While he may have enjoyed a variety of different roles in his career, even entertaining the community through Andy McLucas Music, it is a welcome change of scenery for Andy McLucas who has taken on the general manager role at The Vine Bar Bargara.
Asked what encouraged him to take on this role, Andy said The Vine Bar had made a very respected name for itself in the past 14 months that it’s been operating.
“To come in and see what was laid out before me is pretty exciting and I love the vibe it brings and it definitely suits the Bargara lifestyle,” he said.
“Owners Adam and Louise had a vision and they’ve done a spectacular job in bringing that to life.
“My plan is to carry on their vision and take it to new heights with regular events, boutique whisky and wine nights.
“I am excited as they have given me free license to add to what they’ve already built and Adam and I are talking almost every day about new ideas and things we can do to make this thing kick.”
Considering it has been a long time since Andy has worked in bar, it has been thrilling to be back and a change of scenery from what he had been doing recently.
“I have been behind the bar for three weeks now and it’s a great mix of fun, excitement and challenge, especially because I love meeting all the people that stop by.
“I spend most nights either making cocktails for our patrons, or on the upright piano that we have in the bar.
“Being a musician and entertainer, I am able to bring an extra element to the bar and people love the intimate setting, where they can chat directly with the manager and then request a song that they want to hear.
“The whole bar has been singing along most nights since I took over at the beginning of February.”
One thing that Andy has realised is the regular clientele, who know what the bar brings and can’t wait to show it off to their friends.
“Our customer base is growing and I see this getting to a point where it’s standing room only on a Friday and Saturday night.
“It has an element of flair and intimacy in a bar and we have so many visitors from all capital cities from Australia who just love it, because it is unique and everyone continually mentions ‘the vibe’.”
For Andy, the Bundaberg region continues to be for him a beautiful part of the world and he feels lucky to have not only beautiful beaches, but friendly people and a great place to raise a family.
“I moved here in 2008 and so I think based on the Bundaberg lore, I am now a local.
“I understand the area and what people are wanting to get out there and do, and I think The Vine Bar offers a very unique experience for anyone in the region, or coming in from out of town.”
The Vine Bar is open from Wednesday – Saturday and offers private functions and regular events such as whisky and wine tastings with the next event on 23 March.
