Cohiba Bar: Cuban inspired venue to open in Phillip Island

A popular bar owner is opening his second venue, bringing top-notch margaritas to Phillip Island.

A Cuban inspired bar is set to open in Cowes.

A Cuban inspired bar is coming to Phillip Island, serving top-notch margaritas in a bougie styled venue.

Cohiba Bar will open in the bustling town of Cowes within the next couple of weeks.

Owner Alex Clayton, who has run San Remo’s tiki decorated Shaka Bar for nearly three years, said he was excited about his new business venture.

“I’ve always wanted to do a bar that’s a bit more velvety,” he said.

“It’s fun to play on a theme that is completely different to what everyone else has done.”

Mr Clayton said he had loved bars since his first date.

“There weren’t many places around the area to go on a first date,” he said.

“So I knew I wanted to open a venue that was small, intimate and fun.”

Mr Clayton has snapped up prime real estate on Thompson Ave for his new bar after the Mediterranean Restaurant closed at the start of last year.

“I saw the opportunity and took it,” he said.

“The location of this building is one of the main ones in Cowes.”

The Cuban style bar, named after the Cohiba cigars, will serve “titillating” cocktails and high-quality tapas food.

“It’s going to have a big focus on margarita,” Mr Clayton said.

“We have a large range of tequila with a different style that no one really has.”

Mr Clayton will hire about six employees — but that number will rise for summer trade.

This is just one of several new businesses set to open in the Bass Coast this year.

Residents can look forward to a shopping hub called The Sticks in Kilcunda, a new restaurant in San Remo and a supermarket in Grantville.

Cohiba Bar will open its door in July and will trade from Thursday to Sunday from noon until late.

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