And publican Ash Lyons has high hopes for the addition.

B Town replaces the old Bistro Piper, which was created 10 years ago.

Mr Lyons has seen plenty of change in the past five years.

“[Bistro Piper] was a great product for the times but it needed changing and tweaking,” he said.

“I wouldn’t change it if I didn’t think it would work.

“I fell in love with Texas barbecue and southern dining when I went to Vanuatu last year. They had a Texas barbecue operating and the owner gave me the time to show me how it works.

“I thought it would work well in Bathurst, so I learnt as much as I could.

“It’s a fresh, new concept that brings new life into the hotel.”

B Town includes a new cocktail bar dining area, with Mr Lyons wanting to go in a comfortable and casual direction.

The spacious tables were made by a local woodworker out of 100-year-old railway sleepers. 

“It’s a great place for a drink and you can sit where you stand and have a meal as well,” Mr Lyons said.

“Traditionally, in the past when we’ve designed things, we cover things up with smoke, mirrors, marble and gloss.

“We wanted to change that. We wanted to strip the building back to its nuts and bolts, its beautiful glory, its 150-200-year-old brickwork.”

Bricks are now exposed and walls are now adorned with photos and memorabilia that give a fresh, southern American feel. 

“What we’ve tried to do is bring back little bits and pieces and paraphernalia that reflect and go back to our history and American history, which is a bygone era,” Mr Lyons said. 

“I think it’s something we don’t get enough of and it’s a wonderful, wonderful thing to look back in time.

“Everything loves change but there are certain things that are perfect the way they were.”

The balcony also has a new play area for toddlers and young children. 

B Town will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.30am to late.