A much-loved Hahndorf summer pop-up is entering a new era, with The Wild Pony rebranding as Nevada under new ownership ahead of its October 3 opening party.
After managing the venue for the past couple of years, Sophia Gerstlauer has officially taken over the business, giving the backyard bar a fresh identity while keeping plenty of what regulars already know and love.
Nevada will lean into a desert oasis and “Contiki summer” feel, with a completely refreshed drinks menu, the return of live music and a facelift across the outdoor space.
Tequila might still have a starring role at Nevada, but the new drinks list is much more than margaritas.
Alongside Tommy’s, spicy and passionfruit margaritas, the menu now brings in everything from Aperol Spritzes and Espresso Martinis to a bourbon-based Nevada’s Nectar, Piña Coladas and a whisky Desert Mule.
For groups, there’s also a trio of jugs, including a Paloma, a Nevada-style Ranch Water made with whisky, rum, ginger beer and lime, and the tropical Heatwave.
The Mexican-inspired food menu is staying largely the same, with tacos, nachos, chips and guacamole and fire-roasted elote keeping hungry drinkers fed.
And, of course, the margaritas aren’t going anywhere.
“Definitely our margaritas. They’ll always stay,” Sophia said. “The frozen margaritas as well always do really, really well and people love them.”
There’ll also be plenty of options for those skipping the cocktails, with Corona and Pacifico, wine, HARD cans, Mexican Jarritos and mocktails available.
“I wanted to… keep what people like about it, but also make it mine a bit more,” she said.
The rebrand will also see live music return to the backyard, something Sophia said makes a big difference to the atmosphere.
“I think it’s a really unique venue because it literally is in a backyard, so it feels super intimate,” she said.
Tucked into a backyard on Hahndorf’s main street, Nevada is designed to feel more like a relaxed gathering place than a traditional bar, with Sophia, her brother and her partner all working across the venue.
“We know a lot of the regulars really well, and if people are coming in for the first time, you get that sense straight away.”
The space itself has also had a refresh, with new gravel, tables and chairs giving the outdoor area its biggest facelift since the venue first opened around four years ago.
But for anyone worried The Wild Pony they knew and loved has disappeared completely, Sophia said the heart of the venue remains the same.
“I’ve been there for years, so I very much know the vibe that people come there for,” she said.
“We’re definitely sticking to its roots, but it’s just had a little bit of a glow-up.”
Even the Nevada name may only be around for one season.
Sophia is considering changing the name and identity of the pop-up from season to season, allowing the backyard venue to take on a new personality each summer.
For now, Nevada is getting ready to bring another season of margaritas, live music and backyard hangs to Hahndorf when it reopens on October 3.
Nevada
When: coming October 3
Where: 84 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, South Australia 5245
For more information, click here.
