Image credit: Korked
Korked was a Port Adelaide staple for years and was much beloved by locals until it closed its doors mid-2022. Now, after a mysterious social media post by the bar, the old Korked community has come out in droves to discuss the details.
Owner Sandy Ormsby was pretty happy with the post’s reception. “The only thing I’ve done is post a picture, and the crowd’s gone wild,” Sandy joked.
“It’s gone ballistic,” Sandy laughed. “It’s full on! I did not expect it at all and its blown me away – I’m stoked. Maybe a little bit scared, but stoked.”
The bar will make its way down the coast to Semaphore, with a stunning coastal view from every single point in the venue. Tucked in next to the lighthouse, Korked’s new location is set to be 6 Semaphore Road, Semaphore. The location was the home of La Adelita Mexican Cantina until its recent closure.
Korked will be open four nights a week with live music each night from Thursday to Sunday. Although the official opening date is still under wraps, renovations are moving quickly, and it’s likely you’ll get some updates from the bar very soon.
With signs, just like the old ones expected to be lifted over the long weekend, the space will almost be ready for patrons. The walls are all getting a refresh, and the biggest renovation will be the bar itself. The central area has been gutted with a whole new bar set to be installed.
Renovations at the new Korked location
Sandy says you can expect a whole lot of the original charm that exuded from the original Port Adelaide location, with a few little twists and updates. “I’m still going to incorporate lounges and couches, that sort of comfiness,” Sandy said. “I want it to be cruisy and chilled. It’ll be along the lines of the original Korked because it had its own feel and its own community.”
“There are also a few extra surprises that I won’t share because I don’t want anyone to know just yet,” Sandy laughed.
The venue will be branded a lounge bar, rather than just a wine bar, for the sake of welcoming cocktail lovers, spirit drinkers, wine connoisseurs and even non-drinkers through the doors. “There will definitely be Redskin shots” (made from the iconic Allens lollies now known as Red Ripperz) Sandy said. “And of course, 99% of the wines will be local.”
On the food menu, you’ll find a selection of small plates that you can order in a tapas style, all with a home-cooked feel.
After finishing up with the old bar in Port Adelaide, Sandy had her sights on Semaphore, but not before a bit of a break. “Plus,” Sandy said, “It’s taken this long to find the right place, and oh have I ever!”
“There are 5 rooms inside, and there’s a massive balcony all the way around in an L-shape. Doesn’t matter where you stand, you can see the sea,” Sandy said.
“It’s f***ing wicked!”
Sandy’s journey through Adelaide’s hospitality scene is one for the books. She started at The Holdfast Hotel in Glenelg before spending a decade at Lennies Tavern in Glenelg, one of Adelaide’s first nightclubs. From there, she moved down the coast to manage the Palais Hotel for nearly eight years. Her first venture into bar ownership came with a wine bar on Semaphore Road, tucked up on the first floor, next to Foodland. After working on projects with several other hotels, she launched Korked in Port Adelaide. Now, she’s back in Semaphore, bringing her wealth of experience to Korked’s brand new location on the waterfront.
With the excitement already building, it won’t be long before locals can raise a glass at the new Korked—this time, with the best seats in Semaphore.
Korked Lounge Bar
Where: 6 Semaphore Road, Semaphore SA 5019
When: Coming soon, date TBA
Hours: Thurday – Sunday nights
For updates, follow along on the Korked Facebook page.
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