Foreshore bar’s fun element a vital part of Holdfast Bay mix, says mayor

Despite a disastrous start to the summer, Moseley Beach Club owners RD Jones Group are looking forward to working with Holdfast Bay Council to bring the foreshore venue back later this year.

Kris Ball serves up cocktails to Riley Marshall and Mel Paxton ahead of the Moseley Beach Club's return last summer. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

• Moseley Beach Club back for more summer fun
• Benefits outweigh the risks, says council
• Should Glenelg’s sand bar come back this summer?
• Beach bar could pave way for more licensed foreshore venues

THE Moseley Beach Club has been packed up for winter – but venue operators are keen to return to the Glenelg foreshore next summer.

Despite a disastrous start to the trading period – with a devastating storm on November 21 forcing the bar to temporarily close down – owners RD Jones Group said they were “looking forward” to working with Holdfast Bay Council to bring it back later this year.

When it was launched in 2017, the Moseley Beach Club attracted criticism from some sections of the Glenelg community who argued that a private business shouldn’t be allowed to trade on a public beach.

However, RD Jones Group operations manager Luke Donaldson said the beachside venue – set up on a 750sq m section of the foreshore and featuring a mix of day beds, sun lounges, casual dining, a bar and live music – seemed to be better accepted second time around.

“Local, interstate and international visitors have all been ecstatic with the beach club, and our return visitation showcased this – particularly with an increase of local residents,” Mr Donaldson said.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson has backed plans for the Moseley Beach Club to return next summer.

“We were constantly receiving rave reviews, as travellers had experienced something similar in other parts of the world, but never before in Australia.

“We were thrilled with the opportunity to bring back Australia’s first beach club, and showcase Glenelg to the world.”

Mr Donaldson said the venue had gained overseas exposure through Greek and New Zealand media coverage, while online social influencers from China and Malaysia had also visited.

He said while adverse weather had hit the venue several times since November, staff had “worked hard” to reduce the time closed.

Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson said she would like to see the beach club return.

“I hope it’s on the cards for next summer,” she said.

“But it will be up to them to make the application as required through council.

“But I think it’s important for Holdfast Bay to have it.

“It adds a fun element to Jetty Rd and Moseley Square at that time of the year and I’m sure it would be missed if it didn’t operate again.”

Ms Wilson said that after the venue’s storm-ravaged start she was unaware of any issues and had personally received “only one complaint” relating to the beachside venue.

Port Adelaide footballers Travis Boak and Jack Watts with Stella from Kalou Models at the Moseley Beach Club ahead of a fundraising swimwear fashion show last year. Picture: Bianca De Marchi