All the best Southport venues to sample post-run.
All the best Southport venues to sample post-run.
Some people are planning to run very long distances in the name of fun this weekend and while that’s something we’ve never done, we are quite good at cheering and also finding good spots to eat.
If you are one of said running-for-fun folks, you’re going to be quite the hungry little caterpillar afterwards and here we are to help with that.
Please see below, nine spots to fuel up after your big run this weekend.
Café Catalina
Found right at the finish line, Café Catalina will be serving up ALL of the carby, nourishing goodies you’ll be thinking about from the minute you set foot across the start line. There’s big breakfasts, very tasty coffee AND of course, alcoholic tipples should you be ready to celebrate yourself immediately. The crew at Café Catalina are also putting on a Dine at the Finish Line lunch on Saturday July 7th that you should book into ASAP because there’ll be a cold salad and hot meat station filled with SO many tasty treats and a welcome glass of bubble of tap beers. All for $49pp. Yep.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Hwy, Southport
Giri Kana Cafe
Treating yourself to a tasty vegetarian feast after a big old running session sounds like a good idea to us and there’s nowhere better to do that than Giri Kana Café, just across the road from the track. Think curries, amazing salads, raw sweet treats, smoothies, all of the things that will make you feel top notch. They also cater to vegans and there’s a whole lot of love in every dish so prepare to be wowed by the exceptional flavours. It’s exactly the type of thing you should be putting in your body after a hard day’s work. You won’t regret eating here.
Where: Cnr of Nind St and Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Randy Wallhole
A delightful little community-loving spot, Randy Wallhole are the absolute kings of bagels and we suggest ordering a few for later because one is simply not enough. The Smokey Pink with avo is a real treat, all smoked salmon and dill and all the avocado on a bagel. There are also many a tasty jaffle on offer as well as regular breakfast goodies, all served with good vibes and a friendly chat. The coffee is some of the best around too so all in all; an exceptional time can be expected at Randy Wallhole. Best.
Where: 1/21 Nind Street, Southport
Percy’s Corner
Usually only open through the week, Percy’s Corner will be slinging tasty brews of the coffee variety from 5.30am both Saturday and Sunday. And their brews are some of the absolute best around. They are the connoisseurs of Single O beans and serve filter, cold drip and of course regular old cappuccinos if you’re basic folks like us. Find them in the beautiful old Ambulance building just a short walk from the finish line.
Where: 45 Nerang St, Southport
Mr PP’s Deli & Rooftop
If pizza, beer and a stunning rooftop view tickle your fancy after a bit of exercise, Mr PP’s has you covered. Found next door to Percy’s. Mr PP’s are indeed offering up specialty pizzas that’ll blow your mind but not only those. They also have a deli downstairs which means charcuterie boards galore. There are cocktail jugs on offer too (maybe save those for later in the day) and of course, frosty cold beers on tap, all overlooking the skyline and perfect for sunsets sips late into the evening. Love this place.
Where: 43 Nerang St, Southport
42Fifteen
Just down the way a bit, 42Fifteen is the goods for brunch eats of the Australian and Latin fusion persuasion. They’ve got all your coffee needs covered as well as a Banana and Organic Bush Honey smoothie you’ll want to drink about five of. In the food department, everything is good but there are some bagel options that are extra delicious. We’re particularly partial to the Benny with bacon, spinach leaves, soft poached eggs, citrus hollandaise, toasted sesame seeds and fresh garden herbs. The goods after a run guys. So we hear.
Where: 9 Davenport St, Southport
The Roost @ 53
These guys are all about first class food epic coffee and good people to go with both. Works for us. This sweet little place also has VERY affordable eats including breakfast burritos (love you) and a house special souvlaki that we would love to eat every day forever please. There are also salads and quinoa bowls and burgers and all the very best things. They have their own coffee roast, smoothies, milkshakes and the like and we suggest one of everything because it’s all very delicious.
Where: 53 Johnston Street, Southport
PRE-GAME FEAST
If you’re looking for a little pre-marathon carb load, look no further than Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa for dinner on Friday from 6pm and both lunch (from 12pm) and dinner on Saturday. The Gold Coast’s award-winning seafood buffet Citrique will offer a pasta station on top of their usual goodies from just $70 per person and we highly suggest getting involved in that.
Where: Surfers Paradise Resort & Spa, 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Kirra Smith
Good coffee, great food and city vibes.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Open day and a month free membership this weekend only.
Like it or not friends, the time has come to start shredding for summer if that is a thing you are a. into and b. willing to sacrifice baked goods for. No judgement over here if not.
If you could stand to shed a bit of winter weight, or you simply want to tone up a little ahead of bikini season, we’ve got good news for you. This Saturday August 25th, Southport Sharks Fitness Centre will host an Open Day and you can both join the gym for $0 and get your first month FREE.
That is an incentive if ever we’ve heard one. Not only that, you get a goodie bag filled with freebies and there’s a mini marketta with all your fave health and fitness brands slinging free samples (think Lorna Jane, Amazonia and ASN to name a few).
If there’s ever been a time to join a gym it is now. What’s so special about this one you ask? Many things Gold Coasters, many things.
Firstly, you can go at literally any time of the day (it’s open 24 hours). Feel like a little sweat session at 3am? Good for you and also, no problem, in you go.
If you’re the kind of person who’s only into the gym for the group fitness classes (same), you’re in luck. Southport Sharks Health + Fitness Centre has over 110 group classes per week so there’s definitely going to be something that’ll get your heart pumping.
Restorative Yoga is probably the fitness level we’re at, or maybe Body Balance or Meditation Yoga. That’s where it ends for us.
If, however, sweating is your jam, there are about a billion choices for you crazy one. Radical Fitness/TopRide is a good time because it’s cycling but with super loud tunes and instructors who are both very good and very encouraging (trust us) and will help you to forget the pain. Not only that, you get to go on three separate adventures throughout the class and the time actually passes super quickly. Which we think is important.
There’s a class called LesMills Sh’Bam and it’s a DANCE CLASS, how fun! Definitely going back for that one. The Zuu is a 45 minute workout based on primal movements and animal instincts including body weight exercises, cardio, strength building and agility. You can also take part in all the usual suspects including Abs, Butts and Thighs, Boxfit, Pump, Step, you get the picture.
The point is, there are so many unique classes to try that you’ll never get bored and by the end you’ll be a fitter, healthier version of yourself and yay for that.
If getting sweaty with strangers isn’t your cup of protein shake, why not try a personal training session? There are quite the array of trainers to choose, each with specific areas of expertise and all ready to whip you into the best shape of your life.
The Inner Athlete Program is yet another option, if you like support from other exercisers to get you through a session. You get body scans, a choice of 16 different sessions per week, workshops, seminars, nutritional advice and access to personal trainers. All for only $29.95 per week.
So you see, there are many, many ways you can get started on that shredding for summer stuff, just head to Southport Sharks Health + Fitness Centre this weekend to choose your fave.
We’ll be over here eating enough for everyone.
LOCATION: Southport Sharks, Cnr Olsen and Musgrave Ave, Southport
HOURS: Open 24/7
STORY SPONSORED BY SOUTHPORT SHARKS
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
A stunning new café and wine bar for Southport.
It seems like every single day a stunning new Insta-worthy space opens up on the Gold Coast to fulfil our pretty picture loving needs. And not only pretty picture loving. Coffee loving, wine loving AND delicious eats loving. All of the things.
The latest spot to do exactly that is Pearl & Ash, an absolutely stunning new café and wine bar at The Brickworks in Southport that we would like to model every single room in our homes off, thank you very much.
The vibe is modern minimalism at its very best, all blush pinks, steel hardware, tiny little tiles and polished concrete with a sleek espresso machine at one end and a fully stocked wine bar at the other.
A neon sign in our new favourite font shines out from one wall, while a big, old window allows for all the natural light to pour in from the opposite side. One of our favourite fitouts in fact.
The menu is equally as exceptional, filled with breakfast, brunch and sweet goodies that’ll keep you coming back to taste test them all.
The House-Made Granola was a treat with dragonfruit, pannacotta, chia seeds, lime coconut Co Yo, kiwi, berries and toasted coconut. Pretty and delicious.
The Smashed Avo is also a winner (as always) but particularly because it comes with popped baby capers and baby capers are one of our favourite things in the whole world.
For brunch, the Roasted Spiced Cauliflower comes with pumpkin and thyme hummus, baby vegetables, tofu and avocado and it is a healthy, taste sensation.
The Green Lip Mussels are a must-taste with coconut, kaffir lime, lemongrass, chilli, ginger and organic sourdough. Amazing.
Sweets-wise, there are NUTELLA HOTCAKES and wait for it, they are banana choc-chip buttermilk hotcakes, Nutella mousse (OMG), salted peanut brittle, maple syrup, cinnamon and strawberry compote. So all the very best things in the one magical, life-changing dish.
Do not miss that one.
The coffee is made by the team at Locale Espresso so you know it’s the goods and of course, there is a perfectly curated array of wines so you may sip either delicious drink while you brunch or pop in for an after-work catch-up with the girls. Or both.
So, if perfectly put together spaces with a menu that’ll tickle your tastebuds plus coffee AND wine are your thing (and we know they are), make Pearl & Ash the next stop on your foodie tour of the Gold Coast.
You might just find it’s your new favourite.
LOCATION: The Brickworks, Ferry Rd, Southport
HOURS: 8am until 6pm daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith
