If your ears prick up at the sound of barefoot bowls followed by a cold beer and a pub feed, go ahead and pull up a table at The Bowlo Bistro in Broadbeach Waters. The venue is the handiwork of husband-and-wife team Craig and Lucy Johnston, who jumped at the chance to create a community-centric bistro when the long-standing Malaysian spot vacated from the Gold Coast Lawn Bowls Club on Kalimna Drive. Holding the title for the InterContinental Hotels Group’s youngest-ever head chef, Craig resisted the urge to put an elevated spin on the menu, instead opting to ask the locals what they wanted from the new spot. The overwhelming consensus was “good pub food,” Lucy said, which is precisely what The Bowlo Bistro delivers. Munch on a selection of starters such as spicy buffalo wings, oysters (natural or Kilpatrick), battered onion rings or whipped goat’s cheese bruschetta over a cold beverage. Those in the mood for something a little more substantial can choose between schnittys and parmis, pizza, pasta and a couple of burgers. The star of the show, however, is the grill section, which includes a handful of different steaks ranging from a Black Angus rump to a succulent Sanchoku wagyu striploin with a marble score of five. While The Bowlo showcases familiar flavours, Craig has upped the ante in terms of the quality produce opting for locally sourced where possible. Got dietaries or prefer your steak well done and then some? No worries – the team at The Bowlo Bistro is only too willing to oblige. Although the bar and bowls are technically different venues, the venues work together to ensure you can eat and drink no matter where you’re sitting.