After a five month renovation, the Malt Shovel Taphouse opened its doors this week. It takes the place of Four Ponies in Pall Mall and publican Andrew Lethlean hopes it will tap into the market of people who want to go out without heading to a night club. "It's more of a modern bar concept with a good kitchen, rather than a restaurant with bar," Mr Lethlean said. "We've changed it to a casual meeting place, a more fun space." Mr Lethlean said while Four Ponies found some success, it wasn't what he envisioned for the space. "At the end of the day (Four Ponies) was never the direction I really wanted to go in," he said. "Four Ponies (having) an Asian-fusion style menu with spicy flavours, some people liked it and some were more conservative, so it reduced the market. "Our menu caters for everyone, previously Four Ponies wasn't somewhere people thought to go for a couple beers. "(Malt Shovel) will be somewhere meet up with friends, have a Sunday session or watch the footy on a Friday and meet up after work." The Malt Shovel features 12 craft beers on tap and more than 250 spirits on its shelves. Mr Lethlean said he hoped the Malt Shovel would appeal to all demographics. It opens Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and is open until 1am at the weekends. "There's a gap where people want to go have a night out but not necessary be at a nightclub, that's where this market is," Mr Lethlean said. "We have tried to create a bar and menu that has something for everyone whether that be a fabulous craft beer, a select regional gin, a local red or just a coffee and cake. "Star Bar is for you 18 to 20-somethings, the Metro is 25-plus. This is all in between and is going to have a bit of dress code. "Once we get out there (a bit more) we hope this is a place people want to go and will be at the front of their minds." The renovation was designed by Ignite Architects. "(The) neighbourhood inspired the venue has been created to be the premier family entertainment destination in Bendigo," Ignite director Jason Marriott said.
After a five month renovation, the Malt Shovel Taphouse opened its doors this week.
It takes the place of Four Ponies in Pall Mall and publican Andrew Lethlean hopes it will tap into the market of people who want to go out without heading to a night club.
"It's more of a modern bar concept with a good kitchen, rather than a restaurant with bar," Mr Lethlean said.
"We've changed it to a casual meeting place, a more fun space."
Mr Lethlean said while Four Ponies found some success, it wasn't what he envisioned for the space.
"At the end of the day (Four Ponies) was never the direction I really wanted to go in," he said.
"Four Ponies (having) an Asian-fusion style menu with spicy flavours, some people liked it and some were more conservative, so it reduced the market.
"Our menu caters for everyone, previously Four Ponies wasn't somewhere people thought to go for a couple beers.
"(Malt Shovel) will be somewhere meet up with friends, have a Sunday session or watch the footy on a Friday and meet up after work."
The Malt Shovel features 12 craft beers on tap and more than 250 spirits on its shelves.
Mr Lethlean said he hoped the Malt Shovel would appeal to all demographics.
It opens Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and is open until 1am at the weekends.
"There's a gap where people want to go have a night out but not necessary be at a nightclub, that's where this market is," Mr Lethlean said.
"We have tried to create a bar and menu that has something for everyone whether that be a fabulous craft beer, a select regional gin, a local red or just a coffee and cake.
"Star Bar is for you 18 to 20-somethings, the Metro is 25-plus. This is all in between and is going to have a bit of dress code.
"Once we get out there (a bit more) we hope this is a place people want to go and will be at the front of their minds."
The renovation was designed by Ignite Architects.
"(The) neighbourhood inspired the venue has been created to be the premier family entertainment destination in Bendigo," Ignite director Jason Marriott said.
