Quiet McNamara Street has a new buzz thanks to a cafe being turned into Orange’s latest small bar and live music venue.
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Blind Pig Bar and Cafe owner John Vandenberg obtained a liquor licence and it is open on Friday and Saturday nights as well as its normal day time hours.
Mr Vandenberg said he wanted to create a relaxed bar atmosphere to suit people over 30.
“It is aimed to be a music lounge, cocktail lounge at night time,” he said.
Bands have included The Honey Drippin’ Mud Skippers.
The first Friday of every month is Pride Night, aimed at the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and allies community (LGBTQQIA).
He said the night had been well received.
Chef Mark Tracey has been hired to provide the food.
“He was at Kelly’s, Mary Jane’s for the last 10 years. He’s doubled our food sales since he started,” Mr Vandenberg said.
With Orange already having whisky bars, he said he wanted the bar to be known for another drink.
“We specialise in gins and gin cocktails, botanicals.”
A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL BEAUTY TREATMENTS
BEAUTICIAN Corina Kenny has opened a new salon that aims to provide just about every form of hair and beauty service in the one place.
She said Utopia Skin and Hair Day Spa in Kite Street has two hairdressers, a hairdresser/beautician and a dedicated beautician.
“It’s got everything, we do hair, we do beauty, we do micro-blading [eyebrows], we do anti-ageing and I do tattoo removal,” she said.
“It’s a one-stop shop, we also do packages for formals and bridals.
“I don’t know anywhere the does everything that I do,” she said.
Ms Kenny said they would also have an area for people to get ready for formals.
She said she had 20 years beauty salon experience.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT CORPORATION OPEN AT LAST
THE Federal government’s Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), destined to operate in Orange, has opened its digital doors.
RIC board chairman David Foster said farmers could begin to apply for low-interest loans by calling 1800 875 675.
The RIC is yet to announce where it will be based in Orange or when it will open.
The position of CEO was advertised on June 22 but staff recruitment will not start until the CEO had been appointed.