The former toasty bar has relaunched in regional Victoria with a new retro-inspired American diner feel.
A desire to create an inviting, comfortable space for everyone prompted the full renovation of the venue.
“After spending a good part of the life of the business adapting to COVID-19, we realised that it had become very transactional with a main focus on getting people in, selling a product, and then out as quickly as possible,” said Ghosty’s Diner Owner Nick Styles.
“The space itself had become very tired and inhospitable and lost its soul. We wanted to get back to that and started to develop the concept of a diner.”
The menu carries the inviting feel, with an approachable, casual offering including dishes like the F.G.T Sandwich with panko crumb green tomatoes and the Classic Grilled Cheese Melt.
Drinks wise, expect a range of fun cocktails, punch bowls, minimal-intervention wines and Lock Shack Brewery Beers.
The renovation was done with Lach Philp of Weekdays Design, to result in a bright, vibrant and warming feel to the venue.
Retro-inspired furnishings and artwork line the space, along with photography by figures including Martin Parr and Thomas Hoepker along with a dot print by Tony Irving of the Oakleigh Motel.
Plans are also in place to organise a casual events space, along with the building of a mini Vegas-style chapel in the outdoor car park space.
Ghosty’s Diner was previously known as the Ghosty Toasty Diner and served up premium toasted sandwiches with local fillings and sourdough from Harcourt’s Blumes Historic Bakery.
Ghosty’s Diner is located at 35 View Street, Bendigo and is open Wednesday to Monday.