It’s time for cheers: Bar Lee celebrates first birthday

Despite the original setback, the local bar is flourishing.

Co-owners Jess Godfrey, Ryan Moorhouse and Cameron and Jenny Sutton are planning to celebrate with their customers this weekend.

“Even through lockdown upon lockdown, we’re still here,” Ms Godfrey said.

“Like every business, we’ve had our ups and downs. The lockdowns especially: you’d get on a roll, have the support from the locals, and then you’d get locked down and have to change your business model to try and adapt.

“I think the majority of this year has been positive, we’ve had so much support from the locals, and our families — my dad is our number one customer.”

The team behind Bar Lee largely had a hospitality background before opening the new venue.

“Cam and I worked together at Morrisons Winery,” Ms Godfrey said.

“We got this opportunity in the middle of COVID; even though people thought we were crazy, we saw all of the possibility for growth we could bring to the town.

“We always wanted somewhere like this to drink, so we created it: we’ve diversified the menu to have yummy bar food, share-style and main dishes — there is something for everyone.

“There’s around 15 cocktails on the rotating list, then there’s house favourites that are always available.”

Bar Lee’s birthday anniversary celebrations will be happening all weekend, starting on Friday at noon, featuring a cocktail special for those who mention the birthday: a ‘Margaretto’ for $17.

“It’s like an Italian Margarita, with a hint of Amaretto,” Ms Godfrey said.

Bar Lee has collaborated with Echuca Distillery to create a beautiful blend of Amaretto and Echuca Distillery's Silver Agave Spirit.

“We’re just having a little celebration throughout the weekend, and can't wait to see everyone here,” Ms Godfrey said.

“It’s nice to be celebrating a win.”