Sneak peek at La Baracca's new whiskey bar at the old Rous Hotel in Lismore: photos

But new owner Steve Krieg hopes that what is on offer, will make the venue just as popular with locals as it was in it's heyday.

There's a new bar made from recycled bricks from a 100-year-old cottage down the road. The timber on the walls is recycled from old bridges, and the tin lining the ceiling is recycled from Trinity College. There's no pokies, and there's plants on the walls.

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Given all that recycling, the bar at La Baracca still looks modern, light, and most importantly, ready to serve customers on Saturday (September 30).

Steve said the bar will have its official reopening on Friday night with friends, family, and workers who have helped move the business from across the corner at its old location in Keen St.

He said the move was something his family wouldn't have contemplated, or been able to afford, before the flood. But, after 16 years at the old location, and a rental contract due to be signed, the Krieg family decided to take the opportunity to become their own landlord.

Steve said the Rous held many memories for him. It was a place he went for a drink and a bet with friends on a Saturday afternoon, and a place where he attended many functions over the years. So, it made sense to buy the building.

The move hasn't been without its challenges - the hotel was hard hit by the flood and needed repair.

All of the work has been done by locals - builder Joel Jensen helped with the build.

The new business site is as flood proof as possible, with hardy flooring, fridges on wheels, and a good flood plan.

Steve hoped to create a family friendly venue, that links the bar, restaurant and cafe, and he has future plans for a playground outside.

The bar will eventually serve around 30 whiskeys, and already stocks some fantastic local spirits as staples, such as Winding Road Distillery and Bunker Distillery, and local beer on tap from Seven Mile Brewing.

"We're trying to use as much local as we can in everything that we do."

If you prefer wine, there's also an extensive selection of wine. Initially they will have about 60-70 wines availble and hope to build that up to 120-130 wines

A coolroom has been removed from old the bottleshop area, making way for a live music venue and function room, which will eventually be home to wife Julieanne's baby grand piano.

Now that the renovation is complete, one of the ongoing challenges is one faced by many Lismore businesses - finding staff.

"Staffing is critical. You can't get staff if they've got nowhere to live," Steve said.

They worked hard to find opportunities to keep La Baracca staff available until the business could reopen after the flood - from starting up a coffee cart to "lending" chefs to friend's businesses in Casino.

And now they are back, and even more jobs have been created.

Despite the challenges, Steve said it was important for the town's recovery to have businesses open and investing in Lismore - such as St Vincent's building a new private hospital, HammondCare opening, and the expansion of Bunnings.

"In my position on council, but also in my position as a local business person, I have full confidence that Lismore will not only get back to where it was, but actually grow, and be better than what it was pre-flood."

"I do sympathise with people who are struggling with their homes and the buybacks. It's frustrating and it's slow, and it's disappointing. But there are also really strong signs of life in the city. And my hope, and my wife's hope, is that us investing virtually everything that we own in a business in the CBD, might inspire other people," Steve said.

And it is some commitment. Steve said, "we've literally borrowed every cent to do it".

The bar and restaurant will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The cafe is open for breakfast seven days a week, and weekdays for lunch, for now.

Find La Baracca on the corner of Keen Keen and Zadoc streets.