The opening comes hot on the footsteps of the Civic Theatre unveiling its façade and continues the momentum towards the revitalisation of Scone.

After eight years running kerv Espresso Bar, owners of the new café John Ryan and Taka Toriyabe decided to branch out in a new direction to capitalise on the opportunities they anticipate will come with the New England Highway bypass of Scone.

“With the bypass in motion and the plans for revitalisation, the main street has become a very attractive place to be,” Mr Ryan said. 

“We’re looking across to the splendid Civic Theatre and with council planning a walkway arcade with a themed garden right next door to theBar, opening up a business in Kelly Street became a good business decision.

“The bypass has been talked about for such a long time, and in our first few days of operation we’re seeing a buzz and excitement about the potential for Scone now construction is actually underway.”

theBar will have a strong community focus, with a long communal table as a feature of the café.

“We want theBar to be a meeting place for everyone,” Mr Ryan said. 

“We’re aiming to create a space for people to come together, for strangers to meet, to sit down and have a chat. 

“The need to connect and talk is always important but it seems even more so during these times lacking rainfall.”

theBar is also looking to use local produce wherever possible.

“We’ve got a seven year old girl lined up to sell us her eggs, another farmer will be bringing in his pumpkins during the season and we’re always open to local producers approaching us, no matter how big or small,” Mr Ryan said.

Scone Chamber of Commerce President David Luck says the current activity in the Kelly Street points to exciting times ahead for the town.

“We’re starting to see businesses like theBar make the move into Kelly Street and they’ll be well established by the time the bypass is completed,” Mr Luck said.

“There’s certainly a vibe starting to build that is already livening up the town.”