Yep – you read that right, the ever-so-talented team behind Newcastle’s go-to Tiki-inspired rum bar, Blue Kahunas, is officially opening their new bar, Bar Mellow, to the people of Newcastle as of this Friday, the 29^th October.

With the talented young couple, Prudence and Byron, at the helm once more, their newest venture, Bar Mellow, continues to have their fun, welcoming, and unique vibe at the core but with a completely new offering. Bar Mellow will be Newcastle’s very own sophisticated wine bar with a focus on all things vino, an elevated cocktail list, and refined eats.

With a huge focus on wine, the pair have worked alongside the incredible Meredith Hemmings, group beverage director of Three Blue Ducks, and works with Sydney-based natural focussed wine store, P&V Merchants.

“From what Mem was saying, about 80% of our wines fall under the natural wine umbrella,” Prudence shared.

“We want to really grow an enthusiasm about wine in the local community,” Byron said.  

The cocktail offering will features refined classics on the menu such as Espresso Martini, Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Aperol Spritz just to name a few. A really balanced back bar will feature whilst the food offering will be kept simple with a small collection of snacks available.

“Our snacks may grow in the future…I really like the idea of when you’re enjoying a glass of wine, having something little on the side to nibble on. We’ve got our paninis which are probably a little more filling and which I can confirm are really tasty,” Prudence said.

Setting up shop in one of Newcastle’s most beautiful buildings, bank corner on Hunter St. You’ll know this building, with its commanding façade and street presence, the corner space has been yearning for a bar and we don’t think there’s a better couple to do the job and do it well.

Located on the ground floor, open up Bar Mellow’s double doors and step inside to a classy, sophisticated, and moody interior. With heritage touches, the interior boasts tonal browns and a beige colour palette, and subtle notes of pink and orange.

The large windows encourage visitors to take in the high ceilings that really showcase the beautiful space, and the back bar wall features a unique mural painted by ex-Blue Kahunas staff member, Matt Ware.

The new venue will be open to wine-lovers, new venue hunters, and all of Newcastle as of this Friday. With changes to dining out still in place, the Bar Mellow team reminds you to be patient with them as they navigate not only their opening weekend but keep everything in line with government guidelines.

“I remember our opening weekend at Blue Kahunas and that first month that you open up is just chaos. Everyone wants to get in there and see it, try it, talk about it. It’s so much fun but it’s wild.”

So, to all of those wishing to drop into the new venue over their opening weekend, Bar Mellow has a short message to share…

“Please be patient. The team is new, they’re fresh, they’re learning, and they’re trying to have a good time. We do want to try and get everyone in here but we’re doing the right thing by following government guidelines. In due time, hopefully, everyone can come through the doors and see what we have to offer.”