Bar Ecomomico open for business

Bar Economico, the eagerly awaited new bar from artist and entrepreneur Matthew Bax, opened on Saturday night in the former Der Raum space, Bax's award-winning, cocktail bar. Touted as a ''rum bordello'', Economico is a much more inclusive, egalitarian experience than its predecessor, with a focus on well-priced quality rum. It has been in the works for 12 years, inspired by a rum ghetto bar that Bax saw on his travels years ago and he's relieved to get it open. ''It's great to get the images finally out of my head,'' he says. Economico punters can expect a ticket sales system to buy drinks and imported beer in a can for $5 and Der Raum classic cocktails for $10. Bax's other projects include Gamsei, a Der Raum-style bar that he set up in Munich earlier this year, and Bar Americano in Melbourne's CBD. He divides his time between Melbourne and Munich and says he's involved with all three businesses on a daily basis. Bar Economico is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 5pm and there are plans for early afternoon trade at weekends. Bar Economico: 438 Church Street, Richmond.

Hilary McNevin