Nambour: a lot of churches and, for many years, a lot of vacant shops.
In the ten years that I have been back in town, I have seen this community hit rock-bottom. But I’ve also witnessed the rejuvenation taking place that few could have expected.
The arts and creative community has somewhat spearheaded this revival that has seen cafes and small businesses spring up along Howard and Queen Streets, spilling into the main street of town as well.
Image © Marc Austin-Zande
At the centre of town and adjacent to the railway and bus interchange, is the old Civic Centre site, now known as Centenary Square – or just ‘C Square’. The building replaced the original Council Chambers and Civic Hall, which were destroyed by fire in 1986.
The new building houses various government offices and a few retail stores. But at ground level is the oasis Bison Bar, currently celebrating its first birthday. My first visit was an eye opener. I wandered into a warmly lit bar, people sitting around on couches sipping cocktails and enjoying cheese platters… and the Painters and Dockers on the stereo. Yep, this feels like home.
Owners: Leishka Grygoruk and Pete Townson - Image © Marc Austin-Zande
Brainchild of partners Leishka Grygoruk and Pete Townson, the Bison Bar is very different to anything else on the Sunshine Coast. Tucked away from the main street, filled with art-deco furnishings and subdued light, the Bison serves a menu of amazing cocktails, many signature, designed by Leishka as well as other drinks and great coffee.
And yes, there is food on the menu too. “We’re both locals,” Leishka says. “Pete was born here and I’ve been here most of my life. We both went to school here and we grew up here. We still have many friends here who share a similar yearning for something a little bit different.
“We wanted to create a place that we felt at home in. Somewhere you actually felt good about coming into work because we knew that if we felt that way, there would be many others who would also feel at home here.”
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Posted by The Bison Bar on Wednesday, 23 December 2015
‘At home’ is the standout phrase here. The Bison Bar has a homely feeling about it. It’s like sitting down in a friend's lounge room and enjoying their hospitality, conversation and entertainment. And the entertainment is certainly amazing.
From the Black Bison Film Lodge (hosted by film director and former Trash Video mastermind, Andrew Leavold), trivia nights, bring and buy markets to jazz nights and acoustic sets by some notable performers (Shifting Sands and Screamfeeder to name just two). “Our staff are all very committed to the idea of making our visitors welcome, comfortable and happy.
Image © Marc Austin-Zande
“There is full-table service and our staff are always buzzing around. Pete and I both hate that feeling of one of us minding a table while the other goes and lines up at a bar so we make sure our visitors don’t have to.”
And a good thing full-table service is available, because once you relax in one of the big, comfy couches, you really won't want to be getting up anytime soon.
The Bison Bar is located in the courtyard of C Square, 52-64 Currie Street, Nambour.
