Rooftop bar opens soon

Rooftop bar to be named after Poppins character

THE name of Toowoomba’s latest rooftop bar has finally been revealed.

Owner Phil Coorey yesterday announced the classicstyle venue on the intersection of Ruthven and Margaret Sts in the CBD would be called George Banks.

The venue, which will employ up to 25 staff, is set for an opening in mid-October.

Mr Coorey said he partially took inspiration for the name from the character in Mary Poppins, as well as the building’s previous use as a bank.

ENGLISH elegance straight from the 1950s will be the theme of intriguing publican Phil Coorey’s newest venture in Toowoomba, George Banks.

The upcoming rooftop bar on top of the old Westpac Bank on Ruthven St in the CBD finally has a name and likely opening date, with doors expected to open in mid-October.

Taking inspiration from a character in Mary Poppins, as well as the combination of his business partner’s first name and the building’s previous use, Mr Coorey said he was thrilled to see it close to fruition.

“I’m excited - February 2016 was when we first showed an interest in this place. From that day when I rang (building owner) Phil Collins, they could see I was very keen,” he said.

“It’s probably one of the most important buildings in Toowoomba, so we always knew it would take a couple of years.

“To be up here now and seeing it coming together is good.”

Mr Coorey attributed the inspiration for the name to Mr Collin’s daughter, Sarah.

“Sarah actually suggested the name during one of our site inspections when we were first looking at the space,” he said.

“We knew we wanted to include the building’s past as an operating bank and also incorporate a theme that was reflective of the anticipated atmosphere of the venue.”

With views of nearly the entire Toowoomba CBD skyline, Mr Coorey said the view inside the venue would be a callback to a “timeless” period.

“It’s all about keeping in theme with the building you’re going to see beautiful old English-style lamps you’ll be able to see from the street, we’ve got a beautiful crystal custom-made chandelier going in here,” he said.

“This is all about getting people relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.”

Photos: Tom Gillespie/Contributed WHAT A SIGHT: Spotted Cow publican Phil Coorey has revealed the name of his rooftop bar, which will be called George Banks.

Concept art showing the design of George Banks, Toowoomba’s newest rooftop bar on Ruthven St.

The new rooftop bar is expected to open by mid-October.