The first time we visited Gotham we spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon sipping cocktails, beers and…read moresnacking tapas on the rooftop and listened to an amazing singer, until the sun set. Our second visit was to the gorgeous restaurant where I would say I had the best steak I've had, in Queensland by far ! Truly a terrific destination, loved it !

I wish I could enlarge the font so you'd really get the tone I'm using when I say I F**KING LOVE…read moreTHE WAITING ROOM. It's this kind of place that is the reason West End has a reputation for being community minded. It is a DIY music space that is open for local musicians to use for recording, rehearsing and playing gigs. It also opens it's doors to visual artists as well. If you're looking for a place to exhibit your work, look no further! You can also hold workshops there. Hell, let's put it this way, if you're a musician or artist and you've got an idea but need some space to do it, you may as well send these guys an email. It's thewaitingroombrisbane@gmail.com I always like to wander past The Waiting Room on the weekends- there's usually something good happening there. The space is awesome too. It's an old Queenslander that has been tangled up with blue and yellow fairy lights. Depending on what's going on, people usually bring their own grog, find a camp on the floor and watch the band that's playing. At least they're the kinds of gigs I've gone to at The Waiting Room. The gigs that the The Waiting Room put on are usually quite diverse, representing the vast population of musicians who use the space. Going to The Waiting Room for a gig is like going to a fully decked out house party. You rock up with your six pack, walk up the back stairs and rearrange the fridge or esky so you can fit your beers in. You meet some kid you've met around the traps "yeah, yeah man, I've seen you around- good to meet you" and you go watch the band together and bum a smoke off him (or he off you) when you go out back into the garden. You know the deal.

I'm reviewing the Waiting Room both as someone who has hired out the space to put on my own show…read moreand as a regular punter. Cam Smith, the guy who runs the venue, is absolutely wonderful to deal with. He's genuinely passionate about music and puts in a lot of effort to make this a unique Brisbane venue. The place itself is an old Queenslander that has been appropriated into a live music venue. The atmosphere is more akin to a house party than being at an actual venue. except the band that's playing have a professional sound tech with a real mixing desk and PA! (Hint: there's also a bathroom downstairs, so don't wait around upstairs like a sucker) If you're putting on a show, you basically get full control of everything. You organise your own bands, set up your own person at the door, charge your own entry fee, and set your own times (though due to noise restrictions things need to finish up around 11). It's all BYO alcohol, so there's no worrying about the bar or licensing. It's also cash only. Entrance is at the rear, so if you're wandering past and hear some noise that you'd like to check out the front door isn't going to be much help. There's no preferred genre of music that plays here, so you never know what you could be in for. Yes the venue is on the smaller side (I believe max capacity is 80), so busier gigs mean you're less likely to actually see the band play (especially as there is no elevated stage), but I believe the laid back party atmosphere makes up for this. The smaller shows hold a special charm, with many of the patrons just setting up camp on the floor for a quiet night of enjoying the live music.

What a surprise I got to see the transformation of Shangri La Reception Lounge. This has been an…read moreiconic function centre in the bayside area for over five decades, with many a wedding, birthday and school formal celebrated there. I knew the facade had changed and it had undergone a makeover, but imagine my surprise when I discovered the new restaurant there had really good a la carte food, like pale ale battered wild barra and cajun kangaroo steak - right here in Wynnum! So the old function centre is now a gorgeous reception and function area with three huge spaces including a ballroom, and has a 40 room hotel wing as well, but the biggest surprise of all was seeing the tasteful formal garden to the rear, completely hidden by the front sections of the complex, and perfect for weddings, or my friend's daughter's senior formal, as was the case here. I'm booking in for dinner.

From the owner: Shangri La Gardens -- part of the Clem Jones Group -- is located in the Brisbane bayside suburb of…read moreWynnum West. The function and reception centre at Shangri La Gardens has been a Brisbane landmark since the early 1960's and caters for a wide variety of events -- conferences and corporate meetings of all sizes, private parties, family and community celebrations, wedding receptions, and more. The Shangri La Gardens team is made up of loyal, local, and long-serving employees who can assist you in organising your event. Many couples who held their wedding receptions at the venue have returned to mark their silver, golden, and even diamond anniversaries. The children of some of those couples have also celebrated their marriage at Shangri La Gardens. Since 2006 the centre has included a 41-room four-star motel, and Sylvia's Restaurant and Wine Bar, named to honour Sylvia Ada Jones (nee Murphy), the wife of former Brisbane Lord Mayor, Dr Clem Jones (1918-2007).

A great find on my walk to Southport, cozy atmosphere inside, with adequate seating outside. Some…read moredecent wines on the wine list and good craft beers available. Menu looked good, great friendly service. Tram stop at the door makes it handy to have that designated driver as the tram :)

From the owner: Do you dream of beautiful cocktails, stunning food, a relaxed environment that isn't stuffy to…read moreenjoy with a group of friends? A place to go after work to enjoy a drink or two and unwind? Now open in the Sundale Precinct of Southport, near Broadwater Parklands, is the amazing New Cocktail Bar called Bar11. Bar 11 is the home to signature, world class creative cocktails. If you have a favourite classic, we can make it, If you want to be surprised, we are sure to do so. With Stellar hospitality, friendly staff, and talented Bartenders, we are positive you will be back time, and time again. Can't wait to welcome you to Bar11, 7 days a week 10am - Midnight!'

Our stay at the JW Marriott Gold Coast was exceptional and exceeded expectations. As longtime…read moreMarriott members, this was one of our best experiences As soon as we arrived, the service was outstanding! Chanel at the front desk gave us such a warm and friendly welcome, and the butterfly pea drink was a fun, unique treat. The room was beautiful, clean, and comfortable, with an amazing view. Comfy beds, thick luxe towels, Nespresso machine, and the ice machine has crunch pebble ice!!! I love pebble ice! The pool area was the highlight. The tropical saltwater lagoon with small tropical blue fish was really cool, and the heated pool with a waterfall and waterslide was a huge hit with my husband. lol. The hospitality team made use feel so valued during our stay. The nightly turn down service w/ aromatherapy spray, chocolates, and a light cleaning is so nice to come back to at the end of our night. The complimentary WiFi for Marriott members is always a great perk. On our second day, when we logged on and we received a prompt asking about our stay so far, we asked a question and they certainly went above and beyond and delivered. Thanks so much to management/customer relations!! The entire hospitality team, including our kind housekeeper, Steven at the restaurant, the breakfast host/servers, and staff who delivered items up to our room, all provided such wonderful service. Everyone truly made it a memorable stay! **Ooh the breakfast buffet at the restaurant is delicious! From American breakfast such as pancakes, eggs, breakfast meats, made-to-order omelettes, cold meats and cheese,, Asian cuisines, pastries and a fresh juice bar station was outstanding! Don't pass it up! (Build your own omelette has crab meat options...mmmmm).

This hotel - despite the Cyclone - refused to work with a refund of any kind, including Bonvoy…read morepoints. Natalie provided less than adequate service and the overall experience was a 100K loss and rude service extended to us and our delegates. Even the Corporate office was NO help at all. Very disappointed and as we grow around the globe - the JW Marriott or any marriott will never be within consideration. A little good service would have gone a long way.

Had the eggs benny with salmon and a chai latte which was absolutely amazing!!! Would highly…read morerecommend this place. Great view and delicious food.

From the owner: Open from 7am, serving breakfast and lunch daily. Fresh and local produce are showcased on our…read moreseasonal menus, served in an elegant waterfront setting. We deal in specialty coffee and organic tea from Brisbane. We have a refined list of boutique beers and wines that are supplied by our most local breweries, wineries and distributors and a seasonal cocktail list showcasing spirits from some of Australias finest distilleries. We believe in supporting local and being ecologically conscious. We welcome you to take part and celebrate the amazing fresh produce, products, bread, beer and wine supplied by our local suppliers and take in the beautiful surroundings of the unspoiled nature around us. With it's beautiful view, our restaurant is ideal for hosting intimate celebrations for small or large groups.