A 1920s-inspired wine bar will open in Ballarat in February.
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The wine and tapas bar will transform the existing Mason’s Cafe on Drummond Street, opposite the Ballarat Base Hospital.
Business owners Chris Gusman and Greg Wilton are remaining tight-lipped on the venue’s name, which will be unveiled on its February 25 opening night.
Renovations on the historic, two-storey building began on January 7.
“It was originally a single-storey building but it’s been added to,” Mr Gusman said.
“We have been recycling and up-
cycling (during the renovations) as much as possible.”
The 146-year-old building has three identical rooms both upstairs and downstairs.
The three rooms downstairs will be transformed into a bar, restaurant and cigar lounge.
Chesterfields, chandeliers and antique mirrors have been bought at auction to fit out the interior.
Mr Gusman plans to turn the three bedrooms upstairs into executive apartments for short-term stays.
“We wanted to make the old-girl liveable again,” he said.
Mr Gusman and cook Julie Eaton will serve small dishes at the restaurant.
The pair said they plan to keep their kitchen open later to cater for shift workers.
A VIP night will be held on February 21 before the public opening.
“We want to thank all of our tradies – everyone has gone above the call of duty,” Mr Gusman said.
He said he is also looking for old photos of 32 Drummond Street.
If you can assist with photos, visit Cafe Cornucopia or email them to: cafeonmair@gmail.com