electric darts room with plenty of spots to play and couches to lounge about on while you beat your mates.
Now let’s chat beer. Head Brewer Toshi, whose work you would know from Black Hops, is the most passionate and knowledgeable man on the planet when it comes to beer. There are 12 brews on tap AND a diverse sake bar featuring 24 types of sake, all handpicked by Toshi who has over 20 years brewing experience.
Cocktails include the likes of a signature Tokyo Sour and the signature beer is Toshi’s Japanese Rice Lager which we tried and tested and can confirm, is the goods.
There’s food of course and the menu is filled with elevated, Japanese street food crafted by Japanese culinary expert and Head Chef Helen Rissen. Think Robata Skewers, sweet and spicy Roji Cat Karaage, Gyoza, Sashimi, Miso Corn (love you) and burgers including a Bug Burger with a tempura Moreton Bay Bug, spicy Japanese coleslaw and Kewpie mayo. We’ll take all of that thank you so much.
The entire operation is a family-run affair celebrating close family friend Toshi’s heritage and a shared love of Japanese culture, vibrant food scene and bustling nightlife. All of which has been very obviously and meticulously incorporated into Roji Cat to bring us the Japanese Beer Bar we didn’t know we so desperately needed.
Do yourself a favour and head down to Miami to see what all the fuss is about and find yourself transported to Japan, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Where: 47 Lemana Lane, Miami
When: Thursday and Friday 4pm to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 10pm
Please note: Roji Cat is a wholly indoor venue, so it is not dog-friendly.
Words by Kirra Smith
Images by Kirra Smith
Cheers to the freaking weekend….and weekdays.
If there’s one thing we never grow tired of, it’s a cracking cocktail and lucky for us, the GC is a melting pot of masterful cocktails guaranteed to leave you shooketh.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these spots are a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple (or five), tried and tested by the team because, you know, we had to complete our due diligence. From beachy vibes to moody speakeasies, here’s the scoop on where to sip the best cocktails in town listed north to south.
It’s where Mediterranean-inspired decor, an atmosphere as light as the sea breeze itself, and world-class service collide to create an unmissable destination for cocktail hour. Need we say more? This little gem at Sanctuary Cove is the gift that keeps on giving. Earning a reputation as a cocktail connoisseur’s haven within its first week, the initial hype has not only endured – it continues to soar. If you’re up the north end (or even if you’re not) – just go.
Where: Shop 38c, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island
Flirt with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast to the Hinterland, with a cracking array of cocktails to choose from at The Exhibitionist Bar. Sitting high on the HOTA Gallery rooftop, their specialty cocktails are inspired and expertly curated, with each drink drawing on major art exhibitions. Naturally, the cocktails change with each new major exhibition, meaning you’ll never run out of reasons to pop in for a sip.
Where: 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
It’s bold, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to get your cogs turning. Standing as Australia’s only steampunk-themed bar, Steampunk in Surfers Paradise is a one-of-a-kind spot that blends innovation, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun. Step inside and you’re instantly transported, with gears, gadgets, and glowing lights, to set the scene. The adventurous cocktail menu is packed with playful creations (yes, even fishbowl cocktails), served with a dash of theatre and a splash of mischief.
Where: 3113 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Asking us to “find the red palm tree”– challenge accepted! We all know any restaurant or watering hole at The Star Gold Coast never misses a beat, and Veladora is no exception. This place is actual cocktail nirvana, so take it from us: leave the car at home- you won’t be able to stop at one. Watching the mixologists in action is half the fun, and don’t even get us started on the vibe, thanks to the Mezcal-inspired speakeasy design.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Hold onto your highball glasses, Gold Coast, because Six-Tricks is redefining the local distillery scene one cocktail, rum, or whisky at a time (okay, maybe more than one). This two-million-dollar masterpiece is state-of-the-art with a spacious indoor bar and sunset deck perf for sipping the night away – and even a private cask hall! You’ll be left shaken, not stirred, in the best possible way.
Where: 3 Brightlands Ct, Mermaid Waters
Mermaid Beach locals will tell you that if you’re frothing for a quality cocktail (us – always), it’s Cantina for the win. This pint-sized neighbourhood tapas bar proves that good things come in small packages, and by good things, we mean cocktails. Forming the perfect pair with sibling Piatto Italian restaurant right next door, line your tum with Spanish-style bar bites so that your sneaky cocktail can turn into two…or five….
Where: 2460 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
If you haven’t stepped aboard The Cambus Wallace, are you even a Gold Coaster? Serving up the finest classic cocktails, international rums and whiskeys, and heartwarming food, the only thing moodier than the dark hues of the boat-themed bar is you if you don’t sample at least one of their tipples. There’s a reason (AKA epic cocktails) that it always gets a nod on our lists!
Where: 4/2237 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Perched above its sister venue, Norté, Sueño Rooftop offers a dreamy, Latin American-inspired rooftop escape in Nobby Beach. You can say hola to crisp, Latin-inspired cocktails, delicioso snacks, and sea breeze flowing in from just a few streets away. Spanish escape? Yes! Long-haul flight? No!
Where: 2217 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Looking for an absolute beachfront cocktail tapas bar? Look no further – this.is.it. Serving up an exciting fusion of coastal charm, inventive cocktails, and sumptuous tapas, it’s a winner, winner, cocktail dinner. Crafted by expert mixologists, the cocktail list boasts an array of innovative libations, from classic martinis to exotic tropical creations, so you’re assured a perfect pairing for every palate and mood.
Where: Level 1/293 The Esplanade, Miami
Distil our beating hearts! With a fresh curation of concoctions that could coax Sleeping Beauty herself from her 100-year slumber, this magical albeit not-so-faraway Miami-based fave has earned quite the rap for its bewitching, fable-inspired concoctions. If you’re after something extra spesh that you can’t find at every other cocktail bar, welcome. Extra points for everything from syrups to spirits made on site.
Where: 45 Lemana Lane, Miami
Welcome to Palm Springs! Well, almost- you’ll be fooled by the chic ambience and vibrant aesthetic. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, The Malibu Racquet Club is the perfect spot for sunset sips and pre-dinner drinks. Hello, double-parked margaritas. Patrons can enjoy the beautiful southern GC breezes while seated outside, or opt for a cozy booth or the bar inside. Everything from the cocktail list to the paired-back decor is curated to delight summer-lovers. Yes please!
Where: 1740 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Rosella’s has been serving up pure Australiana vibes to bustling Burleigh since January 2019— and clearly doing something right, because they once snagged the crown for Best Cocktail Bar in Queensland. And what’s more quintessentially 2025 Aussie behaviour than sipping on a host of sensational cocktails in a beautiful beachy ‘burb?! Serving up nostalgic and native fare, this little ripper hums until late seven nights a week. ‘Knoath!
Where: 1734 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
Looking for a chic tropical cocktail bar and cellar door experience? Look no further than Familiar Spirits, the hidden gem tucked away in the industrial zone of Burleigh Heads. The intimate atmosphere, combined with a curated selection of house-made spirits, makes it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail list is nothing short of impeccable —you must try them all! That’s an order.
Where: 1/9 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
With a name that (literally) sums up our guilty pleasure, Suga lives up to its namesake – and then some. When it comes to our local speakeasy, the only thing more satisfying than the cocktails is the…no, it’s definitely the cocktails. The low-lit lamps highlight the insanely good menu, which serves as the perfect belly-liner so that you can partake in another cocktail (yes, even on a school night).
Where: 1142 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
If you like your gin with a side of smooth operator, Burly Bar in Currumbin is your next stop. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a New York lounge with a Japanese twist – think dark corners, cool beats, and even cooler drinks. This distinctive and eclectic spot is where craftsmanship meets cocktail hour, treating mixology like an art form.
Where: 60 Currumbin Creek Road, Gold Coast
You’ve never met a cooler Evelyn (and if you’re born after 1980, you’ve probably never met one). This antipasto and pizza bar has not only garnered a staunch following for its A+ seasonal antipasti, sourdough pizza, and freshly made pasta but also for the evelyn-utionary cocktails. With its moody lighting and dark wooden charm, Evelyn is the kind of spot that makes even a balmy summer night feel effortlessly cool.
Where: Shop 20/58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Chelsea Ipsen.
