Image Credit: Sweet Amber
After a big day, sometimes all you need is a pint and a pizza to take the edge off, but in Adelaide, if you don’t have your bum on a seat and your order in by 8:30pm, your chances of becoming victim to the dreaded ‘sorry, the kitchen’s just closed‘ line suddenly double.
Luckily, the new owners at Sweet Amber are planning to flip that script.
Taking over the iconic Semaphore venue, the new team – led by Brandon, Andrew and Sam, are stepping into a place they already loved as locals.
“My family and I immigrated to Australia 4 years ago… We have lived in the Semaphore area the whole time and I have really liked Sweet Amber since the first day I walked in,” he shares.
That connection runs deep, and it motivated him to take over this new year, as he couldn’t bear to see it slip to the way-side.
“When I heard it was for sale I couldn’t risk our neighbourhood losing such a great spot.”
Sweet Amber has long been something of a holy grail for beer lovers. A no-fuss, beer-and-pizza haven serving up some of the crispest craft brews and crispiest bases going around, all wrapped in a down-to-earth, laidback atmosphere that somehow makes everything taste even better. It’s the kind of place that feels like a comforting old friend – the go-to for catching up over a pint and a slice.
“I have always loved Sweet Amber for it selection of regional beers, warm vibe and atmosphere, beer garden, and proximity to the beach.”
And with its recently expanded beer garden (complete with a weatherproof marquee, fire pit, and plenty of room to settle in) it’s already a fail-safe option heading into the cooler months.
The new owners are keenly aware of what makes the place tick, and they’re not here to mess with the magic. Instead, they’re layering in a few thoughtful changes, starting with one that might just win over night owls across the west.
“People can’t find anywhere that has an open kitchen after 9pm in Semaphore,” the team shared on socials, suggesting they might just become the suburb’s new late-night go-to.
Behind the scenes, there’s plenty brewing… literally. Brandon brings serious credentials, having founded Resolution Brewing Company in Alaska and developed a passion for Belgian-style beers while living in Brussels.
“Back in Alaska I was also the founder and head brewer of craft brewery named Resolution Brewing Company. We did a fair bit of Belgain inspired beers due to the fondness I grew for them during my time living in Brussels in the later 1990’s early 2000’s.”
Now, alongside co-owner Andrew Bedwell, “a Navy veteran who is an absolute blast to have involed, he loves the place as much as I do and is himself a talented brewer”, the pair are working to revive Sweet Amber’s brewing roots.
“What I am INCREDIBLY excited about is our plans to bring back the brewery aspect of the business. Sweet Amber has not brewed it own for years…”
That revival won’t happen in isolation, either.
“We have made relationship with local brewers which will allow me and Andrew to brew our recipes and have them on tap on Semaphore.”
Rounding out the team is Brandon brother-in-law Sam, who’s bringing fresh energy to the food offering.
“He had brought a incredible energy focused on uping our pizza game, and focusing on a better customer experience.”
And it shows, early crowd favourites are already emerging.
“Right now it’s the Belgian Dubbel from Prancing Pony… The Smoked Alaskan Old Fashioned for sure… The Yiro Pizza in particular has been a hit.”
Add in weekly drink specials – $8 tinnies for Tinnie Tuesday, $20 jugs on Thirsty Thursday, and $8 pints, wines and spirits from 5–7pm on Fridays and Saturdays – and suddenly your week starts looking a lot more social. Then there’s the Semaphore Sunday Sessions, where pints, pizza, and live music roll well into the evening, backed by an ever-changing lineup of craft beers.
But for Brandon, we asked him what the pairing is that he just can’t go past.
“Try the Smoked Chicken Pizza along with our new ‘Smoked Alaskan’ Old Fashioned.. They pair amazingly.”
Sound like something up your alley? Why not pay the new owners a visit and pop in to say hello!
A new era for Sweet Amber
Where: 67A Semaphore Rd, Semaphore SA 5019
When: Tuesday – Wednesday 4pm – 9pm, Thursday 4pm – late, Friday – Saturday, 12 pm – Late, Sunday 12pm – 9pm
For more information, click here.
