Image credit: Kelsey Zafiridis Photography
Tucked away in the back streets of Westside suburb Thebarton is Mister Sunshines—a cafe for the retro-lovers and those who like a bit of 70s rock with their morning coffee. Think green vintage floor tiles and classic retro tables with vinyl chairs (just like you’d find at Nonna’s house) combined with always-winning food, delicious coffee and those warm, welcoming vibes that keep locals and Adelaidians coming back time and time again.
And, although this popular South Aussie cafe has been around since 2016, it’s recently undergone a bit of a makeover, expanding the venue with courtyard seating and the addition of the Sunshine Studio—an extension of the already existing cafe and a new space that’s now available for private functions and events.
Lauro, owner, operator and a familiar face in SA’s cafe scene, who previously owned the Adelaide institution East Terrace Continental, shares his inspiration and motivation behind the new developments.
‘This new extension at Mister Sunshines was really an opportunity to revisit some of the things we did at East Terrace Continental and was inspired by the cafe dining scene back then’, says Lauro. ‘Even more so, it was a chance to explore what makes Mister Sunshines so popular and the place that it’s known and loved for—the music, the vibe, and how people feel when they come here.’
The new extension and renovated space features indoor booth seating and an inviting rear private courtyard with ambient lighting, which radiates those vintage vibes that can be felt throughout the venue and are perfect to set the tone for any event.
As a fully licenced spot, Mister Sunshine’s can host up to 150 guests, both indoors and outdoors combined, and soon will have a bar set up to complete the retro aesthetic, serving a selection of cocktails, SA wines, and refreshing bevvies.
‘We now have an extensive wine list available that’s grown, allowing for a longer lunch or more complete dining experience, with a regional selection of wines and spirits’, says Lauro.
The exclusive functions menu at Sunshine Studio can be customised to your preferences and features innovative dishes that are perfect for events and sharing.
And, when it comes to the tunes, Lauro and the crew at Mister Sunshines know how important music is in creating any atmosphere, and the new set-up at Sunshine Studio welcomes DJs, live musicians or your Nanna’s retro vinyl collection if you’re that way inclined which can be spun on their in-house decks (you can also check out their classic playlist on Spotify!).
For events, the team at Mister Sunshines are there to facilitate and help you execute your ideas to ensure everything runs as smoothly as Stevie (aka Mr. Wonder).
‘I’m blown away by the response we’ve had so far following our expansion’, says Lauro. ‘People walk in here every day and are always impressed by the space. I guess it’s different to what’s out there—it’s something they feel connected to and takes them back to a more simpler time.’
‘The initial vision I had and the brief I gave the designer that I’m collaborating with was to make the space look like it has been here forever, which I feel like we’ve achieved’, says Lauro.
‘Even though to some people it feels like Mr Sunshines has changed, it hasn’t. We’ve simply just grown up, but it’s the same food, same quality coffee and same feel-good friendly vibes that we’ve had since the beginning.’
If you’ve never been to Mister Sunshines, then make a booking for your next weekend brekky date, lunch with friends or allow the team to host your next celebration or special event in this newly refurbished and wholesome space.
The Sunshine Studio is available for booking between the hours of 3 pm and 11:30 pm and can be hired exclusively with a minimum spend. Further details as to what this includes can be discussed upon enquiry, and the team are happy to chat and customise the perfect Sunshine Studio package for you.
You’ll find this cosy nook beneath the towering lemon-scented gum tree at the juncture of George Street and Admella Lane—which was once a historic shipment point linking Adelaide, Melbourne and Launceston. Now, this beloved cafe continues to be that meeting spot—where folks come together to connect and share good times with a retro twist!
Mister Sunshines/Sunshine Studio.
Where: 32 George St, Thebarton SA 5031
When: Monday-Sunday, 7 am- 3 pm, Sunshine Studio, 3 pm-11:30 pm.
To book or for further info, click here or follow @mistersunshines.
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