The Yard, Mermaid Beach – Inside Gold Coast

Here on the GC we’re a spoiled bunch – and no we’re not talking about the age old stereotype that forever haunts the only children among us #justiceforonlychildren – we’re referring to the the untold options for fun that basically smack us in the face anytime time we leave the house.

We know we’re preaching to the choir here, so we’ll cut to the chase with an admission that’s a little difficult to cough up – that the one thing our southern rivals, ahem – friends, have over our superior Queensland lifestyle is the late night eats scene leaves us.. a little wanting.

Enter Happy Endings, who have taken the recipe for success from Broadbeach’s darling laneway bar Fig + Frankie’s, and hit us with the old copy + paste, with a cool Asian inspired twist.

When it comes to a top notch bevvy, the Gold Coast sure know’s what’s up, and with over 15 years experience in the industry, owners Bella & Euan Lovell obviously also know when they are on to a good thing too.

So much so, that running joke and a convenient opening in the very same building led to the inspiration to open a second bar.

When a massage parlour above Fig + Frankie’s shut down due to allegations of, er, suspicious activities, it quickly became lore among staff and well, one thing led to another and now there’s Happy Endings for all! By way of a totally legit, luxe new bar, that is.

While we know the cheeky name will make this bar hard to go past, step inside and you’ll be greeted with an atmosphere that will make it equally as hard to leave.

With mood lighting that’s a solid 10/10, the abundance of warm finishes and lush Japanese architectural selections have created an intimate and inviting experience that feels more like you’ve just walked in off the streets of Tokyo. And who doesn’t love a bar with an aesthetic that’s as instagrammable as it’s fare?

Of course the impeccable vibes and Asian influences don’t stop there, as you’d expect they’ve dic-tated the menu too.

Luckily for us, the institution that is the late night kitchen, borrowed from the hospo culture of our Southern states has also formed a big part of the Happy Endings ethos, which can only be considered a win for us all because #hungry #bringbackthemidnightsnack.

The kitchen dream team bring experience from GC dining icons such as Moo Moo’s, Paddock and Elk, so as you’d expect after peeping the menu – #canconfirm it’s a solid 16-way tie between the eats options (and can we just say it’s lucky for the late night kitchen coz it might just take that long to decide).

Nibble your way through the Lotus Root with nori sesame mayo, Chicken or Spicy Mushroom Yakitori or Whisky Cured Salmon with mandarin + soy dressing. Something tells us the Katsu Sando (tofu or pork) and Crispy Rice + Cured Yolk with a kombu marinade will also be on high rotation.

But try to restrain yourself, because we haven’t even got to the cocktails yet and you’re going to need to save some space – if you catch our drift.

When it comes to sips, you’ll be wanting as many Tokyo Drift’s as there is Fast & Furious movies – with wasabi infused mezcal, housemade melon liqueur + pineapple oleo, 100% of surveyed critics (it us, we’re the critics) agree this cocktail is an absolute must-try.

Also, if you’re still thirsty the Wohmango! – vanilla infused gin, mango oleo, lime and Thai basil will convert even the staunchest mango objectors with it’s delightfully citrus-y notes.

There’s also beer on tap, soju, and sake for those who prefer their liquor on the.. harder side.

It’s clear that the Happy Endings crew aims to ensure everyone finishes their night satisfied, and they’ve sure got the unbeatable location, vibe and fare to pull it off.

Where: Level 1, 2707 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
When: 5pm – 12am Wed – Sun (officially opening Friday 19th May)

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.