The lowdown
A new wave Australiana-themed wine bar, and a far cry from the Ettamogah Pub. Wearing its national pride front and centre, but somewhat subtly, Rosella Bar celebrates native ingredients, the best of our beverages, both old and new school, as well as music, with a local-only soundtrack.
The nuts & bolts
Opened 2019
Rosella’s riffs on Darryl Kerrigan’s infamous pool room from The Castle and puts it into a friendly, Australiana bar in the heart of Burleigh Heads. With federation-green leather booth seating and leadlight pendants that hang over the wooden bar, there is a nostalgia here that plays with iconic Australian memories, summers at the beach and a tongue-in-cheek humour.
Playfulness aside, there is a thoughtful input to the beverage list of purely Aussie producers, listing wines by style, weight and texture. Owners Jon Debeere and Jack Connor balance their sharp offering by exploring a wide scope of local regions with a focus on natural producers and bright wines for Queensland’s sweltering days. Options by the glass come in the handful and if you fancy a little more, the menu prompts, “Feel like a bottle? Turn to the next page you drongo!”
The list bounces between loveable producers such as Owen Latta (LATTA Wines) and Jo Perry (Dormilona Wines) but still with something more serious to offer for those wishing to splash out on the “Reserve List”. Back vintages of Wendouree, By Farr and Cobaw Ridge anchor their nod to Australian wine in a refined way. It’s a welcome surprise tucked away at the back of the menu.
Food comes in the form of snacks and light dishes that are cleverly woven with native ingredients – think wattleseed butter, vegemite beef jerky and tartare with macadamia. The gents have perfectly executed the Australian theme, keeping the space stylish. Aussie bands fill the playlist inducing a cheeky smile on all of the guests. The whole place is bloody bonza.
