Changes afoot in hot cafe postcode Redfern

Redfern's claim as a hot postcode for small bars and food ventures has had its first test.

Small bar Dry Land has closed, and now experienced operator Julian Serna has departed postcode 2016, selling his Redfern venture, The Fern.

''After dealing with council for two years and not getting any concessions with late-night trading or extension of hours we decided to sell,'' he says.

''Luckily we built up a strong following so selling was not an issue.''

Paula Westerman is the new owner at The Fern. Serna says Redfern is on the cusp of a revival, but needs more retail to attract people to the area.

''It is extremely competitive and I feel the population is somewhat lagging,'' he says.

''In saying that there is another cafe-restaurant opening on Redfern Street, and a bar called The Angry Pirate [also opening on Redfern Street]. An R&B bar is set to open on Regent Street any time soon.''

The Dry Land site is also poised to reopen as a hospitality venue, but it won't be a small bar, rather a Japanese restaurant.