Adelaide is gaining a brand new wine and cocktail bar that will be the latest addition to Leigh Street’s trendy bar scene.
The old Leigh Street Luggage shop will reopen in November this year under the same name, now as a European-inspired wine and cocktail bar.
Located in the premises formerly occupied by the travel goods retailer, the bar will feature two distinct but integrated spaces – a sophisticated cocktail and wine bar at the front, leading to a casual bar at the back, celebrating Australia’s finest boutique whiskey, gin, beer and food producers.
The cocktail and wine bar will retain the Leigh Street Luggage name and pay tribute to the travel goods retailer in its fit-out, which has been designed by specialist Adelaide-based interior designers Faculty.
Shanin Chegini who co-owns the bar alongside Andrew Razzano and Robbie Behard developed his interest and knowledge of European-style cocktails and wines while working at some of Melbourne’s most prominent venues. He said he was looking forward to injecting something new into Adelaide’s maturing small bar scene.
“In the front bar the cocktails will have a real European influence and will be something for more of the mature or refined palate – lots of amaro, vermouths, digestifs, with a focus on local producers,” he said.
The food offering will complement the drinks list. Cheese and charcuterie sourced from local producers will be on offer in the cocktail and wine bar. There are also plans to serve jaffle toasties with a gourmet twist at the back, together with other snacks.
“I’m really passionate about supporting local producers and that will also be a strong focus for the back bar, which I like to call ‘fine diving’ – an unpretentious space that welcomes everybody to experience Australian products done well. It will be more laid back but we won’t compromise on quality.”
“Adelaide’s West End has been transformed during my time away and it’s really exciting to be home and to be a part of the evolution of the city’s small bar scene.”
The venue will be licensed for up to 120 people and will include outdoor seating for up to 24 customers, with a separate entrance to the rear bar via an alleyway next to Alec’s Hairdressers.
Fit-out works are underway, ahead of an expected opening date in early November.
You will find Leigh Street Luggage at 22a Leigh St, Adelaide SA 5000
For updates follow Leigh Street Luggage on Instagram here.