Malt Shovel Taphouse opens at base of Adelaide Festival Centre across from Adelaide Oval

A new craft beer bar and restaurant tucked in at the base of the Festival Centre beside the footbridge has opened in the nick of time for the start of cricket’s First Test at Adelaide Oval.

Beer Diva founder Kirrily Waldhorn helped launch the Malt Shovel Taphouse. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

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A new craft beer bar and restaurant tucked in at the base of the Festival Centre beside the footbridge has opened in the nick of time for the start of cricket’s first Test across the river at Adelaide Oval.

The Malt Shovel Taphouse, which began trading on Friday, is owned and operated by the Stadium Management Authority under licence from brewer Lion Co.

The new venue features an extensive bar with 48 brass taps, pouring 16 different beers, as well as a dedicated restaurant and open kitchen with a focus on spit-roasted meats.

The interior space opens to a large deck with outdoor seating looking over the river, parks and the oval.

As well as beers from Lion brands, including James Squire, Little Creatures and Furphy, as well as limited-edition seasonal brews, the drink selection includes an all-SA wine list and champagne from G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouet.

Head chef Kane Boase, who has experience in the kitchen at 2KW, Fino at Seppeltsfield and Botanic Gardens Restaurant, has created a menu centred on rotisserie-cooked chicken, lamb and beef, available both as sharing plates or in a roll.

Vegetarian plates include salt and pepper tofu with pressed watermelon, mandarins and shallot onions or roasted pumpkin with yoghurt and toasted seeds.

The Malt Shovel’s venue manager, Alison Davis, says it will offer something for everyone.

“We will attract the footy crowd before and after the game but also families attending events on the riverbank and groups who want to call by,” she said.

“We want people to come in with their pets or their kids. The menu is based around the rotisserie which might have a masculine feel but there are a lot of other options for vegetarians and vegans.”