New opening: Rogue Bar & Bistro

Opening on February 28 is Rogue Bar & Bistro. Owner and chef Daniel Myers comes from the Jason Coats (The Jetty, ex-Liquorish) stable, having worked under him for the past decade. While he’s been ready and raring to go with his Newstead venue, he’s been kept waiting by Energex which needed to do its final checks but finally everything’s in place.

It’s an unusual spot for a restaurant, so why has Myers chosen here to open?

‘‘There’s nothing much around here and I wanted to create somewhere comfortable and casual for locals,’’ he says.

Myers has been involved in the design and building of the high-set former house, which includes an open kitchen.

‘‘I’ve always wanted one. I like to keep the kitchen immaculate so it seems a shame to keep it hidden,’’ he says.

He decided on a minimalistic feel for the small space, with indoor and outdoor seating for about 90.

An appealing menu moves from light breakfasts, to plates to share, lunches such as a lamb shoulder baguette or chilli-crab spaghettini to dinners simply titled ‘‘bird’’, (grilled spatchcock with caramelised onion tart, barbecued sweetcorn and goat’s curd) ‘‘cow’’, ‘‘fish’’, ‘‘sheep’’, ‘‘pig’’ and ‘‘vegetable’’.

There’s a pared-back dessert menu too, including a raspberry brulee, banoffi pie and a chocolate assiette as well as a cheese platter.

With the most costly menu item at $27, we’re guessing that hungry locals will be pretty happy.

Rogue Bar & Bistro 14 Austin St, Newstead 32570227

Natascha Mirosch