Pokie-free, TV-free bar an award finalist

BACCHUS Marsh’s Local Taproom reached the finals of the Business Builders’ Regional Heroes competition.

The pokie‑free, television‑free venue founded by Carly Myers, Chris Lambert and his mum Jen is all about Bacchus Marsh community connection.

The venue runs weekly events and includes a record store, mini library and games shelf.

“We wanted it to be a neighbourhood bar, a place where people could come chat with their friends and family,” Ms Myers said.

“They can go on a date and not be distracted by the bling of the pokies or screaming fans watching sports.”

Ms Myers said after a challenging few years, they were thrilled to be named a finalist.

“It was very humbling and very, very exciting,” she said.

“It’s been a really rough few years with COVID and the cost of living and interest rates.

“To be recognised as a business that’s surviving and doing good things was huge.”

The idea came to the group following the death of Mr Lambert’s father in 2019 and the pandemic.

They decided life was too short to be unhappy, and sought to open a bar with a focus on conversation.

“We were all mourning in our own way and then COVID hit and we were all trapped in the house,” Ms Myers said.

“We wanted to do something we felt good about rather than going to work because we had to.”

The venue only serves Australian owned beer, however, Ms Myers said there is still a beverage to suit everyone’s tastes.

“There’s a little bit of misconception about our venue in that we don’t pour Carlton Draught or Great Northern, it’s all Australian owned and independent,” she said.

“Having said that, if you’re a Carlton Draught drinker we have on tap all the time Travla… there is something at our venue for you.

“It’s not as niche as some people think it is.”