Q & A with Michael Hopkins – 3 Little Pigs Bistro and Café
Local favourites, sharing their insider tips on places and things to do on and around Tamborine Mountain – Your Gold Coast hinterland!
Please note: The Three Little Pigs is no longer operating in Main Street. We have left this interview with Michael accessible on the site to acknowledge his substantial contributions to the Mountain over many years.
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Where do you take visitors?
We’re spoiled for choice, between all the cafés, wineries, and distilleries and the abundance of National Parks. It’s hard to go wrong with anything you do on your visit. One special attraction is definitely at the end of Beacon Road for sunset viewing: you can see the Western Ranges and views sweeping north to Brisbane and Stradbroke Island. With many friends on the Mountain, we often entertain at home, so visiting friends for lunch or dinner at their homes is always special.
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Favourite time of year?
It would have to be autumn to winter, it’s still warm during the day to enjoy the Mountain, but cold enough to light a fire at night and cozy up with a glass of good red wine.
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Best fun in the region without spending a cent?
It would have to be the National Parks: there are so many great walking trails, waterfalls and swimming holes around if you know where to go, and some amazing views as well. Oh, and the fireflies at the right time of year (spring).
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Your personal beverage recommendation on the Mountain?
Well, there are some great places on our Mountain: for a great gin and tonic, Cauldron Distillery on a Sunday afternoon with the sun setting is always great. Tamborine Mountain Distillery for cocktails – just great. And Witches Falls Winery, of course – very popular for twilight/sunset wine experiences.
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Top local food experiences?
Well not including us at Three Little Pigs, (ha ha), there are a couple of spots we go to regularly: Elevation Café for breakfast, The Coffee Plantation for brunch or lunch, and dinner at leaf (Japanese)
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Your favourite spot for a treat?
The French patisserie man (he sets up on Sunday mornings in the supermarket car park), or Chocolates on Gallery Walk.
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Best venue for a wedding?
Well, we got married at Pethers’ Rainforest Retreat, so that would definitely be a good pick. Gorgeous setting.
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You can’t leave the Tamborine Mountain without doing what…?
Experience the Mountain as locals do, experience the warm welcome of the small Main Street traders hidden in North Tamborine village.
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Brief history of the business
We opened as Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro in early 2017, and from the outset, our aim was to create a space which would be perfect to catch up with friends and relax, as well as for that special occasion where you wanted to really spoil someone.
Wherever possible, we have supported local produce – our passion, knowledge of fine food and wine is extra special when we have been able to make it a unique local experience. I think our success is largely due to the fact that the local community has recognised this and embraced what we are trying to do.
Live Like a Local and Discover Michael Hopkins’ Favourites:
