First Look: Hains & Co Unveils Admiral’s Quarters, a Refined Bar With 620 Whiskies

Over several years, the space above Hains & Co was known as Ralph Louis Frederick, named after the grandfather of its owner, Marcus “The Admiral” Motteram. It was an under-the-radar, invite-only space where regulars sipped high-end whisky. But despite being only a flight of stairs away, it never quite felt part of the bar below.

“Rather than changing the space upstairs, we’re just evolving it and opening it up to a broader audience, making it less intimidating and more accessible,” says Motteram. Opening this week, the space is now Admiral’s Quarters, a nod to his nickname.

With its new identity, the reworked 50-seat venue now has expanded seating and a full bar, which looks beyond spirits and offers a more approachable way to explore the 620-bottle whisky collection Motteram has spent almost a decade building.

The change creates two distinct experiences in the Gilbert Place bar. Downstairs has what Motteram calls a “wonderful, fun, casual raucousness”; upstairs takes its cues from the refined surrounds of a naval officer’s private quarters, with leather lounges, dim lighting, a jazzy, French-inspired soundtrack and a balcony overlooking Edmund Wright House.

On the back wall is a set of 15 ornate whisky lockers, each housing a bottle of whisky, which can be bought from the bar and kept under lock and key for guests to come back to over a three-month period.

The backbar is lined with whisky, and lots of it: everything from approachable pours to rare independent bottlings. But Motteram doesn’t want Admiral’s Quarters to be reserved for aficionados.

“We are for the whisky curious,” he says. “Our job is to take any intimidation away, and really be the spirit guides for them – find out what they like, and then guide them to something they’re really going to enjoy.”

Rather than handing guests an encyclopaedic list, staff talk through flavours, taste profiles and guests’ previous experiences with the spirit. Half measures encourage exploration, while those who aren’t quite ready to down a neat dram can ease in with a whisky cocktail instead.

The cocktail list focuses on classics rather than trends. “A bartender’s birthright is to know how to make a great classic cocktail,” Motteram says. Expect Whisky Sours, Old Fashioneds and a Sazerac, one of his favourites. The bar also looks beyond whisky with plenty of gin, rum, tequila and more on offer.

The food selection keeps things snacky, with smaller versions of Hains’s Seapigs sausage rolls, seasoned sweet potato fries, and golden haloumi bites with lemon and honey.

Cigars remain part of the experience, with a clutch of 40 cigars available to enjoy on the balcony lounge.

For Motteram, Admiral’s Quarters gives Hains & Co regulars, whisky lovers or not, somewhere to change gears. “Upstairs, it’s perfect for that quieter conversation – and to give yourself a little break from the hustle and bustle of life.”

Admiral’s Quarters

Upstairs, 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide

(08) 8410 7088

Hours:

Wed to Sat 5pm–late

www.hainsco.com.au/pages/admirals-quarters

@hainsco