The bar, deli and food complex is credited with rejuvenating the Main Road area near Bakery Hill, and owner Glenn Stevens hopes that by offering an extended capacity for liquor consumption the rebirth of the area will continue to grow.

“I’m transforming the original bar into a place called Valerie’s Bar,” says Mr Stevens.

“Valerie’s was a beautiful 1930s mannequin I used to have in that window about 24 years ago when this was my antique shop.”

Times have certainly changed  for the heritage precinct since those days. Council is looking to reflect the historical provenance of the street – or Plank Road as it was originally known, says Mr Stevens.

“We’re extending our licenced area out onto the footpath and we’re going to put tables and chairs out there. I’ve made a beautiful bench to go out there too,” he said. 

“Council is proposing to put a decking area out the front of Valerie’s and the Main Bar and the Bagel Boys, and a bit further up near Catfish. It was called Plank Road in the early days because it was a timber road. There was one here in Australia and I think a couple in America. Because it was so muddy, there was a guy who got a contract to do it all in timber.”

The later history of Main Rd saw it become home to many antique shops and furniture restorers. Most of those have passed into memory now as well. Mr Stevens says at one point as many as 30 French polishers were working for furniture restorers in the city, as employees.

His new bar will be in the style of a cocktail bar, says Mr Stevens, with a stage in the window for more intimate shows, while maintaining the upstairs room for bigger performances.

“I want to bring the music culture to the street level, literally,” he says.

Valerie’s Bar opens on Friday, July 29.