If you’ve ever wandered down Gresham Street in Adelaide and stumbled upon a cozy retreat where the pages of books meet the clink of cocktail glasses, you’ve experienced the unique charm of Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange. This popular European-style small bar has been part of Adelaide’s nightlife for a whole decade, and now it’s time to raise a glass to the place that’s as much about literature as it is about libations.
Since opening in 2014, Bibliotheca has carved out a niche as a rare jewel in the city’s bar scene. Co-founded by Roman and Marina, the bar was born in the wake of 2013 legislative changes that reshaped the city’s nightlife. Rather than follow the crowd at the time, Roman and Marina imagined something different – a space that would combine the cozy charm of an old-school library with the energy and buzz of a modern cocktail bar. The result? A place where book and cocktail lovers could both find something to enjoy, whether it be in the pages of a well-worn paperback or an expertly made drink.
Fast forward to 2024, and Bibliotheca is still going strong, celebrating a 10-year anniversary this month, with a commemoration that’s sure to be one to remember!
To mark their 10-year anniversary, Bibliotheca is planning a special event on December 28th that is sure to be a blast from the past. The event will see bartenders past and present presenting their signature drinks – a tribute to the legacy of Bibliotheca’s ever-evolving cocktail menu.
Expect to see some classic concoctions reimagined, as well as new drinks inspired by literary works and the bar’s history. If you’re a regular, you’ll be in for a treat, and if you’ve never been to the bar, this is the perfect time to experience what makes Bibliotheca so special.
The schedule of bartenders – which almost looks like a DJ lineup – is listed below:
- 8pm: Marina Martel
- 8:30pm: Charlie Brooks
- 9pm: David Dunster
- 9:30pm: Mason Manuel
- 10pm: Miele Bougessis
- 10:30pm: Jake McKinlay
- 11pm: Addison Hadfield
- 11:30pm: Vlad Sapotsko
- 12am: Dan Wall
- 12:30am: Chris Mons
- 1am: Roman Tazhdynov
Over its decade-long journey, Bibliotheca has become a leader in what its team calls a “cocktail renaissance” in Adelaide, with a selection of drinks that pays tribute to the classics while bringing in some creative touches. From timeless Old Fashioneds to innovative takes on iconic cocktails, the bar has the ability to reinvent these drinks, creating fresh flavours that still respect the traditions that made these concoctions famous.
Bibliotheca also unveiled an exciting new addition to its beverage lineup this year: its own gin. The bar’s already impressive gin collection, which showcases labels from around the world, is now complimented by a locally crafted gin, as well as an extensive whiskey collection of over 230 global varieties.
While the cocktails at Bibliotheca are certainly a highlight, what truly sets this bar apart is its collection of books. Shelves upon shelves line the walls, creating the perfect setting for guests to lose themselves in a good read while sipping on a signature cocktail. They’ve got fiction, non-fiction, and poetry; it’s an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city.
Here’s to 10 years of cocktails, books, and the kind of creativity that turns a simple bar into an institution. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
What: The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
Where: 27 Gresham Street, Adelaide
When: Open Monday to Saturday
Instagram: @the_bibliotheca_bar
For more info, click here.
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