Blair St shop's 21st century smile

The new-look interior of the Blair Street Store and Takeaway.

THE Blair Street Store and Takeaway has re-opened after a two-week refurbishment and looks to have been doing a roaring trade following the introduction of Rosie's Chicken as an add-on business.

A Blair St fixture for more than 60 years, the takeaway near the New Norfolk Bridge has almost overnight become the most up-to-date food business in the town, with a clean and modern fit-out that will be the envy of other businesses.

Originally operating from the front room of the house at 3 Blair St in 1956, the venture was later formalised with a proper shopfront. The premises were expanded in the early 1990s with the addition of kitchen for takeaway meals. This section was built on a lower level, but this month's refurbishment has seen the whole shop laid out on the one level, with the addition of a new door on the southern side of the shop to provide disability access.

The Eleventh Order Tasmanian Craft Beer and Wine Bar in High St.

The new layout also provides seating for customers wishing to dine-in rather than take-away. Barista coffee is available and a small selection of grocery lines is still available. See their Facebook page for more information.

The Blair Street Store's re-opening is the latest expression of business confidence in the town. Local micro-brewery The Eleventh Order opened a bar at 7 High St early last month, serving local wine, beer and cider.

This Tasmanian Craft Beer and Wine Bar has  several beers and ciders on tap, you are welcome to bring your own food to have with your drinks, and children are welcome. Opening times vary - check out the Facebook page for the latest information.

Book Magick at 65 High St.

Also new to High St is Book Magick, which has moved to larger premises at 65a High St after just over a year in its original location at 45 Burnett St.

This shop offering "books and more" is in the old Shoe Mart premises, right next door to a new Colony 47 office which is the local contact for the Federal Government's Transition to Work program for Tasmanians aged 15-21.

Congratulations to everyone giving it a go in business in New Norfolk.