‘I’m so excited I could almost fall out of my wheelchair’: New accessible bar to open in Port Adelaide

After two consecutive and successful Fringe seasons, a new inclusive and accessible bar is set to permanently open in Adelaide’s northwest in September.

An inclusive and accessible bar will permanently reopen in Port Adelaide after two consecutive and successful Fringe seasons.

Confession, located in an old church on Marryatt St, will open to the public on September 9 because of popular demand.

The venue, described as having “speak easy vibes” and “beautiful character” will fit a crowd of 200 people and will be complete with an “inclusive and accessible dance floor”.

Owner Shane Hryhorec said the idea to permanently establish the bar came after he realised how popular it was during its limited five week opening period in the last two Fringe seasons.

“We were blown away by how busy it was,” he said.

“Since we opened for the first Fringe, people have been wanting it to be a permanent fixture.”

The business owner said he received a lot of good commentary.

“They spoke, we listened and acted upon it,” he said.

Mr Hryhorec said accessibility was his key thought when initially establishing the bar.

Shane Hryhorec will be opening an accessible bar, Confession, in Port Adelaide. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“The key thing was to make sure it was accessible for people with a disability and to employ people with a disability,” he said.

The venue is equipped for both disabled patrons as well as disabled workers and performers.

“We’re very clear and transparent about our access,” he said.

“It’s not just about creating a space punters love, but performers and workers love too.

“(It’s) probably one of the most inclusive and accessible spaces in the state.”

Mr Hryhorec said he has spent time consulting with performers to ensure it is a space they “love to perform at” and has ensured that 100 per cent of the cover charge from the door goes toward the performers.

The bar will cater for everyone with an extensive drinks list including a range of non-alcohol beverages.

Mr Hryhorec said opening the bar has been a dream that he never thought would come true.

“I’m so excited I could almost fall out of my wheelchair,” he said.

The bar, which will be open on Friday and Saturday night, will have an extensive list of DJs, bands and Fringe style variety acts.

Bookings for Confession will open within two weeks.