Euro-dining concept hits Gold Coast

The Kitchens RTCA European-inspired dining concept has today launched at the ‘food playground’ in Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast.

The restaurant-meets-bar has been taking shape behind closed doors for the past few months and joins the shopping centre’s food precinct portfolio.

Dubbed as a gastro-pub – top quality restaurant food being served in a casual pub-style setting – Malt House specialises in its ranges of beer, including signature ‘The Kitchens’ lager, plus an assortment of local, craft, gluten-free and international brews.

The launch comes as new IBISWorld research has shown that the amount of alcohol consumed per person in Australia each year has increased for the first time in nine years, bucking a trend that has seen a steady decrease since 2006-07.

“The amount of pure alcohol consumed by each Australian over 15 years of age has increased from 9.52 litres in 2014-15 to 9.70 litres in 2015-16,” said James Thomson, IBISWorld senior industry analyst. Per capita alcohol consumption is expected to reach 9.72 litres in 2017-18.

“It’s an interesting result as we are seeing lower consumption rates among young adults, those aged 15-24.”

The Australian craft beer production industry is expected to grow at an annualised 9.7 per cent over the five years through 2017-18, outperforming the beer manufacturing industry, which is expected to grow at an annualised 2.1 per cent over the same period.

Speaking to Inside Retail, Anita Brown, general manager of Robina Town Centre, said the response by consumers to ‘The Kitchens’ food precinct at Robina had been positive, with the food playground set to mark one year since launching in November.

“Since launching this urban marketplace, we have received incredible feedback from our customers who have watched The Kitchens come to life, and now see it as a community hub where they can eat, drink, shop, socialise, meet the makers and growers, listen to live music, and even learn a few new skills,” she said.

“We set out to transform the Gold Coast’s culinary scene and give food lovers a new dining destination to call their own, and we’re confident we have delivered that with The Kitchens. We’ve created a community that celebrates food and everything that comes with its enjoyment – it really is one of a kind.”

Brown said Malt House is representative of the gastro-pub scene of Europe, particularly in the UK, with the range of local and international beers paired with “outstanding cuisine” – from classic comfort foods to gourmet bar snacks and elaborate mains – without the price tag of a fine dining restaurant.

“It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser with locals looking to try something a little different to what they’re typically used to seeing on the Gold Coast,” she said.

No specific demographic has been targeted with the new concept, with Brown anticipating a wide range of customers.

“Yes, it’s a great place to enjoy a cold drink and delicious meal with friends, but it’s also been designed with families in mind, making it the perfect setting to bring the little ones for a pre, during or post-shopping bite to eat. Malt House strikes a balance between a relaxed pub setting and a contemporary, industrial-style restaurant, ensuring it caters to all demographics,” she said.

Looking ahead, Brown said works have commenced on the centre’s next significant development, Central Malls, which will connect the existing west and east fashion malls.

The redevelopment will be completed over two stages and is anticipated for final completion in late 2018. The finished precinct will add approximately 5,700 square metres of letting space, offering new flagship brands with new-to-market concepts, as well as approximately 45 speciality retailers.

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