Kings Cross longest-running cafe, Piccolo Bar, has been an area veteran for over 65 years — now it’s set to return to its former nightlife glory.
The history of Piccolo Bar is a rich one. In 1952, Osvaldo Comito took over the venue and established a cafe that became a watering hole for musicians, artists, actors and bohemian layabouts alike. The likes of Brett Whiteley, Jack Thompson, Gough Whitlam, Marianne Faithfull, Boy George, Dorothy Hewett, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Peter Allen have all graced the Piccolo floor.
Over the past decade, Piccolo has changed management hands a number of times — always to those devoted to keeping it’s inimitable magic alive. Now, it’s set to return to its historic nightlife roots. The cafe has applied for a liquor license with the intention of a new neighbourhood bar.
A letter penned to the front door of the now desolate institution reads:
“Dear friends of Piccolo Bar,
“My name is Dave Spanton, and I am excited and honoured [to] have just taken over the Piccolo Bar business.
“My background for the past 20 years is in publishing and events for the hospitality industry. I publish Australian Bartender magazine each mon
Love Potts Point?
Get the latest Potts Point news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
“First up, let me say we will 100% be keeping the history alive of this amazing place in a new incarnation as a neighbourhood bar.
“I took the business on out of concern that it could be lost and re-fitted to being something completely different. In the 90s and 2000s, I was a resident of this area for 13 years and I have seen many historic places cease to exist or be completely changed into something unrecognisable. So, I wanted to do something to ensure the much-loved Piccolo doesn’t disappear.
“I don’t think the Piccolo can compete with the area’s many popular breakfast cafes. So that’s why I want to return the Piccolo to being a night-time destination with a focus on great drinks, simple bar snacks and of course the old-school comfortable fit-out that everyone loves.
“Our next step is to apply for a liquor license and if that is approved then we look forward to re-asserting the Piccolo Bar as a must-visit location for everyone in the area.”
It is one of the rare places in Sydney that still illicit an old school, extramundane charm. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter of Piccolo has in store.
