By Renee Wood
Upper Yarra whisky enthusiasts can add a new haunt to their agenda with a new whisky bar coming to Healesville CBD as a local couple reaches their dreams of opening up their first hospitality business.
Brendan and Kate Cavanagh moved from Croydon to Healesville late 2020 and have now been able to make their aspirations come true, with 207 Maroondah Highway, previously Rice Kingdom, becoming available.
Brendan who currently works in the local hospitality industry said so far he’s received great community backing when discussing the project with others.
“A lot of people reference Graceburn, since that’s no longer there around the corner, they’ve been wanting something like this,” Brendan said.
The bar has been named Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse, looking to showcase a variety of whiskys, local beer and wine all in the one place.
“There’s nowhere for a cheeky whiskey, so we though there’s a bit of a gap in the market there,” he said.
“Somewhere that just shows off the heart of the place… it’s one location that shows off all of the best of the Yarra Valley.”
Brendan has worked in the whiskey and hospitality industry previously and hopes the bar will be a place for visitors, locals and fellow hospo workers.
“The support that from the locals already has been really big so it is somewhere where I want to see be a local spot and then on weekends tourists.
“…but also a place that all the producers in the area, the different distillers and winemakers, a space that they feel comfortable coming and hanging out as well.”
Brendan said with the modest capacity it’s hoping to reach, it’s expected to be a smaller more intimate space in contrast to other venues that are currently here.
First to open will be the main bar followed by a small kitchen, further private dining, seating areas and a beer garden which will be implemented in future phases.
The designs will also feature nods to the local railway history, the bushfires and the environment.
“Really the design elements tying in with the local area, as well as the local producers.”
Liquor licence transfers, further permit amendments for dining and opening hours are currently being considered.
The Cavanaghs are hopeful to open the first phase in September and to be fully operational by summer.
