Cardigan Bar Changes Hands

One of Sandgate's favourite watering holes, the Cardigan Bar, is welcoming new owners.

Adam Christy and Perrie Bourke are taking over, and said they couldn't wait to dive in.

We have been involved in the Cardigan Bar for many years in one way or another,� Adam said.

It's a great music venue and music is a big part of our lives. My musical pursuits have been nurtured and advanced by the venue and I would love to continue this.�

While there will be no immediate changes to the layout of the Cardigan Bar, there could be a new look in the future.

We want to work in it as it is currently, and see what changes ' if any ' would best help us to achieve our goals,� Adam said.

We have three points of interest directing the focus of our efforts at the venue, and those are music, creativity and connection.

The changes we will focus on initially are simply these ' to provide a consistent and diverse range of entertainment and creative activities, support developing musicians, and offer a safe, vibrant and happy place for people to come and connect with each other.�

Outgoing owner Brett Johnson said he had loved being a part of the Sandgate community.

I have to pinch myself sometimes that I was able to follow my dreams and I will look back on the bar with fond memories in years to come,� he said.

I pay tribute to Chris and Abby who had the foresight and courage to start the Cardigan Bar.

Nine years ago there wasn't a lot of choice in Sandgate. Various bars have popped up as a result and that's a great thing.�

Adam said the Sandgate bar scene was looking up and in the wake of COVID, there was nowhere better to be than your local pub.

Local is as cool as it gets in my opinion,� he said.

We love the local venues that are already here and are excited about the prospects of new venues starting like Bluenose Betty at the old billiard hall.

I don't know who first said it but 'a rising tide lifts all ships'. We believe local is where it's at.�