BROKEN Hill has welcomed a new bar and neighbouring clothing store in Argent Street, with Mary’s bar officially opening last weekend.
Mary’s Bar and clothing store Land Out West are both owned by husband-and-wife Eamonn and Colette Bessell, and Mr Bessell’s sister Nicole Fitgerald.
Ms Bessell said the bar is country themed and the shelves are stocked with hard-to-find whiskeys.
“You’ll see cowhides, neon’s, trucker hats, metal signs, it’s something a bit honky tonk style,” she said.
The bar offers ample indoor seating and a jukebox, and out the back is Mildred’s Garden which allows for outdoor seating in the courtyard.
The Bessell’s and Ms Fitzgerald grew up in South Broken Hill and had spent time away from town before moving back here to be closer to family and friends.
Mary’s bar has been a dream of Ms Bessell and Ms Fitgerald’s for 10 years and the pair jumped at the opportunity to take over the space next door to Land Out West.
The name Mary’s was inspired by Ms Fitgerald’s ‘alter-ego’ after a few drinks, and Mildred is Ms Bessell’s.
Land Out West began as a mobile and online store that would travel to field days, rodeos, sows and events throughout the Far West, and the shopfront on Argent Street stocks a range of hats, t-shirts, shorts, fishing shirts, work shirts, jeans and leather good.
Many of the designs featured on the clothing are photographs from throughout the region.
The trio said the response from the Broken Hill community and tourists has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been simply amazing!” Ms Bessell said.
“Land Out West has been booming and keeping Eamonn busy as ever. We’ve just employed our first staff member to give him a day here and there to get back to his beloved fishing.”
Ms Bessell said Mary’s has been very busy since opening last weekend.
“Everyone seems to be so excited that there’s another place that they can now visit and relax at in town,” she said.
“We want Mary’s to feel like an extension of your own back yard with good company. It’s a little bit retro, a little bit rustic and a whole lot country,” she said.
