From artist-run galleries to quaint coffee shops, here are five venues spiking this coastal city’s eclectic energy
1. Brick + Mortar Creative
Creative people from all over often come to peruse the wares of this lovely gift and homewares outfit, where you’ll find minimalist, unassuming furnishings and locally designed items such as soy candles, embossed notebooks, vegan makeup, jewellery, kids’ clothing and pottery. The adjoining café boasts a colourful array of culinary delights, while award-winning locally sourced coffee offers fuel for wanderers – whether they’re looking for a gift, a meal or a creative workshop.
2. The Mill
Small galleries and theatres are the essence of Adelaide’s independent art world, and this not-for-profit interdisciplinary arts studio has become a core part of the creative ecosystem. Directors Amber Cronin and Erin Fowler envisioned it as a crossroads between visual art, dance and theatre, and it now supports a multi-faceted creative community. Expect live music, forums, workshops and artist talks, all open to the public. Past events include a two-day drawing intensive and discussion panel, classes on turning mundane public spaces into art shows and exhibitions featuring the artistic process of furniture makers.
3. Part Time Lover
Located along Pilgrim Lane, this café might just be sparking a renaissance in the area. It’s the latest creation by Adelaide hospitality entrepreneur Josh Baker, the individual behind the legendary Clever Little Tailor and Pink Moon Saloon. In the kitchen is Stewart Wesson, an Australian Young Chef of the Year winner who’s producing an inventive selection of lunchtime favourites such as banana-leaf-wrapped barramundi in Caribbean spices and blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs. Tall windows, draping plants and plenty of sleek wooden furniture add to the refined ambience of the place.
“The imagination, energy and vibrancy of Adelaide’s festivals bring a creative energy to the city that is inspiring a new spirit of adventure” – Kade Marsh, partner at Stacked Social, a new cognac and cocktail lounge in North Adelaide
4. Ferg’s
This warehouse turned collaborative cellar and bar welcomes winemakers, brewers, distillers and, of course, drinkers alike. It embodies the hybrid drinking movement that rose up after a change in liquor licensing laws made it more affordable for small venues to open. Here, you’ll find an array of local brands such as BK Wines, Moorak Wines and Imperial Measures Distilling. In the adjoining beer garden, wine barrels double as décor amid walls draped in leaves – the perfect backdrop for a communal experience.
5. The Commons Studio & Exchange
Emily Sheahan, the fashionista behind The Commons, is a firm believer that every piece of clothing has a story. The buying and selling of clothes is an art – one that she facilitates through this vintage hub. Here, customers can help unique and timeless pieces live on well beyond their era. Sheahan’s work has also started conversations about the industry’s ethics and sustainability, reviving slow fashion among consumers as well as industry players at the Adelaide Fashion Festival.
What’s on in January
Santos Tour Down Under
The 22nd instalment of “Australia’s Greatest Cycling Race” will be held in January. The event brings with it a plethora of attractions, festivals and chances to watch the cyclists. 16 to 26 January.
Australia Day in the City
Celebrate with the Aussies on this special day, with a parade, a concert and fireworks. It’s a family-friendly event and a unique way to experience what it means to be Australian. 26 January.
Singapore Airlines flies to Adelaide daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: An insider’s guide to Adelaide, Australia
This article was originally published in the January 2020 issue of SilverKris magazine
