Battle for Adelaide’s food and booze lovers heats up as major projects lift spirits

Big projects in the east and west ends have buoyed the hopes of pubs and restaurants on both sides of the city, shrugging off fears Adelaide’s food and drink scene has become over-catered.

Paloma Bar. Luke Fleming (R) with Kate Farrow at the bar. The River Torrens precinct project will be finishing soon, bringing in more people to the city. Photo Sam Wundke

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The battle for the hearts, minds and dollars of restaurant and pub goers is heating up with the head of the hospitality industry predicting an east end versus west end battle on the horizon for Adelaide’s CBD.

Progress at Lot Fourteen – at the eastern end of North Terrace – and the riverbank precinct rejuvenation – at the western end – is even creating concerns that supply could soon outstrip demand.

But industry heavyweights are embracing the competition arguing it can only enhance the experience for customers and Adelaide’s reputation as a premium food and booze destination.

Australian Hotels Association South Australia boss Ian Horne told the Sunday Mail new developments for the Riverbank, which will include bars and restaurants, is going to keep punters at the North Terrace side of the city.

“I think the centre of Adelaide is very much going to be North Terrace and there’s going to be a battle between the east and the west as to who gets the lions share of customers,” he said.

“I think any business that is not in those areas is going to struggle.

“We are soon going to have enormous levels of competition and whether or not we can sustain it with negative population growth will be the challenge over the next decade.”

Mr Horne said east end traders probably see themselves as “being perhaps a more sophisticated offering” while the west end would see itself as a “bit more flashy and a bit more bold and out there.”

Industry giant Steve Maras, the group managing director of Maras Group that owns many iconic Rundle Street buildings including the Stag Public House and Belgian Beer Cafe, said post-COVID-19 the east end had been trading well despite thousands of workers leaving the old hospital site.

“Previously we may have been reliant on hospital patronage spilling across North Terrace and others who are coming in now it has become more destination driven,” Mr Maras said.

Stag employees Jamie Huffam and Jack Booker have noticed a boost in trade with Lot 14 going ahead. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“I’ve never been into the east versus west idea. I’m a big believer in a central city that works as one rather than fragmented city. Market forces will always dictate winners and losers.”

Mr Maras said one of the biggest challenges was that the office population had not returned to the city yet and the speed in which office workers, and international students, return will dictate the speed of the recovery.

High-profile Martin Palmer – the owner of 2KW and the Paloma Bar and Pantry in the west end, agreed.

“The city itself hasn’t bounced back fully since we went into Covid lockdown in April and May, it is improving but we certainly need more people coming back to the city.”

“The west end is the destination its own right and then people find where they fit,” he said.

“Hindley Street is very much youth entertainment orientated but then you get quite a bit of other stuff like the laneways that add their own flavour and colour.

“I think the more options there are in the city the better.”

Daren Pearce and Steve Grace from the Malt Shovel Taphouse expect the riverbank project to attract new customers to their area. Picture: Sam Wundke

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Paloma Bar and Pantry manager Luke Fleming said Hindley Street will always be a drawcard for 18 to 21 year-olds looking for a party vibe, but venues like his that focuses on punchy spirits, with bright fresh flavours and 80s music, highlighted the diversity of the area.

“Everywhere kind of has their own set identity and then hopefully every time you go into a different bar it is memorable and you experience something new,” he said.

On the riverfront Malt Shovel Taphouse manager Darren Pearce said he was excited about the revitalisation of the Riverbank Precinct.

“It will complement the existing attractions and draw additional visitors and locals as a true entertainment destination,” he said.

Our current customer base spans Adelaide Oval event goers, theatre goers or those simply enjoying a drink after work or a night out in the city.

“We expect our clientele to further diversify with the hive of activity that the new Precinct will create.”