Gold Coast bar reopens after 100 days of closure

One of the city’s swankiest bars is celebrating its return after being closed for more than 100 days.

ONE of the city’s swankiest bars is celebrating its return after being closed for more than 100 days.

Rooftop bar Nineteen at the Star opened its doors to the public last night and staff were all hands on deck, ready to serve up lavish drinks and cocktails.

Nineteen’s venue manager Lee Donily, 34, had been counting down the days of his return after several months off.

“I think it had been 101 days since we had been open,” Donily says.

“It was a long time but was a good break.

Lee Donily and Shae Mastroianni getting back into the swing of things. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s given everyone the chance to have a breather and reset but it’s so great to come back (to work).”

Last weekend staff gathered for a soft opening of the swanky venue to have a run-through of the opening.

As soon as the doors were opened, they were greeted with dozens dressed to the nines and keen to celebrate.

“We did a soft opening last Saturday to test the waters and try out the new models with everything that’s happening,” Donily says.

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Nineteen at the Star reopened last night. Picture Glenn Hampson

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“It was a bit of trial and error with the seating and service model and all that. But we had such a good response.

“We weren’t sure how busy or quiet it would be. We didn’t have any communication or do any media, and we ended up with a full-house early on in the night.”

Entertainment king Billy Cross, who owns Nineteen at the Star with wife Jackie, said they are “so excited“ to be reopening and back to the swing of things.

The venue is currently welcoming 90 to 120 guests into the venue at a time from 5pm on Fridays and Saturday.

Walk-ins are welcome but bookings are preferred.

Originally published as Gold Coast bar reopens after 100 days of closure