A forgotten building in the heart of Light Square in the CBD is stepping back into the spotlight. The multi-level venue has reopened, and it shifts effortlessly between a daytime grab-and-go coffee spot to a late-night social hub.
After sitting empty for almost five years, the team behind ‘Boss of Clouds’ on O’Connell Street have revamped and reinvigorated this iconic spot that locals have been yearning for years. The Reserve Social at Light Square opened its doors last weekend, and it’s had an extremely successful opening.
The business is a family venture, but at the forefront is Pratima. “The opening was really good, people came in, tried the food, we received feedback, and now we know what we can add or change,” she said.
Without a doubt, the busiest part of the venue is the balcony upstairs. The Reserve Social isn’t just a restaurant and bar; it’s also a premium shisha lounge.
It isn’t just the shisha that is getting people through the door. Pratima says the cocktails on offer have been a standout success. She said she has not seen a single one unfinished, and the range takes inspiration from around the world. Most notably, the masala espresso martini features cardamom, which gives it a warm flavour.
The venture started because Pratima had always wanted to open her own coffee shop. She loves coffee and has sourced coffee from Melbourne to find a product for her customers that isn’t bitter. As a place that’s just opened, Pratima is welcoming feedback and wants The Reserve Social to be perfect and back to its former glory.
The Reserve Social, located at 141 Currie Street in the CBD, has taken over the large heritage building that used to be the Colonel Light Hotel. It closed in 2022, but this historic building has been a pub since 1849. In its time, it has had many names, but it remained unchanged from 1970 until its closing. Pratima heard people’s calls to reopen the place, and now she’s done it and is already planning ahead.
Currently, The Reserve Social is open midday until midnight Sunday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday, they are open midday until 4am. The food menu included pub classics like schnitzels and burgers, but Pratima has plans to introduce fish and chips, finger food options and more. Menu changes will begin next week, and she is eager to please more customers.
Also starting next week are extended opening hours. Remember those coffees? The Reserve Social will open earlier for office workers to pop in and get their coffee fix.
With additions to be made but already thriving after a successful opening weekend, The Reserve Social isn’t showing signs of slowing down.
The Reserve Social
Where: 141 Currie Street, Adelaide
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday (midday – 12am) & Friday and Saturday (midday – 4am) HOURS TO CHANGE
For more information, click here.
