There’s an old-world charm about a night at the movies. The anticipation of finally seeing that new release you’ve been counting down for, the quiet debate over choc-top or popcorn, and the giddy whispers in the air as the previews roll.
Step inside the newly renovated Piccadilly in North Adelaide, and that sense of nostalgic, cinematic magic is alive and well. Only now, it’s freshly wrapped in plush Art Deco luxury.
Nearly three years after the Wallis family unveiled Stage One of their grand vision for the heritage-listed cinema, Stage Two is now complete, officially opening its doors to the public this week.
The focus this time has been on the two downstairs auditoriums, each fully transformed with decadent touches that pay homage to the building’s history while elevating the experience to boutique “gold-class standards, but better.”
There’s deluxe armchairs, two-person sofas, and chaise lounges, all dressed in soft forest green and black suede, and paired with lamp-lit consoles, footrests, and scatter cushions. It’s intimate, elegant, and designed so you never want to leave your seat – hold that thought.
While the aesthetics hold onto their heritage, the Piccadilly experience is contemporarised in the best way. Scan the QR code by the seat, browse the chef-designed menu, and your order is delivered swiftly and silently to your seat by attentive staff. The film, and your comfort, remain uninterrupted, mid-movie snack bar runs are fortunately now a thing of the past.
The menu also goes well beyond standard movie fare. Make-your-own charcuterie and cheese platters, sliders, pizzas, and fries lead the savoury line-up, while chocolate pudding, waffles, ice cream, or a “sinful platter of decadent sweets” offer the perfect finisher.
Drinks come from an extensive list of curated wines, craft beers, cocktails, and even indulgent touches like an affogato.
But beyond the boutique spaces, The Piccadilly has plenty more to offer. The programming spans everything from new releases and cult classics to retro marathons, Girls’ Night Out events, and series-based sessions.
Upstairs, Cinema 1 still boasts stadium-style seating and one of the state’s largest screens, and the only one that shows films on 35-millimetre, taking you straight back to the black and white silver screen.
Of course, no visit to Piccadilly is complete without a stop at its striking Art Deco lounge bar. Perfectly positioned on O’Connell Street, it’s both a stunning and convenient backdrop for a pre-movie drink, a quick aperitif before dinner along the strip, or a post-film debrief. And with its intimate glow, golden accents and standout drinks list, it holds its own against North Adelaide’s specialty bars.
The revamp is the latest chapter in a building that has been part of Adelaide’s cinematic story since 1940, when theatre magnate Dan Clifford opened it as a grand theatre for North Adelaide. Today, under Wallis Entertainment’s stewardship, The Piccadilly continues to offer a unique mix of heritage architecture and modern elegance. And in its fresh new skin, it might just be the most stylish way to see a film in South Australia.
So whether you’re chasing the newest blockbuster, a classic on the big screen, or simply a night out with a touch of glamour, The Piccadilly’s luxe new space is ready to roll the credits on ordinary cinema experiences.
Doors to the new downstairs luxury boutique experience swing open this week
What: The Piccadilly downstairs cinema revamp
Where: 181 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
When: From this week
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