The world is your oyster at the new look Pearls Bar.
The world is your oyster at the new look Pearls Bar.
If you’ve been seeking a place to sit back and sip on delicious cocktails while indulging in delicious bar bites then stop looking – we’ve found it. And did we mention it’s beachfront?
One of our favourite Main Beach gems has had a polish up and while we’re tempted to be shellfish and keep it to ourselves, we’re here to tell you that Pearls Bar is looking (and tasting) extra fine!
Tucked away in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Pearls Bar’s zhushed interior feels contemporary and elevated. Forest green hues are perfectly complimented with gold accents for a seriously luxe new feel. It truly feels like an oasis and it’s exactly where you’ll find us kicking back with a cocktail in hand.
With the new look comes new menus. Think luxe and designer inspired fare that’ll keep you coming back for more. With a name like Pearls Bar it’s only fitting the menu is all about oysters. With a splash of creativity, might we add.
Take yours a la natural or venture out of the ordinary with a twist of champagne watermelon or Patrón and finger lime. The shared menu was consciously crafted with closeness in mind, bringing people together through the art and love of food.
They say food is the way to the heart. And with offerings like Lobster Rolls with Salmon Caviar served on a buttery brioche bun, consider our heart’s won.
Seafood lovers will want to get a taste of the Scallop Ceviche, perfectly balanced with chilli, lemon, mint, coriander and shallots. Call us cheesy but we can’t go past a Baked Brie moment, with calvados and honey, walnuts and toasted rye the flavour combo speaks for itself.
From classic to new signature cocktails, the Designer Cocktail Menu marries together the best of flavours you know and new ones to discover. Cocktail connoisseurs – this one’s for you, the Pancho’s Pearls brings a burst of flavour with peach infused pearls to finish this tequila and champagne based bevvy.
If you’re here to put your pinky up and get a little boujee then the Oysters & Caviar cocktail has your name written all over it – because who doesn’t fancy a caviar moment (we’re starting to see a theme here)? This delicious gin-based drop comes with its own side of fresh oyster with finger lime caviar – it’s giving sophisticated.
Did we mention there was a gin bar? If you’re partial to a cheeky gin and tonic then you’ll want to get well acquainted with their hand picked selection of local and imported gins, paired with your own bespoke boutique tonic selection for drink that’s deliciously ‘you’.
In the spirit of keeping on theme, Pearls Bar are giving the people what they want with the launch of Patrón & Oyster Fridays from the start of May, serving up $3 Pacific Oysters with any of their epic cocktails like the Spicy Marg, Mezcal Marg or Grapefruit Paloma – we’ll take a dozen, thanks!
If you don’t live in Main Beach look away now, or risk extreme jealousy. Every Wednesday and Sunday through the month of May, Gold Coast locals* will be treated to 25% off their bill (yes, you read that right) when they dine between 5pm and 7pm. You’d be losing money not going at this point #girlmath.
Where: 71 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
When: Daily from 12pm – midnight
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE RESORT
*Proof of Gold Coast, QLD address must be supplied to receive the Locals Offer.
Jimmy Wah’s is bringing deals so good you wouldn’t read a-bao-t it
Hey there, foodie friends! If you’ve been craving some seriously delicious pan-Asian fare, you’re in luck because Jimmy Wah’s is back at it again with the return of their legendary Bao Tuesdays! That’s right, those steamed homemade bao you used to obsess over? They’re back, and best enjoyed with a beer in hand, we hear.
Whether you’re a a meat lover, seafood connoisseur or all about that veggie life, Jimmy Wah’s have made sure they’ve got three ripper flavour combos for even the fussiest palate and with the menu changing weekly to hero what’s fresh and in season, you’ll just have to keep going back for more of those dreamy pillows of bao-y goodness.
If you weren’t already familiar with Jimmy Wah’s, then where have been – honestly? Among the first to really trailblaze the Coast’s dining scene many moons ago, they’ve long been our go to for a fancy feed without all the fuss, serving up some of the finest pan-Asian food the Gold Coast has ever seen.
The best bit of Baos & Beers Tuesday? You’ll get your bao fix but also have enough space to fill up with some of their iconic menu items – we’re looking at you, tempura oysters – so you can really indulge in all the food and signature flavours Jimmy Wah’s is known for.
Fear not if you’re in your #fitspo era, fill up with a side of green papaya salad with peanuts, chilli and lime to spice up your life or sauteed greens so it’s giving health.
And because why should all the fun be reserved for the weekend, Jimmy Wah’s is bringing some cheeky Happy Hour specials from Monday through Wednesday so you can sip back and relax or spice up your week with one of their famously cheeky Chilli Margaritas. Pretty sure happy hour is clinically proven to cure the Monday blues – we don’t make the rules, we just follow them.
But wait, there’s more! Jimmy Wah’s knows how to keep the good times rolling with their unbeatable Happy Hour specials. From Monday to Wednesday you can score some seriously sweet deals on cocktails and beers that’ll have you saying “cheers” in no time. They’ve got a special cocktail curated just for the occasion – the Spicy J Colada – so if you like Pina Coladas and not getting caught in the rain, this is where you’ll find us taking shelter.
Not so into the sweets? There’s beers on tap for those of you that prefer a simple brew because we can’t have anyone feeling left out. On your marg, get set, go!
So whether you’re a regular or a first-timer wondering what all the fuss is about, surely your mouth is already watering just thinking a-bao-t it – ours. You’ll want to book so you don’t have to go hungry, we already know everyone’s going to be eating up these sweet deals.
From the freshest ingredients to the expertly crafted cocktails, everything on the menu is designed to delight those tastebuds of yours. That, mixed with the signature laid-back vibe and friendly team, Jimmy Wah’s is the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and dig into some seriously good eats.
Where: 1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh
When: Daily from 12pm – 2.30 then from 5.15pm to late
Words by Jacqueline Bojanowski.
STORY SPONSORED BY JIMMY WAH’S
Dinner and drinks on glowed-up trawlers? Fishizzle!
Avast, me hearties! Feast your eyes on the newest dining destination set to make waves here on the Gold Coast – Holy Ship Bar & Restaurant. A treasure trove for both locals and visitors, Holy Ship invites you aboard their seas-oned trawlers, the ‘FV Havana’ and ‘Austral Eagle,’ for a spectacular dining experience that’ll have you in a chokehold, hook, line, and sinker.
Not to be confused with your average whiffy trawlers, these authentic timber beauties have been refurbished to perfection, inspired by the traditional charm of timber vessels, but with a striking modern twist. Perfect for your next event, there’s indoor covered dining for 56 people on custom timber furniture, with outdoor seating on the upper deck on both vessels (up to 36 people on FV Havana and 12 people on Austral Eagle).
We’re talking front-row seats to the stunning Broadwater and a dining/sipping experience set to become a GC lega-sea.
So what’s on the menu? Plenty of seafood for a start and duh, no ship Sherlock. Austral Eagle’s full commercial kitchen serves up fresh trawler seafood and an array of small plates.
Why not start with some Oysters, natural, mignonette, Kilpatrick or even Thai style? Then, tuck into their signature dish, the ‘Holy Ship I’ll Have It All’ seafood platter, with oysters, prawns, bugs, salmon and sashimi a-plenty. If land dwelling fare is more your thing, how about some Saucy BBQ Ribs or a ship-shape Charcuterie Board with all-the-things?
If you’re anything like us, we want to know all-a-boat the bevs and yes, these tidy trawlers pack a punch with their oar-some drinks selection. Get shipfaced at the bar on FV Havana (but don’t really) with its 10-tap system serving up beer, wine, ready-to-drink spirits and cocktails. Speaking of, it would be remiss of us not to single out their signature sips – the Frozen Margarita and Cosmopolitan – which folks, are a shore thing.
Who masterminded this maritime marvel, you ask? None other than Kane and Yvette McCarthy, the legends behind the iconic Tonic on Chirn Park and ELV 525 on Mt Tamborine, along with co-owner Jake Ruttley. With their extensive expertise and passion for hospitality, it’s o-fish-al – we’re ready to dock and roll.
Kane and Yvette’s journey to bring Holy Ship to life has been nothing short of epic. It started with finding the illustrious Austral Eagle in Harvey Bay, a famous shark fishing trawler that worked actively out of her Adeliade port.Her sister from another mista, FV Havana, is a local girl, who was still fishing prawns in Tweed Heads until she was brought down and lifted out.
Both old girls were renovated on the hard stand at Coomera for 18 months, stripped back to their bare hulls and rebuilt to their former glory.
Sea you there!
Where: Birth 7&8 Marina Mirage, Marina Commercial arm, Sea World Drive, Main Beach (but both vessels are available for functions at private pontoons, Gold Coast marinas and events around the Broadwater).
When: Launching Wednesday 27th March
Website: holyship.restaurant
Instagram: @holyship.restaurant
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Sweet dreams are made of (high) teas.
Undoubtedly, one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.
And just when you thought high tea couldn’t get any fancier, a lot of places are now serving up seasonal theming with their tiers- think themed décor, seasonally adapted ingredients, and a twist on the classics. It’s high tea with a seasonal spin, and we’re absolutely here for it.
In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts on the Coast, listed north to south. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever, as is the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as slow-cooked 12-hour Beef Cheek with a Chimmi Churri Doughnut and Milk Chocolate, Hazelnut, Disaronno Amaretto Layer Cake.
Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea, starting with a welcome of Tea Forté-infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade your tea time to include their signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail, NV Jansz Premium Cuvee or NV Miguel Torres ‘Santa Digna – Estelado’ Pais Sparkling Rose, with more options to choose from! Prices start at $69 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet, and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck into three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista-made coffee and tea, and a sparkling wine or mocktail on arrival. $65 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. From now until May 31, they invite us all to celebrate the ethereal hues of a Gold Coast sunrise with their Golden Aurora High Tea. The limited-time high tea, served daily from 12–4pm, is a tribute to our fave time of day- golden hour! The warm glow of sunrise will come to life in every dish, from the Smoked Salmon with Citrus Cream, Cucumber and Onion Pickle on Rye, the Lemon Meringue Choux Craquelin and Passionfruit & Gold Leaf Sponge.
It all gets better with a Gilded Spritz– a radiant cocktail featuring gin, Angostura bitters, lemon, honey, and organic prosecco, elegantly garnished with a golden rim and raspberries dipped in edible gold dust. $79 per adult or $39 per child (aged 5-12 years), which includes a glass one Gilded Spritz cocktail (over 18 only) and unlimited Tavalon tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury, might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully, they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll feel very high socie-tea indeed, sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings.
There are two high tea options (fancy and fancier) – depending on how boujee you’re feeling. You have the Couture High Tea with all the embellishments for $69 per person. You begin with Buttermilk Scones with English Breakfast spiked Sultanas, White chocolate and treacle, served alongside Double Thick vanilla-bean cream and House-made Preserve– just to give you an indication as to where tea is going (somewhere marvellous, that’s where). Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) starting from $25 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of JW lavender, honey, white chocolate chip scones with fig and peach jam and fresh cream and Lobster crumpet with citrus aioli… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).
Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast), there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise
This is no ordinary high tea! … well, okay, technically speaking, they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also includes a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.
Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the taste buds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Caramello chiffon and Mini Pavlova. Prices start at $69 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Spritz to really enhance your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over Roast Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin, Slaw and Kewpie mayo, Gelato Bon Bon, and, of course, Freshly Baked Scones with Dollop Cream, Blackberry Jam and Berries (plus more). The Signature High Tea comes in at $49pp with an optional upgrade to bottomless Mimosas or Sparkling Wine for an extra $25pp- very Carrie approved!
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Glazed ham with wattle mustard, smoked cheddar and pickle, the Coronation chicken and the Caramel pecan millionaires shortbread. Divine! Prices start at $70 per adult with bubbly upgrades available.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. Not only high tea, though! They also have High Cheese! What’s High Cheese, you ask? It’s basically a tour through cheese land with 8 decadent dishes and a wine in hand. Say less! Stop one- champagne poached pear with gorgonzola. Stop two- house specialty carrot cake with cream cheese, and so on. That dairy dream boat is $85pp.
They also have a French Inspired high Tea- think Spinach Choux with Creamed Eggs and French Apple Tart Tatin for $68pp. Also, a Vegan High Tea for $78pp, a Gluten Free High Tea for $78pp and a Junior High Tea (babycinos included!) for $39 per child. No one misses out!
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall
Okay, so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Opera cake made with coffee, almond and 54% dark chocolate Callebaut and tarts of crispy prosciutto, mushroom, truffle mousse, and fried quail egg.
In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London, where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practising your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $95 per person.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think buttermilk scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba
It was only a matter of time before the Gold Coast’s fav boujee bakery and brunch spot threw their hat into the High Tea ring. Thank god they did, because now we have a gorgeous tea garden to drink tea and coffee and nibble on cakes, scones, and sweet treats amongst greenery. Could we ask for more? No, but they delivered more. Starting with Tiramisu Coffee, Traditional French Hot Chocolate (AKA a teapot of liquid chocolate), fresh-baked scones, mini pastries, ceremonial-grade matcha, batch-brew coffee and cloud drinks. My goodness! Walk-ins welcome or book ahead.
Where: 2 Thrower Dr, Currumbin
Words by Kellie Leader and Chelsea Ipsen
