A new beach-inspired brunch spot for Mermaid Beach.
A new beach-inspired brunch spot for Mermaid Beach.
A beach-inspired brunch hang opened in Mermaid Beach recently and its no ordinary newbie
From the outside, perched on the bustling Gold Coast Highway, Ocean 4218 is an unassuming café with turquoise signage and doggy bowls set outside. Once you’re in, the fun begins.
A world map takes up one entire side of the space while on the other, a photograph of a pumping Sumatran surf break looks like it’s barreling right on top of you. Wooden slatted tables and turquoise seating give it the ultimate beachside feel and if that wasn’t enough, you can also purchase surf photography because #supportlocal.
And while all that is delightful, here’s the best part – no plastic is used within the café AT ALL and everything your food/coffee is served on or in is either recyclable or compostable. Yes, even the takeaway coffee cups.
Owner Abigail and her husband Gus are passionate (with a capital P) about sustainability and in particular, keeping plastic out of the ocean. So much so that they donate a percentage of their profits to an organization called 4ocean who, in return, provide them with cool little beaded bracelets that they then give out to their customers for free.
Not only that, the pair are serving up delicious eats and, we kid you not, the cheapest avo on toast on the Gold Coast (it’s $8.95).
There’s also delightful dishes along the lines of the Cubano Mix which is made up of Roast Beef, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Dill pickles and American mustard on a brioche bun and NY 1863 in a bowl which is homemade granola, coconut yoghurt, honey, cinnamon and fresh fruit.
Not sure how it’s possible that it’s 2018 and only now can you eat delicious food and drink sweet, sweet coffee and save the planet at the same time, but we are here for it and fingers crossed the rest of the Coast follows suit.
Get on it gang, the sea creatures need you.
LOCATION: 1A/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
HOURS: Open from 5.30am daily
Words and photos by Kirra Smith