New venue is set to steam things up in Surfers Paradise

Steampunk Surfers Paradise, is preparing to open its doors in the coming months with the finishing touches being made on the vintage-styled 550sqm premises in the heart of the iconic entertainment precinct. Described as Victorian-era science fiction, Steampunk is a subculture focusing on retro-futuristic inventions inspired by the steam-powered industrial period of the 19^th Century. It’s about mixing the old with the modern, and manifests itself in weird and wonderful metal gadgets, intricate trinkets with visible moving parts, seemingly endless water and gas pipes, elaborate corsets and vintage goggles, to name just a few examples. Co-owner Grant Rodgers said Steampunk Surfers Paradise would propel the Gold Coast industrial bar scene into a new dimension with its fascinating Victorian-era fit-out, science fiction-themed cocktails, live music and a Steampunk twist on modern food using local produce. “The industrial concept is doing really well in Surfers Paradise but we don’t want to just copy what’s already here,” Mr Rodgers said. “This will be something many people will never have seen before and it is landing at a time when the Steampunk movement is really gathering momentum in Australia. “People who know about Steampunk really love it and want to share it.” Around $1 million has been spent refurbishing Steampunk Surfers Paradise’s Cavill Lane premises, which overlooks bustling Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Steampunk Surfers Paradise patrons can expect to step inside an impressive Victorian sic-fi-inspired space, complete with brass and copper piping, heavy Victorian furniture and fascinating works of art. Mr Rodgers said the flourishing Surfers Paradise hub was the ideal location for the innovative venue. “This is the right time to contribute on the growth that’s occurring in Surfers Paradise and which we see as only getting stronger in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said. Steampunk Surfers Paradise will cater to locals with its promise of an open-aired and laidback atmosphere with local artists playing on its dedicated live music stage. “We want there to be somewhere in Surfers Paradise that provides a great experience for residents, and not solely targeted at the tourists,” Mr Rodgers said. The venue will hold up to 400 patrons and will incorporate a dining deck opening out to the street. Originally from Tasmania, Mr Rodgers has more than 14 years’ hospitality experience, and last year sold his Victorian-style bar, Hotel Soho, in Hobart to move to the Gold Coast. The venue’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.]]>