Ex-tradie in the running for Australia's best new bar prize

Taran Howard, an ex-electrician turned bar owner, is in the running for Australia’s best new bar of the year. His venue, Ravenspur, located in Enmore, Sydney’s inner west, has quickly become a local favourite since opening last September. The bar, described as a “vampire, cowboy-style saloon,” has drawn crowds with its unique atmosphere and unconventional charm. Howard, who had no prior experience in the hospitality industry, found himself behind the bar within days of opening, learning to craft cocktails on the fly. He said the response from customers was overwhelming, with the venue soon flooded with patrons eager to try the unusual setting and drink menu. Howard’s entry into the bar scene came after years of working as an electrician. Inspired by his frequent visits to the area, he decided to open Ravenspur in September 2024, choosing Enmore for its vibrant nightlife and growing reputation as a hub for independent businesses. The decision to launch a bar in this space was partly driven by the increasing popularity of small, owner-operated venues in the inner west. Howard expressed admiration for such establishments, noting that they foster a sense of community and connection between patrons and staff. “I’m a big fan of owner-operators when it comes to the small bar community,” he said. “You go into these bars and you can talk to the owners, to each other and talk about trade and how the night’s going or you know upcoming events and it’s nice.” Ravenspur is part of a broader trend of new small bars emerging along Enmore Road and in nearby Newtown. Just a short walk away from Howard’s venue, Bar Demo, owned by Oliver Churcher and Claudia Morgan, has also gained attention. Opened in April 2024, Bar Demo benefits from the same economic advantages that attracted Howard, affordable rents and availability of commercial spaces. Churcher, who previously operated venues in the city’s central business district, noted that Enmore offers a distinct cultural vibe compared to areas like Newtown. “There’s also obviously the fact that the inner west has its own kind of, I guess, culture and type of clientele,” he said. The growth of these small bars aligns with recent policy changes aimed at revitalizing Sydney’s 24-hour economy. In 2024, Enmore Road became the first special entertainment precinct in New South Wales under the state government’s initiative to boost late-night activity and support the hospitality sector. This move followed years of restrictive lockout laws and pandemic-related closures, which limited operating hours and noise levels for venues. The policy allowed councils to adjust regulations, enabling bars and restaurants to stay open later and host louder events. The success of Enmore Road has prompted discussions about extending similar policies to King Street in Newtown, which shares a stretch of pubs, restaurants, and bars with Enmore but falls under a different council jurisdiction. Inner West Council Deputy Lord Mayor Chloe Smith acknowledged the momentum generated by Enmore Road’s transformation. She noted that the area had become a go-to destination for nightlife and anticipated that the proposed expansion of special entertainment zones to King Street could further enhance the region’s appeal. “I have been slightly inundated over the last couple of years by business owners on King Street who have looked to Enmore Road as a model,” she said. The potential for extended operating hours and relaxed regulations could position Newtown as another key player in Sydney’s evolving nightlife landscape.