Back in 2014, a few friends came across a vacant, under-utilised area of land in the middle of the Bendigo CBD. Hidden behind a row of shops, the space was only visible from the rear utility areas of surrounding shops. The idea soon came that this unused plot could be turned into a creative commercial space, providing live entertainment and a simple beverage offer in a relaxed garden setting. Essentially a casual garden bar with a focus on independent beer and regular free entertainment. This concept was put to a group of locals who had the opportunity to invest and become co-founders and owners of their own bar. There were over thirty people who helped turn what was a dead space into what is now Handle Bar, Bendigo’s backyard. Handle Bar continues to be one of Bendigo’s most unique venues with ever-changing décor, natural growth (and decay!) of the gardens, and the most consistent offer of free entertainment in Bendigo.