Lux Bistro Bar on lower Crown Street is open every day of the week for breakfast through to a late nightcap.

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"There is nowhere to go after 9pm in Wollongong unless you want a kebab," said Hayley Bray, whose husband Shaun co-owns the space (with Tyson Orth) where Sopranos On The Mall used to be.

"Being in that quieter part of the mall, we're hoping to bring a bit of life and vibrancy to it because at the moment it's a bit dead."

Mrs Bray said the team behind the café/bar wanted to focus on "providing great quality food in a casual environment", as well as not booting customers out as soon as their plates were cleared.

"We were all frustrated going out for dinner and being rushed out," she said. "We now have bar area and restaurant, so when guests finish they can go to bar area for coffee or a nightcap after dinner."

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The Prawn and Scallop Spaghettini plus Popcorn Chicken dishes have been the most popular menu items since opening at the end of November.

Lux is a family-friendly venue (with kids meals) and open until 10pm Sunday to Tuesday, until midnight on Wednesday, and until 2am Thursday to Saturday nights.

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