Historic McLaren Vale diner The Barn closes

McLaren Vale restaurant The Barn, which has served South Australians for 49 years, making it one of Australia’s oldest fine-dining restaurants, has closed.

Former Barn proprietor Brian Tierney in 1992 with front of house manager Ann Lavis Photo: Neon Martin

McLaren Vale restaurant The Barn, which has served South Australians for 49 years, making it one of Australia’s oldest fine-dining restaurants, has closed.

“It is with great sadness I confirm The Barn McLaren Vale has closed,” owner Brian Styles posted on Facebook.

Lunch at The Barn at McLaren Vale during Wine Bushing Festival in 1979. Vicki Bennett serves John Williamson, David Hardy and Tony Lucas

“I have no doubt that a new owner will bring this iconic restaurant back to its former glory. Thank you to all the members of staff who have worked exceptionally hard and to the loyal customers for your support.”

The Barn was South Australia’s first regional restaurant, it opened on the main road of McLaren Vale at a time when the only food after hours was from a pie cart outside the pub. It officially opened in February 1970.

Former Barn proprietor Brian Tierney in the restaurant's outstanding wine cellar in 1992. Photo: Brooks Public Relations

David Dridan, a renowned Australian artist, and local winemaker David Hardy turned the 1840s barn, a former coach house and tavern, into a terracotta tiled-dining room with a downstairs cellar and neighbouring wine room.

The original land title was granted to George Fife Angas in 1840 and, in 1882, the property was bought by Thomas Hardy, pioneer winemaker. Dridan and Hardy brought in well-known Adelaide architect Ian Hannaford (the designer of Rundle Mall) to turn it into a destination restaurant.

The Barn was sold to Brian and Rose Tierney in 1981. They ran it for 18 years, making only a few well-thought-out changes along the way.

Daryl Moyle with Phillip Taylor, who owned The Barn in 2000.

In recent months, executive chef Trent Benbow had been serving up local, seasonal produce from the Fleurieu Peninsula – taking full advantage of the region.

Wine maker Phil Christiansen of vineyard Brick Kiln who had partnered with Mr Styles to operate the cellar, noted on his website “Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, moving the Cellar Door to The Barn has not worked.”

Mr Styles declined to comment further.