Bodega restaurant manager Jacob Smyth and Gardel’s Bar manager Kenny Graham are preparing to open a Newtown bar venture thanks to the backing of the award wining Porteno & Bodega team – Joe Valore, Elvis Abrahanowicz and Ben Milgate. Mary’s (6 Mary Street, Newtown), as the venue is tentatively named, is set to open December 2012. The 80 capacity venue will feature plenty of dark wood and bar seating, baskets of fried chicken and burgers, a short classic cocktail list, beer from Young Henry’s and a friendly local feel. Jessica Arnott (ex – Victoria Room) has taken on the role of Gardel’s Bar venue manager as Graham focuses on his new project.