PHOTOS: Hashtag Bar opens its doors
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BENDIGO'S newest licensed venue is set to have you reaching for your phone.
Social media is the aim of the game at #Hashtag Public Bar, which opened its doors at Kennington Shopping Village on Friday night.
The two-storey pub or meeting place includes a bar, bistro, large outdoor dining area and a mezzanine and is the sister business of Brewhouse Coffee Roasters.
It has projector screens and facilities that cater for wedding receptions and corporate events.
The fit out is modern and sophisticated, with high ceilings and walls.
General manager Jodie Scoble said the venue offered a place for people from all walks of life to relax.
"Everyone is welcome. We are about bringing people together. It doesn't matter if you are wearing thongs or a hat, as long as you behave correctly you are welcome in," Ms Scoble said.
"It has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere - we encourage people to bring their children. There are certain places in Bendigo where you wouldn't take kids, here we want everyone."
Ms Scoble said the project had been in the pipeline for about four years and had been constructed entirely by local businesses, including Bree Architects and Total Fit Out.
"Bendigo is a little city with so much to offer, why would you want to go anywhere else," Ms Scoble said.
"It caters for the overflow from the Reservoir Hotel. When it's full there is no where else to go in Kennington.
"It's also really easy to get parking. People travel into town and have problems with parking - not here."
Ms Scoble said patrons would be encouraged to upload photos to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and tag them #Hashtag.
"Social media plays a big part in people's lives. It's about getting them together and getting certain things on our menu trending," she said.
Ms Scoble said the pub had employed 35 staff, with aspirations to recruit more later. She said the long term goal was to develop #Hashtag into a national franchise.
#Hashtag is open seven days per week.
For more photos of the venue, visit www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au