East Maitland locals Dane Cottee and Morgan Cabot are the masterminds behind the new tropical haven, RAMA, in the city's centre.

The pair has racked up years of experience in the hospitality industry before deciding to search for their own space about six months ago.

Ms Cabot said the couple believe RAMA is the first small bar in the city.

"We've been bartenders for a long time, and starting your own business is the ultimate goal," she said.

"We wanted to make a place that is nice and chilled, and something different for Maitland. It's a little bit grungy, a little bit fancy. We are really excited to be here."

Nestled between the Pourhouse and Studio Amsterdam, the bar's interior is filled with bamboo, model ships, brightly coloured flowers and even a smoke machine.

"We are so lucky to have found such an amazing space and we have amazing neighbours," Ms Cabot said.

Tiki bars were immortalised by American adventurer Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt in Hollywood in the 1930s.

They are inspired by the Caribbean and South Pacific.

"Maitland is a really good place to be at the moment with the art gallery and events," Ms Cabot said.

"There are a lot of pubs and nice restaurants but there's a bit of a gap in between there which a small bar can definitely fill.

"We want the space to be an extended loungeroom. We want it to be a welcoming and relaxed space."

And what's on the menu? Expect Caribbean inspired cocktails served in mini tikis and pineapples.

The menu will focus on dark spirit including rum but the pair say they are happy to play around with old favourites.

Mr Cottee added the pair were excited to be part of the Maitland community.

"We want to be part of the connective tissue of Maitland.We want to make it ... that if you're stuck at Maitland for the day, then you won't have a bad time."

RAMA is located at 333 High Street, and open most days from 5.30pm til late.