Female-Owned Bar Kisa Has Opened In A Heritage-Listed Corner Store On Glebe Point Road

There’s never been a better time to be a Glebe Point local. Kisa arrived earlier this week, bringing a female-owned neighbourhood bar four years in the making to a heritage corner of Forest Lodge. Behind it are Sophia Richardson and Wez Smeda-Healy, whose collective experience spans Deadwax, Bar Planet, The Waratah and the Love Tilly Group. The result, perhaps surprisingly, is far removed from the grungy Inner West dive you might expect.

“It took a few years of realising the vision, developing my wine and cocktail experience, and then fine-tuning the concept,” Sophia tells Urban List.

“I knew I wanted a corner location with windows and high ceilings, so when this spot came onto the scene, I knew she was the one.”

The former hair salon—responsible, Sophia says, for the bar’s abundance of natural light—is classic heritage-listed Forest Lodge retail, complete with stained-glass windows and a retired fireplace. A close friend helped the pair shape the interiors, bringing together butter-yellow accents, warm timber and half-wall tiles. As evening settles in, the lights come down and the room takes on a moody, romantic atmosphere, but Kisa steers well clear of highbrow stuffiness.

“I want people to feel instantly at home, not rushed or pushed,” Sophia says.

“I want this to be a spot where you meet for a wine with your girlies, bring your lover or your next Feeld date. We’re friendly, easygoing and a bit silly.”

Wez takes the reins on drinks, with a concise list that nods to Sophia’s Eastern European heritage. That includes a signature shot combining vodka, cherry liqueur and chilli for a punchy start (or finish) to the evening. Alongside it is a tight snack menu featuring cheese and charcuterie from Marani Deli, plus a handful of dippy creations by private chef and food stylist Eli Tillet.

“I love to bake, so I’ll be making some little sweet things like tarts and cakes too,” Sophia promises.

At its core, Kisa is about creating the kind of warm, inviting space where community is fostered—with plans in the works for initimate events, book clubs and potential collaborations once they are settled. Inspired by the rise of female-owned and operated hospitality venues across Sydney, it brings together the best of the Inner West on one charming corner—without ever taking itself too seriously.

Image credit: Bar Kisa | Instagram