New look, new name for wine bar and restaurant Apothecary 1878
The old-world feeling has been replaced at the Apothecary, replaced by a new name and a New York vibe.
delicious SA
Don't miss out on the headlines from delicious SA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When sophisticated Hindley St wine bar and restaurant The Apothecary 1878 opened in 2002 it looked nothing like its rag-tag neighbours.
Set amid tattoo parlours, strip joints and fast-food bars, the bistro with its deep mahogany chaise longues and marble floor resembled a 19th-century Parisian bistro.
”Everyone used to call us an oasis in the desert,” says owner Paola Coro.
Now, it’s less 19th-century Parisian bistro and more 1950s New York. And after 17 years, The Apothecary 1878 will be known as Apoteca – Latin or Spanish for, you guessed it, apothecary. This punchy new name change and colour palette is complemented by a new look and menu.
“It’s an evolution,” says owner Paola Coro. “It’s not supposed to be about coming in here and feeling like it’s completely different – it’s about a freshening up of the brand. The burgundy and old-world feeling have gone.”
Gone, too, is the big wrought-iron chandelier that once filled the ground floor ceiling space, replaced by five globe pendant lights supported by antique brass rods, crafted by local lightmaker Robert Kitto.
The private dining room is fitted with another striking Kitto light – a series of globe pendants that form a modern chandelier and illuminate the freshly painted deep green walls.
The new design is by Paola herself – the result of an 11-day stay in New York and a lot of note taking and photographs at hotels, bars and diners.
I came back from New York and went ‘It’s time for a change – an evolution. I’m calling this the evolution of Apothecary,’” she says.
The bar is the main focus of this evolution. White tiles fringe newly mirrored drinks shelving. The wall to the side of the bar is matt gold – to match the tables – while the old pharmacy cabinets on the facing wall are also mirrored and lit internally in a mute orange.
Menus are arriving soon and are changed inside (new summer dishes) and out (wrapped in black and gold). The cocktail list has been extended, the wine list will be rotated more regularly and, thanks to an impending law change, Apoteca will likely feature draught beers for the first time – poured from brass taps of course.
The courtyard, which hasn’t been used for the past two years, is also being reactivated. The space is getting new umbrellas, a lick of paint, new lighting and cushioned seating.
“People have started gravitating to Gresham St, Peel St, Leigh, Solomon St. We’ve been here, close to them, for 17 years,” Paola says. “At first we stuck out like a sore thumb but now we’re part of this scene. It’s the greatest time to be here.”