New wine bar Cork and Lever to open at former Bon Amici’s site

A new wine bar with a focus on Australian independent wine makers and distillers is set to open in Toowoomba this week. Here’s everything you need to know.

Micha Whitley at Cork and Lever.

A new wine and snack bar is set to open in Toowoomba’s CBD this week, taking over the site of Bon Amici.

Cork and Lever will be located on Margaret Street and will have a focus on Australian independent winemakers and distillers.

Some of the offerings at Cork and Lever.

“At Cork and Lever, we focus on selecting every wine with a conscious effort to support independent and artisan winemakers,” owner Micha Whitley said.

“We are focused on the quality, education and appreciation of wine.

“We encourage the experimentation of taste and trying new flavours.”

Ms Whitley said she had set out to create a space to showcase and support local artisans who had been affected by the events of 2020.

“It’s been a tough year for small business owners in rural and regional Australia within the hospitality industry,” she said.

Some of the offerings at Cork and Lever.

“The food and beverage community is quite tight-knit, and together we have experienced businesses closing due to overseas competition.

“A strong local hospitality sector is crucial to Toowoomba’s recovery and ongoing success.

“We have felt an overwhelming display of support from not just patrons, but from local businesses within the CBD.

Some of the offerings at Cork and Lever.

“There is a real sense of support and genuine well-wishes from our neighbouring businesses and we all want to see each other succeed.”

The bar will also offer cocktails, cider, beers and Australian-made gin, among other beverages.

Cork and Lever, located at 12/191 Margaret St, will open to the public for the first time on December 10 at 4pm.

Micha Whitley behind the bar at Cork and Lever.

It will then be open Wednesday to Saturday’s from 4pm to midnight, with reduced trading over the Christmas and New Year period.

It’s one of several new bars to open in the CBD this year, joining the likes of The Rock and Uva.

For more information visit corkandlever.com.au.

Originally published as New wine bar Cork and Lever to open at former Bon Amici’s site