The Art Bar Kiama is one of only 103 regional businesses to have benefitted from a grant from Destination NSW’s Refresh and Renew Fund.

With restrictions lifting, the Art Bar Kiama is excited about showing off its new look.

“We’ve completely refurbished over Winter with bi-fold doors to open the entire gallery, restaurant and bar to the street and to the ocean views,” says Bruce Ferguson, who owns the Art Bar with husband Jamie Cole.

The bi-fold doors were paid for, in part, by the $10,000 grant from Destination NSW.

“The grant was for tourism businesses that wanted to update their product to better meet consumer expectations,” Bruce says.

The doors are but one element of the new design, by Tingira Crescent neighbour Papesch Architecture.

The new design features a beautiful curved, white, ceramic stone top bar that is deep enough for customers to comfortably dine or drink at.

New acoustic panelling makes the dining room and bar whisper quiet no matter what size group is in and provides the perfect conditions for live music, with some musicians already voicing interest in recording in the new space.

Musician Doug Faulkner, who is playing this coming Sunday with fellow Zephyr members, Shy Boy Steve and Grant Merinuk, says that the bi-fold door and internal acoustic panels will make it a much better experience for everyone.

“When you played there before, you had a wall between you and the people outside. And this was a big problem.

"As a musician, it is acoustically much better with the new panels.

"It is a much better layout.”

“We are really looking forward to playing this Sunday. We’ve had at least three months where we couldn’t get together and play, so it’s really nice at last to be able to get together with friends.”

“We are very excited to be reopening this October with a brand, new look!,” says Bruce.

"We’ve got lots of fun events and gigs planned, so book ahead and come and enjoy the sunshine with us."