Drag performer to reopen the Colonel Light Hotel

A CBD hotel that called last drinks five years ago has reopened – and do not expect it to be a drag.

The Colonel Light Hotel will reopen its doors five years after the pub called last drinks.

Brock Phillips has taken over the state heritage-listed Light Square hotel that will now be known as Tallula Bright at the Colonel Light, which is a nod to his drag queen alias.

The revamped pub includes a large upstairs function area, a wine and cocktail bar and spaces for dinner shows including drag performers.

Mr Phillips, 65, says he wants the venue to be an “entertainment centre” that embraces Adelaide’s arts scene.

He says the pub will be family-friendly.

“We want to support as many local artists as we can in the area,” he says.

Mr Phillips closed his first cafe – Tullula Bright Emporium – in Exeter this month to allow for the move to the Adelaide CBD.

The Colonel Light will reopen after shutting its doors five years ago. A drag performer named Tallula Bright is the new owner. Picture: Russell Millard

He says it was important to him to keep the Tullula branding.

“This property in the CBD came up so it was easy for me to pick up and leave Semaphore Rd and not lose that identity,” the North Haven local says.

“Tallula is known for her desserts, especially her homemade cheesecakes.”

The Colonel Light Hotel closed in 2017 after the Federal Court approved a winding up application to have its then controlling company, Dare N Hotels and Entertainment, declared insolvent.