For years, the Gold Coast has been the home of one of Australia’s biggest and most successful microbreweries. Yet the presence of Burleigh Brewing in Burleigh Heads tended to feel like something of an anomaly, the lone outpost for craft beer in a region where, for the most part, big brand midstrengths ruled unchallenged.
But just as the beer scene in Brisbane has transformed unrecognisably, so has the change spread around South East Queensland. New breweries and top notch venues dedicated to craft beer can be found along the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, into the hinterland and further west to Toowoomba. And among those leading the way on the Gold Coast is Bine Bar and Dining, complete with signage declaring its allegiance to “CRAFT BEER” in the front window.
Situated on the Gold Coast Highway in the hub of Nobby Beach, it was opened in December 2013 by a couple of mates with long histories in the booze trade – one running venues here and in the UK, the other fitting beer systems for breweries. As much as anything, the decision to open it was to satisfy their own growing thirst for more flavoursome drops and, after a slow start, it has been gaining traction by offering something that remains scarce in this part of the world.
That something comprises eight rotating taps that mix crafty drops from the bigger Australian brewers with those from smaller independents. For the most part, they’ll order in no more than one keg of a beer at a time, ensuring there’s something new every week. The taps are complemented by a long bottled list too, as evidenced by the dozens showcased in the wooden shelves behind the bar, with a list of the latest arrivals found tucked inside the front of the menus. For those not in the mood for beer, there's wine and cocktails on offer too.
Elsewhere in the menu you’ll find plenty of beer-friendly dishes of the “dude food” type, as well as a few healthier dishes to ensure everyone’s catered for. The kitchen’s food is also showcased at bi-monthly beer lunches at which a guest brewer will present their beers.
