First look: Inside Adelaide’s new five-star hotel restaurant, Penny Blue, and cafe/bar Exchange Lane

Take a sneak peek at the much-anticipated new restaurant and all-day cafe inside the city’s newest five-star hotel.

The $200m Adelaide Marriott’s new five-star restaurant pays homage to its past in the city’s historic GPO building.

The Sunday Mail was given a sneak peek of the hotel’s food and beverage venues, fine dining restaurant Penny Blue and all-day coffee and cocktail bar, Exchange Lane, ahead of its grand opening on Thursday.

Named after a rare stamp, the 126-seat Penny Blue’s sleek yet classic decor matches its modern Australian menu, which adds a new twist to old favourites.

There’s also a stunning private dining room with a wall of black-and-white photographs, capturing former employees of the post office, which operated from 1872 until 2019.

Located nearby is the hotel’s versatile, 88-seat cafe, Exchange Lane, with its lighter, brighter interior, enclosed by large glass windows.

It will serve up breakfast, coffee, and a light lunch, before transforming into an after-dark destination where guests can enjoy wine, cocktails and spirits with a range of share plates.

First look at the new Adelaide Marriott's new venue, fine diner Penny Blue. Executive chef Alex Katsman and restaurant manager Neeraj Soman. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Penny Blue in the new Adelaide Marriott.

The Marriott’s new executive chef Alexandre Katsman said it was “really exciting” to be a part of such a landmark opening in Adelaide.

“This is definitely a luxury property. It stands out in South Australia. It will become the new leader in the hotel space,” he said.

Mr Katsman has more than 20 years experience in the industry, and has previously worked at Stamford Grand, SkyCity Adelaide and The Sofitel Adelaide’s French eatery Garcon Bleu.

The Russian-born chef said a “touch of nostalgia” will be a focus of Penny Blue’s food offering.

“There will be old-school classic dishes all throughout the menu, things like beef wellington is one of our star dishes. It’s absolutely amazing,” he said.

“We’ve built a beautiful team that will produce fantastic food across all the venues.”

Exchange Lane in the new Adelaide Marriott.

The private dining room in the Adelaide Marriott’s fine diner Penny Blue. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Marriott International’s APEC culinary director Raheel Ahmad said their new Adelaide venues would offer “familiar dishes reimagined through a modern lens, infused with local flavours”.

“The result is a balanced offering of healthy and comfort foods that not only satisfy but also invite guests to partake in a rich and engaging culinary story,” he said.

In Adelaide last week, Mr Ahmad said it was important for hotel restaurants to “infuse a sense of fun” and make their dishes “approachable”.

First look at the new Adelaide Marriott's new venue, fine diner Penny Blue. Executive chef Alex Katsman and restaurant manager Neeraj Soman. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

“By weaving local traditions and storytelling into the fabric of their brand, hotels can create authentic and memorable experiences,” he said.

Marriott International will launch the hotel, on the corner of King William and Franklin streets, on August 22.