Sorcerer’s Bar owners sets sights on pirate-themed spin-off

The pandemic’s economic headwinds have not blown the owners of a wizard-themed bar off of their course towards a new horizon.

Arcade-themed bar Power-up owner Than Rattanakosit. Picture: Morgan Sette

The owners of a popular wizard-themed bar are preparing to set sail with their latest venture.

Than Rattanakosit and his sister, Tira, started popular wizard-themed The Sorcerer’s Bar on Bank Street in the city last year.

They have also recently opened Power Up, an arcade game-inspired bar on Leigh Street, and are preparing to launch The Caribbean, a pirate-themed venue opposite The Sorcerer’s.

Mr Rattanakosit said themes helped bring a raised level of enjoyment to Adelaide’s night-life.

Choosing the specific themes aligned with his and his sister’s personal passions, along with ideas they thought would attract patrons, Mr Rattanakosit said

Than Rattanakosit owns Power-Up along with his sister Tira. Picture: Morgan Sette

“With the Sorcerer’s Bar, we looked at drinks that would bring people in and had to fit the wizard theme,” Mr Rattanakosit said. “So, smoky effects and colour shifts were chosen.

“Initially, we thought it would bring a certain group, but it’s been people of all ages and interests. It caters for everyone.”

Power Up is fitted out with several classic arcade machines, with games such as Street Fighter and Super Mario adding to the bar’s array of gaming-themed cocktails.

“We wanted to bring something new and different to Adelaide’s night-life,” Mr Rattanakosit said.

“Really, it was to give the patrons something different, and contribute overall to the night-life.”

The Buffalo, the week it was demolished in 2019. Picture: Dean Martin

The Caribbean – their “biggest project” to date – will cater for 120 people.

Taking its inspiration from the highly popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, starring Johnny Depp, Mr Rattanakosit said he was “excited” to bring the project to life.

The Rattanakosit siblings’ creation of themed venues has followed the loss of staples such as The Buffalo and The Night Train restaurants.

The Buffalo restaurant at Glenelg, a replica ship on the bank of the Patawalonga River, closed for business in 2013. The ship was demolished in 2019.

The Jungle, Kent Town Hotel. Picture: Noelle Bobrige

Another themed venue, The Kent Town Hotel, or The Jungle, as its more commonly known, will likely make way for an $8m, three-storey tourist accommodation building that has recently been approved for the hotel. But revellers looking for a themed night out still have several venues to enjoy around the city.

The Woolshed on Hindley Street, a staple of Adelaide’s club scene, is a country-styled bar that is home to a mechanical bull and outback-themed paraphernalia.

New kid on the block, Loverboy, on Hindley Street, has attracted revellers thanks to its neon signs and pop culture artwork