Images: Jonathan VDK
It’s not every day you walk into a wine bar and get instantly floored by the fit-out. Up until last week this Norwood address was East End Cellars, but you’d hardly recognise it now.
Lola’s opened her doors on Friday. She’s sexy, feminine, and playful, but the design – with velvet curtains, marble benchtops and more shades of pink than you can count – sets her up as much more than a place for a daytime drink.
DJs will spin vinyl on the regular, disco nights are a non-negotiable (there’s literally a disco ball in the bathroom), and there’s even whispers of a makeshift dance floor if the mood strikes.
“Think wine bar, to cocktail bar, to bistro – it’s a place to unwind, connect and relax,” says co-owner and operations manager, Olivia Gorman.
“For the Norwood community and surrounding suburbs, Lola’s is a spot that all can enjoy in whatever way that suits them.”
The interiors, by Adrian Condina of Interior Design Studio, take cues from wine itself, moving through shades of bold rouge, delicate rosé and the “luminous glow of champagne.”
The experience flexes depending on how long you want to stay, but with chef Aarron Robers (formerly of Stem) at the helm, the food is no afterthought.
A quick drop-in might mean a glass of grenache with oysters spiked with Japanese chilli oil or grilled mushrooms with egg yolk and lardo. Dinner could turn into beef tartare with house-made crisps or pork Milanese with caper butter, rocket and remoulade. Settle in fully and you’ll find larger plates like mussels with sobrasada, fregola and fennel.
But whatever you do, don’t skip his take on ‘Fish N Chips,’ with crunchy potato rosti, sliced raw tuna and caviar.
“We wanted a menu that works if you’re just grabbing a quick bite with a glass of wine, but also feels satisfying if you stay for dinner,” says Gorman.
“Aarron has put his own flair into it – fresh food, shareable dishes, flavours that work with the wines.”
The wine list naturally leans on South Australia, though international drops feature too. “We can’t go past celebrating South Australia, given we live in such a great wine state,” Gorman says. “And not to forget, Lola’s also offers takeaway wines and beers.”
Lola’s is a neighbourhood hangout. A place for friends, date nights, celebrations, and the kind of evenings that slide into unexpected fun. And who exactly is Lola? She’s the muse – equal parts disco queen and Norwood’s new girl about town.
“She’s taken on a life of her own – the brand feels like her personality now,” says Gorman.
Lola’s is open six days days a week
What: Lola’s
When: Tuesday to Thursday 4:30pm – late, Friday & Saturday 12pm-late, Sunday 12-7pm
Where: 88 Magill Road, Norwood
@lolasnorwood_
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