If you’ve been along Hunter St over the last few months, you may have been wondering what had happened to Newcastle West’s go-to wine and cocktail joint, Bar Mellow. With the Bank Corner building undergoing restoration works, the venue was hidden behind scaffolding, with some assuming the venue had been closed.

BUT WE HAVE GOOD NEWS.

Restoration works have officially been completed which means the shackles have officially been removed, leaving Bar Mellow restored to its former glory… that’s right, the scaffolding is down and if you’re looking for a reason to get back in Bar Mellow, this news alongside being in the peak of the festive season is surely reason enough!

To get you well and truly excited about any upcoming summer festivities you might experience at Newcastle West’s Bar Mellow, we dropped in to chat with owner and director, Prudence Marzinotto, to hear all about the venue’s ride to freedom, exciting projects in the works, and everything in between.

“It’s been a rollercoaster! We had Omicron hit us just after our opening, then the scaffolding and the building façade has been detrimental, but I’m happy with our team and what we’re doing here at Bar Mellow.

“It’s been an achievement to have got through the last 12 months. I’m feeling a real sense of relief knowing the scaffolding is down and we can get back to doing what we do best.”

Opening in October 2021, Bar Mellow has evolved and blossomed into its own, with customers returning time and time again for not only their beautifully curated wine list, snacks, and expertly crafted cocktails, but the venue’s overall energy and ongoing live music, and creative events.

“Our concept hasn’t changed too much. I think originally when we opened, we thought it was going to be more wine-focused, but customers have just been loving our cocktails, so I’d say we’ve naturally shifted to a 50/50 focus on both wine and cocktails.”

Continuing to rotate their snack menu every six months, Bar Mellow’s food menu will consistently offer the perfect complement to your drink.

“Our snacks have evolved from when we first started. I’m happy with how they are now. They’re easy things to make but also just really tasty snacks.”

When asking Prudence what her highlight of the past 12 months in business was, not taking a split second to think about it, she promptly responds…

“We did the Women’s Day event with Rachael Cullen from Botanica Bird, Abby Herrick from Pleasure & Peach, and Zoe Lonergan. It was so cool having such a large event but full of just women. It was a really great way to light our space up. That was this year’s highlight.”

With the scaffolding now officially down, Prudence and the rest of the Bar Mellow team can finally take those steps for building Bar Mellow up to where they want to be. The next 12 months will see the venue really finding its groove with new artwork decking the walls, getting the building lit up from the outside, and of course, plenty more activations and events gracing the space.

“I’m really looking forward to the next 12 months; getting to really grow our brand, building our team up, and doing more events like our afternoons at Bar Mellow.”

Afternoons at Bar Mellow will see the venue collaborate with some iconic and emerging spirit brands to bring a unique afternoon of cocktails, snacks, and good vibes. Partnering with the team at Sea Salt Sage Catering, you’ll enjoy specially curated snacks that complement each cocktail.

To be up to date on all things Bar Mellow, whether it be the Bar Mellow Afternoons, a menu change, an upcoming event, or anything and everything in between, follow along on Instagram and Facebook, or sign-up to their e-newsletter here.

Or if you’re just needing to get on in and experience all that Bar Mellow has to offer, get on into the venue this weekend and enjoy all those festive vibes as you sample the cocktails, wines, and snacks that Bar Mellow has become known for.