Bar crowd living – and loving – the high life
NANNA Steffen reckons she could have a fair chance of picking the day of the week just by looking at the clientele at Justin Lane Rooftop Bar.
“If it’s an older crowd than you’re looking at Monday to Friday night, week nights and weekend lunch is families, and if there’s the younger crowd it’s Friday or Saturday night or more likely the Sunday sesh,” the Burleigh Heads eatery’s event manager said.
The popular bar was one of the first rooftop bars on the Gold Coast and helped inspire a trend that has seen bars opening across the Glitter strip.
Rooftop bars can now be found at Hellenika at Nobby Beach, Wildernis Rooftop Bar at Palm Beach, Gotham Grill & Rooftop at Runaway Bay, 8th Ave Terrace at Palm Beach, Nineteen at the Star at Broadbeach, Mr P. P.’s at Southport and The Aviary Bar at Southport Sharks.
And now a proposed Mercure hotel to be built on the old Gold Coast Hospital site is touting a rooftop bar among the attractions.
And it may not be the last. Demographer Mark McCrindle said the growth in rooftop bars was similar to the growing attraction Australians had for indoor/outdoor living spaces. “We eat in alfresco areas so we are bring it into eating out,” he said.
“The Gold Coast has the right climate and attitude for it, people are into the relaxed social environment and there is the sense that outdoor space is a more casual space and makes people feel more relaxed.”
He said bars were looking to move away from the tribal feel many older establishments had.
“People are trying to be more family friendly and while not all areas are accessible for children, it’s not like the old pubs where if you weren’t in the right tribe you didn’t belong.
“It’s less stuffy, less formal and most have a view and ascetic and aspect which creates a go-to environment.”
Ben Howe, co-owner Mr P. P.’s, attributed the move to a rooftop location for the bar’s success.
“I think if we weren’t a rooftop bar we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had,” he said.
“Being in a climate like the Gold Coast’s it’s a free kick but the coolest thing about it is the mix of clients. From young people to young families and older generations, you see everyone mixing and having a great time.”