Adelaide nightspot Electra House rebranded to Electra, now a stylish wine bar and eatery

With the city’s nightlife on the wane due to the pandemic, the owners of a popular nightspot decided a major change was needed.

The new Electra on King William St in the city. Pics: Supplied

A popular city nightspot has been transformed into a stylish wine bar and eatery as its owners look to evolve with their customers’ changing needs.

The new Electra – formerly Electra House – on King William St, has shifted away from its nightclub focus and following a major refurbishment, will reopen on Friday as a European-style bar with an expanded menu and a quality wine list.

General manager Chase Baldacchino said Adelaide’s nightlife had been on the wane since the pandemic and a change was needed.

The new Electra on King William St in the city. Pics: Supplied

“Since 2020 we’ve seen the nightclub scene across the city decimated, young people especially no longer want to stay out until the early hours,” he said.

“The hospitality sector in general has changed dramatically and unfortunately we’ve seen a number of venues shut their doors – this year especially – because they couldn’t adapt to the evolving landscape.

“Cost-of-living pressures are also making it tough, so nailing our offering has never been more important.”

First look inside newly-revamped Adelaide bar and nightclub Electra House. Picture: Dean Martin

The new Electra on King William St in the city. Picture: Supplied

As part of the renovations which cost over $250,000, the venue’s Chamber Bar now features added booth seating, plush furnishings, improved acoustics and a “dark, moody palette” inspired by European wine bars.

“We collaborated closely with the designers to emphasise the building’s history rather than modernise the space, paying tribute to its original architecture and timeless character,” Mr Baldacchino said.

There’s a renewed focus on the food, with a range of shared plates paired with an “expanded, more refined” wine list. Functions will also continue to be a key offering at Electra.

“We understand that people are looking for a memorable experience and value for money when planning their nights out,” Mr Baldacchino said.

The new Electra on King William St in the city. Picture: Supplied

First look inside newly-revamped Adelaide bar and nightclub Electra House. Picture Dean Martin

“What sets us apart from other venues in the city is our size and we’ve been clever with the design to make sure it still feels intimate but can also accommodate multiple groups of varying sizes at the same time.”

Electra, located in a 1901 three-storey heritage-listed building opposite Adelaide Town Hall, was dormant for close to 20 years.

After a $10 million mega makeover, it reopened in 2015 with its swanky Chamber Bar, restaurant, beer garden and event ­spaces.