Spellmans’ Social, the popular Glenelg cafe and community hotspot, announced its closure over the weekend after four years of trade.
Ryan Spellman, who runs the business with his sister Emily, shared the news in a heartfelt video on Instagram, thanking the community for support.
As for what brought on the decision, Ryan points to a few things.
“Little bit of business, little bit of personal,” he says.
“It was always risky opening a hospitality venue in the middle of COVID but we took it on and had a crack. The cost of living skyrocketed on the back of COVID and hospitality relies on everyone’s fun money. That’s the first thing to go, all the coffees and the lunches.”
The cafe joins a swathe of business closures in recent months, with notable names like Nu Thai, the Chateau Apollo and Roxie’s corner, and House of George also saying their final goodbyes.
Spellmans’ Social has undoubtedly cemented itself as a much-loved community hub. Born from a shared love of music and hospitality, the brother and sister duo set out to bring “approachable food, good coffee, good booze,” and great live music to the Glenelg community.
The venue has been home to a myriad of different events, including the weekly Railway Blues, which hosted rotating local blues artists, hip hop and funk nights, and “Spellmans’ Trivia,” a packed-out event on the last Friday of the month.
“Being a residential area, it was handy. People didn’t have to go into the city to get their music fix,” says Ryan.
However, their flagship event has been Reggae Fest, which has run for the last two years, and counting.
“At Reggae Fest, we’ve had a couple of islanders from the Pacific Islands come and perform for us. We’ve had curated Carribbean cocktails. It’s like a big house party,” explains Ryan.
Good news for Reggae Fest and event lovers – the party isn’t over completely. The Spellmans’ Social name will live on, you’ll just need to keep an eye out for all the details.
“We’ll still keep the Spellmans’ Social events moving forward. We’ll be running Reggae Fest at the end of this year at one of our favourite local pub beer gardens – that’s currently in the works” he says.
“The events are something we enjoy, and that we’re passionate about and we’ve built a bit of a following with the local community. There’s a really good reggae scene and we want to continue to work in that space.”
While we’re thankful the Spellmans’ music community will continue, it’s clear the cafe’s departure will leave a hole in many hearts. Community members were quick to share their emotional farewells and memories on social media following the news.
“love ya mate! will have to come in for a bev 🥲” shared a supporter, and “You guys have been such a vibe and no doubt will be truely missed! All the best on your next chapter 🤍” shared another.
For Ryan, the announcement made everything real.
“Time flies until you tell people you’re closing down,” he shares.
“When you receive all the love is when it hits you. It’s been pretty humbling and refreshing and we’re really grateful for all the love we’ve received.”
In true send-off fashion, last day of trade will be Thursday the 26th of June, reserving the Friday for takeaway coffee and cranking tunes – because what’s a milestone without a celebration? Not something the Adelaide community is familiar with, that’s for sure.
For those who have enjoyed a cuppa, had a boogie, or newcomers after a caffeine fix with a warm g’day, be sure swing by the Glenelg shop before the doors close.
It’s goodbye for now, but not forever for the Spellmans’ siblings, and we’re excited for what’s to come.
“Nobody really gets into music for the money, you do it for the love of it. Our main focus will be Reggae Fest and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
WHAT: Spellmans’ Social closure
WHERE: 37 Maxwell Terrace, Glenelg
For their Instagram click here.
For their website, click here.
More News
