VINE ART: VEGETARIAN REVOLUTION

Sip “healthy” cocktails with skyline views or dig into the cheesiest of pizzas when the Coast’s newest rooftop opens this week, writes Sally Coates

THERE’S a new rooftop bar in town that’s sure to ruffle a few feathers in the best way possible. The feather in the cap of the new Southport Sharks Mantra Apartments, The Aviary, a genuine rooftop looking out to the sea on one side and the hinterland on the other, will open on Thursday.

But it’s not only unique views this northern gem has to offer, with two distinct spaces to sip a sprawling cocktail menu.

“Aviary Rooftop Bar features an upmarket contemporary coastal vibe,” Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell says.

“The fit-out complements the Gold Coast location and lifestyle of the residents.

“Inside the venue can be simply described as beautiful — perfectly placed indoor plants, colourful patterns, light floor tiles and elegant timber tones are all complemented by stone benchtops.

“After multiple visits up to the rooftop during construction we had an exhilarating feeling of being one with nature and the birds. That’s when we knew that The Aviary was the right name and coined the outdoor area The Nest.”

On the dining and drinking front, food and beverage manager Adam Paterson says authentic wood-fired pizzas will be the star attraction.

“The menu is based on authentic Italian pizzas and dishes you feel comfortable sharing with friends,” he says.

“Stefano Rullo and Nathan Hay collaborated to create a menu that would feature the right mix of authentic pizza and shared tapas.

“Our most loved pizzas include The Burrata with smoked burrata, shaved prosciutto, tomato, caramelised onion and arugula. Also, the truffled vegan is very popular and features cauliflower, wild mushrooms, vegan mozzarella, hazelnuts, truffle tapenade and arugula.

“Favourite tapas include pork and veal meatballs served with shaved pecorino and napoli and a charcuterie board with shaved prosciutto, salami, grain mustard, house-cured olives, cornichons, whipped ricotta and woodfired flatbread.”

Adam says the drink list was perfected over several months — and some of the cocktails may even be good for you.

“With a key focus on bespoke cocktails, our mixologists created exciting blends and named them after bird wildlife,” he says.

“The Salty Duck is our spin on the classic espresso martini featuring caramel vodka, salted caramel liqueur, Mozart gold chocolate liqueur and cream. The Black Swan is a unique spiced herb blend with charcoal powder mixed with Settlers Yuzu Gin, mandarin liqueur, Licor43, lemon and activated charcoal powder.

“There is an entire healthy cocktail range which includes the Tree Creeper with citrus scents, sweet apple notes twisted with ginger kombucha. We also stock more than 30 beers with featured distilleries originating from Currumbin to Aberdeen, Scotland.”

With the grand opening on Thursday, The Aviary will have people flocking to its sixth storey rooftop, but be sure to dress to the nines — this is a nice place.

The Aviary Rooftop at Southport Sharks, Olsen Ave and Musgrave Ave, Southport