When Angler Stirling opened in 2020 it redefined South Australia’s seafood scene. Run by aunt-nephew duo Amanda Prance and executive chef Sam Prance-Smith, the pair were the first in the state to dry-age fish, and quickly built up a cult-following – particularly among chefs.
Whenever we ask top Adelaide chefs to share their favourite fish’n’chippers, Angler is the name on everyone’s lips. Callum Hann called Prance-Smith SA’s answer to Josh Niland; Tom Tilbury called it “easily my favourite place”; and Scott Huggins said you couldn’t beat it for fresh fish.
Despite this acclaim, the Angler team has announced the shop will close permanently on Sunday July 7.
“It is with gratitude and sadness that we share the news that Angler Stirling will not be renewing our lease,” said the statement on Instagram. “Unfortunately, our business is just not viable in this location.
“Since we opened in 2019, we have watched the landscape of Stirling change dramatically. Whilst drastic events like the Woolworths fire are obviously very impactful, it is important not to ignore the ‘slow death’ of shops which were once a permanent fixture of our community. Each of these shops were so much more than the products they sold, and each loss leaves behind an empty void in the fabric of Stirling.
“While we can choose to blame our circumstances or defer responsibility, the simple truth is that local business cannot thrive without people in our community who will walk down the main street to buy something from the plethora of unique offerings and everyday essentials … it’s our responsibility to preserve and support our remaining businesses.”
The closure is the latest in a string of losses for the Adelaide hospitality scene, but Angler’s mission to promote sustainable and ethically sourced seafood will continue through Fair Seafood, the team’s bar and kitchen in Adelaide Central Markets.
