How The Bearded Tit has created a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community

Nestled in Redfern NSW, The Bearded Tit is no typical bar.

For the past eight years, it’s been a vibrant hub for the queer and creative to get together for good food and booze, with a side of live entertainment. Funded by beverage sales, the shows and exhibitions put a spotlight on local talent while highlighting critical and socio-political issues, inspiring and empowering anyone who walks through the door.

Offering a safe space for creative expression, The Bearded Tit has rightfully earned the reputation of an eclectic and accessible community clubhouse.

Where it all started

Named after a brown, long-tailed bird that flies rapidly across the top of reedbeds, The Bearded Tit is the brainchild of owner Joy Ng and two previous business partners who have since moved on.

“When I first thought of the idea, Sydney didn’t have any small bars yet and I wanted a place where my friends and community could go. We wanted to reference how old pubs are always unofficial community hubs and gathering spaces, and how those pubs often have animal names like “The Cock & Bull” or “Fox & Hound”. The Bearded Tit is our tongue in cheek version of that naming process,” says Ng.

A haven for the LGBTQIA+ community

While the menu alone, featuring nostalgic snacks, jaffles, and a seemingly endless selection of drinks, is a major drawcard for patrons, The Bearded Tit does much more than satisfy the hungry and parched. It’s a safe space where the creativity of underrepresented communities is celebrated.

Speaking of the significance of LGBTQIA+ spaces, Ng says “I think all queer spaces are important, and The Tit is quite inter-generational which I think is especially important for queer communities as young people have elders to help them navigate what can be an initially exciting but intimidating new world”.

Ng adds that the biggest achievement of the business thus far is “having women and queer people tell me they feel comfortable coming here by themselves and letting their hair down, knowing they will be safe.”

Making payments flow with Tyro EFTPOS

In a hospitality precinct where the hustle and bustle never stops, having a payments solution that makes transactions easy is essential for keeping things running smoothly.

After having troubles with their pre-existing EFTPOS machine that often dropped out, and occasional human errors from pressing the wrong key, The Bearded Tit were on the hunt for a more secure EFTPOS system.

“We wanted a system that was not only secure during busy periods, but could help streamline each transaction without the risk of making a mistake. Tyro was the only fully integrated system that was able to do all those things,” explains Ng.

Thanks to Tyro EFTPOS’ seamless integration between the EFTPOS machine and their POS, The Bearded Tit has been able to make speedier transactions and reduce double keying errors, which has done wonders for their fast-paced environment.

When it comes to the set up, Ng says “Tyro was really easy and straightforward”.

Reflecting on the past

Building and running a business is no easy feat. When reflecting on the most important lessons she’s learnt in the process, and what advice she’d give to someone looking to start their own hospitality venue, Ng suggests the following:

• Invest in a good accountant and bookkeeper (it’s a false economy to cut costs in this department)
• It’s a job and a commitment – it’s not a party
• Your staff are your most important asset

Looking to the future

The past few years have been a hard slog for business due to the pandemic, so The Bearded Tit will be busy trying to get back on their feet.

Dedicated to working with suppliers and vendors that align with their values, and that actively take a stand not just as a virtue signal during certain times of the year, The Bearded Tit will continue collaborating with businesses that advocate for inclusion and equality.

Want to follow suit and up your payments game with Tyro EFTPOS? Get in touch with our sales team today.