5 OF FIRESIDE THE FEASTS BEST
Even though our winter wonderland is more sunshine than snow, it’s hard to beat a glass of red in front of the fire. Here are five favourites lighting the way
D’ARCY ARMS 2923 GOLD COAST HWY, SURFERS PARADISE
June 1 saw this iconic Irish pub celebrate its annual firelighting, a tradition among D’Arcy Arms regulars. “We do it without fail on the first day of winter, which is funny because it’s still been so hot,” manager Flossy Porter says. “We were praying for a cooler night, but it’s such a great atmosphere anyway.” The open log-fuelled fire will be lit every day until the end of winter, warming customers as they fill up on Irish ales and beef and Guinness pie. Christmas in July kicks off on July 1. “It’s a real Christmas banquet with all the traditional foods – roast pork and turkey, ham off the bone, cranberry and apple sauce, stuffing, gravy and a traditional plum pudding,” Flossy says.
THE LAKE BREWHOUSE 235 VARSITY PARADE, VARSITY LAKES
Despite being a shiny new venue, James Lee built a fireplace into his brewhouse so it would feel more like his Canadian home. “In North America almost every home has a fireplace because of the cold weather. We wanted it to feel like home here with the comfy couches and TV, so people can just sit and enjoy the ambience with a coffee or a wine.” The brewhouse gets the flames going most days from 4pm.
FOX AND HOUNDS 7 ELEVATION DR, WONGAWALLAN
The British know a thing or two about keeping warm, so it makes sense for a fireplace to be a feature of this cosy Britthemed eatery. “Most of our interior is actually from the Sussex Arms over in England – the whole style is pulled directly from there – and the fireplace just tops it off,” owner Justin Hemer says. “Not many people on the Gold Coast have a fireplace at home.”
POTAGER - A KITCHEN GARDEN 502 CAROOL ROAD, CAROOL
Everything about this hilltop oasis exudes country comfort, from the charming location overlooking rolling green fields to the bountiful veggie gardens surrounding the restaurant. It wouldn’t be complete without the warmth and crackle of an authentic fireplace, which in the hinterland winter isn’t just a comfort but a necessity. Request the seat next to the fire when you book to ensure you nab a spot.
THE VERANDAH BAR MANOR CIRCLE, SANCTUARY COVE
Nothing says luxury like sitting in a sumptuous armchair, staring into a roaring fire and cradling a glass of worldclass whisky. It truly seems like a scene from a spy movie. At InterContinental’s new Verandah Bar, you can live out this fantasy with their grand fireplace and choice of more than 50 whiskies to warm the cockles, ranging from well-loved labels to the very rare.