Foxy Malone’s to bring Irish spirit back to Mooloolaba beachfront

There’ll soon be the sound of live Irish music and a few hearty “sláintes” echoing across the Mooloolaba Esplanade once again, with Foxy Malone’s officially opening its doors in late June following a $2 million transformation of the former O’Malley’s Irish Pub site.

After more than 20 years as one of the Sunshine Coast’s much-loved pubs, the iconic beachfront venue closed in October last year, leaving many locals wondering what would become of the site.

At a time when a number of hospitality venues across the Sunshine Coast have closed or scaled back operations, the opening of Foxy Malone’s signals a welcome new chapter for the local entertainment scene – bringing fresh energy, live music, investment and around 50 new jobs to the region, while delivering a valuable boost to the local economy.

Brisbane-based heavyweight, Hallmark Hospitality has breathed new life into the venue, signing a 25-year lease and delivering an extensive refurbishment designed to create a vibrant new-generation Irish pub for locals and visitors alike.

Hallmark Hospitality Director Cade Hopman said the group saw enormous potential in both the venue and the region.

“The Sunshine Coast is one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in Australia and we saw a real opportunity to create something that locals could genuinely make their own but also become a destination pub for Mooloolaba visitors,” Mr Hopman said.

“There’s a lot of nostalgia attached to this site, so it was important for us to respect that history while also creating a fresh new experience that brings people together.”

As one of only a small number of dedicated Irish pubs on the Sunshine Coast, Foxy Malone’s is expected to fill a unique space in the region’s hospitality scene – combining the warmth and character of a traditional Irish local with a relaxed coastal energy.

The venue marks Hallmark Hospitality’s first Sunshine Coast venture, with the group already well-known for delivering over 15 standout hospitality destinations across South East Queensland including Finn McCool’s Irish Bar, Lefty’s Music Hall, Hey Chica and Retros across South East Queensland.

The enticing redesign of the space is the work of Queensland-based Space Cubed Design Studio, the creative force behind lush Brisbane venues Donna Chang and its sibling bar, Boom Boom Room, Tax Office, Fish Lane’s Southside and Soak Bathhouse at West Village.

Space Cubed Director Arran Woollams said the vision for Foxy Malone’s was to honour the character and nostalgia of a traditional Irish pub while creating a fresh, contemporary venue designed for good conversation, live music and long afternoons that roll into late nights.

“The design combines rich, warm colours and natural materials with softer industrial lighting to create a space that feels welcoming, lively and full of character. Deep greens and warm brown tones reflect Irish heritage, while rich timbers, stone cladding and timber beams evoke the charm of a traditional Irish pub,” Mr Woollams said.

“Celtic-inspired motifs, traditional signage and layered design details have been thoughtfully woven throughout the venue, while a mix of communal tables, banquette seating, cosy booths, a traditional snug and lounge areas by the fire have all been designed to encourage conversation, connection and relaxed catch-ups.”

Foxy Malone’s will feature live music four nights a week, with a varied entertainment program spanning acoustic performers, traditional Irish music, local bands and fun favourites. Alongside elevated pub dining, live sports, pool tables and interactive darts, the venue will offer a welcoming space built around connection, community and good times.

The arrival of Foxy Malone’s comes amid a new wave of hospitality investment transforming Mooloolaba’s beachfront, including the Foreshore Revitalisation Project, helping to reshape the precinct into one of the region’s leading entertainment destinations.

“Opening celebrations across the launch weekend will feature live Irish music, great food, excellent Guinness, of course, and immersive experiences designed to capture the spirit of Irish “craic” – the joy of good company, conversation and unforgettable nights out,” Mr Hopman said.

Festivities will include an official VIP launch party and an opportunity to go in the draw to win a trip to Ireland