Autumn 24

RESTAURANTS WITH LIVE MUSIC
Feed your soul with music, while taking your pick of bayside, seaside or treeside restaurants, bars and cafés. Here are a few favourites that have now re-opened with live music.

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The Lucky Bee, Hardys Bay

How do you better pork hock bao, a view over Brisbane Water and an establishment run by restaurateurs Rupert Noffs and Matty Bennett at the helm? Add live jazz!

The Lucky Bee at Hardys Bay has brought music back to the bay. Every Friday evening through winter they’ll be hosting The Harry Mason Trio on the waterfront! Plus, we have the inside word that comedian Mark Trevorrow (better known as Bob Downe) will be making a surprise appearance, as will singing sensation Shauna Jensen (whose vocals have backed up Jimmy Barnes, INXS and Powderfinger). Online bookings are a must, and come with the guarantee that you’ll be tucking into kingfish ceviche, Peking duck spring rolls, and whole fried Szechuan pepper and salt snapper as the sun sets and music jives.

P.S. The Lucky Bee is extending its premises to include a new ‘hole-in-the-wall’ café. Chef Matty Bennett will be serving nitro coffee, cold-pressed juices, pho, congee and bánh mì (with roast pork belly and house-made chicken liver pâté) – fast dishes that can be eaten in or taken away. It’s due to be completed in early August and will be open daily 8am-4pm.

The Lucky Bee is now open Friday and Saturday evenings. They have two dinner seatings: 5 pm and 6.45 pm. Live jazz is every Friday evening, kicking off at 5 pm. Online reservations only: https://theluckybee.com.au/

Aromas, Terrigal

Terrigal’s Aromas serves from sun up to sun down, from breakfast to the bewitching cocktail hour. And live on Saturdays in time for cocktails, tap beer or house wine, there’s reggae!

For ricotta and blueberry pancakes, an Elements espresso, come early — from 8 am weekdays, 7.30 am weekends. By midday, the menu flicks to pork belly burgers, Caesar salads and beer-battered fish and chips. In the early evening, as the sun starts to dip, it’s ‘happy hour’ and live acoustics from reggae artist Cha Rahgung, guitarist Harrison Hoven and vocalist Toby Wells.

Aromas is open till 5 pm, or until 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. There’s live music 5 pm to 7.30 pm Saturday | Happy hour 4 pm to 6 pm Friday and Saturday ($15 cocktails, $6 tap beer and house wine) | http://aromasonsea.com.au/

Higher Grounds Café, Kincumber

The café is one of the Coast’s biggest supporters of live music, and over the coming months they’re putting a heap of artists back in the spotlight. Order the Scotch fillet, grilled salmon or pulled pork bowl to make this the ultimate ‘dinner and show’.

There’s pianist Goldheist bringing her songs, stories and flower crowns to the stage; Anna Weatherup will move you with her alt-pop vocals; and Luke Marlin, normally seen fronting The Sea Gypsies, will be going solo with his guitar. The seated gigs cost $10 to $20 at the door, and bookings are recommended.

Higher Grounds Café Monday to Friday 6.30 am to 3.30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 3.30 pm. https://www.facebook.com/highergroundscafekincumber/ https://highergroundscafe.com.au/

Florida Beach Bar, Terrigal

Florida Beach Bar’s vibe is the perfect space to take in the views and soak up the music every Friday to Sunday in the courtyard.

The bar becomes home to local duos and DJs who provide cool acoustics, wicked beats and ambiance to accompany your dining. The menu’s easy-breezy and ideal for families with even the fussiest of eaters: think buttermilk chicken schnitzel, battered flathead and pizzas topped with pulled pork or tequila lime-marinated chicken.

Open daily 12 pm until late. Live music Fridays from 5 pm, DJs from 8 pm; Saturdays live music from 12 pm, DJs from 8 pm; Sundays live music from 12 pm. https://terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com/eat-and-drink/florida-beach-bar/

Want more?

Many of the Coast’s clubs and RSLs regularly host local musicians. Catch the likes of acclaimed duo Ben and Vee, solo artist Troy Henderson and guitarist Ben Woodham performing at these local venues:

  • Gosford RSL
  • The Ary Toukley
  • Wyong Rugby League Club
  • Canton Beach Sports Club
  • Wallarah Bay Recreation Club
  • Wyong Milk Factory
  • Avoca Beach Bowling & Recreation Club
  • Mingara Recreation Club

Words Katie Stokes

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