Images: Jason Porter
Have you ever been out yonder and stumbled upon one of your new favourite bars or discovered a dessert shop hidden along a packed main street?
Where is yonder? It’s not here, nor there, but somewhere in the distance, and as of now, it’s getting a home in Aldinga.
A new family-run Aldinga cellar door and restaurant is preparing to open, with three sisters behind the concept and a focus on estate-poured wines, craft spirits, tequila, good food and a warm Spanish-style atmosphere.
Chelsea Lunn, Nikki Lunn and Megan Crouch, have made their way from Kangaroo Island and are the owners of Cargo Catering Co. and Jackson Square, and founders of The Speakeasy Hotel mobile bars.
“We’ve recently all found our home in the beautiful Fleurieu and the unique community and lifestyle has inspired us to open something down this way,” Chelsea said.
“We just love the connection to season here, all the beautiful produce is at our doorstep.”
The idea of Yonder is to give locals and the many visitors that make their way through the Fleurieu a place to have a casual, laid back drink and settle in for more than an hour.
“You can pop in for a glass of wine and enjoy some live music, meet some friends for a long lunch or even book a private space for a function.”
The sisters describe the venue as a hacienda, Spanish for a large estate, but Fleurieu coded. Think a warm rustic stone exterior, with green pottery and umbrellas to escape the weather.
“We have our own wine and spirit label created in collaboration with local small batch producers,” Chelsea said.
This means the drinks will have that personal touch that guests won’t be able to put down for long.
“Our cocktail menu is elevated but dangerously drinkable, something we haven’t seen much of down south and we also have a full tequila and mezcal menu.”
“Expect fun things too, like trays of mezcal shots with all the trimmings.”
For those not in the know, Mezcal is a traditional Mexican alcoholic spirit, with earthy, smokey flavours due to the way it’s created.
On the food side of things, Yonder will also be leaning into the Mexican vibes but, keeping it fresh with a mixture of dishes.
“Our food is simple but surprising, it has no specific cuisine but is inspired by big flavours from places like South America and South East Asia,” Chelsea said.
For snacks, the trio is leaning into that Mexican-inspired dining, with simple dishes like chips and salsa to pair with the perfect wine.
“Our mains are an eclectic mix of seasonal share plates to pass amongst friends.”
The family venture is what makes this new venue a point of difference for what’s the community already know.
“Megs heads up a menu to roll with the seasons, Chels is on the drinks and cocktails and Niks is on customer service – she will make sure everyone feels well and truly spoiled!”
The trio hope to see you over Yonder soon.
Yonder
When: Coming late July. Friday 3pm to late, Saturday 12pm to late, Sunday 12pm to 8pm
Where: 11 Stonehouse Ln, Aldinga SA 5173
For more info, click here.
