Coming Soon: East End Cellars Norwood Will Be Reborn as Lola’s

When East End Cellars Norwood opened in 2023, the aim was to transplant the Vardon Avenue atmosphere to Magill Road. Two years on, the same team is transforming the space into its own unique venue.

Enter Lola’s.

The space is being redesigned as a wine-bar-bistro-cocktail-bar hybrid. It’s nimble and will ebb and flow depending on the demands of the day. It’ll be the sort of place where you could order an afternoon pinot, settle in for a round of cocktails, or spend the night boogieing with mates.

East End Cellars operations manager Olivia Gorman is spearheading the change. She describes the vision of the space as being equal parts “fun, cosy [and] approachable.”

Naturally, wine will be available for dine-in and takeaway, but the menu is being supplemented by a tight cocktail list.

The signature cocktail – The Lola – is bright and fruity with Never Never Ginache gin, Aperol, strawberry, sparkling wine and pink grapefruit soda. There are also classics like Negronis, Espresso Martinis, Margaritas and Gibsons – all made with Australian spirits.

The food offering includes oysters with Japanese chilli oil; mussels with sobrasada and fennel; a substantial pork Milanese with salty caper butter, remoulade and rocket salad; and a whipped Basque cheesecake with a ginger crumb.

The space is being redesigned by Adrian Condina.

“The design draws inspiration from the romance and depth of wine itself,” Condina tells Broadsheet. “[The] palette moves through bold rouge, delicate rosé, and the luminous glow of champagne.

“Flexibility lies at the heart of the concept. The quartzite tables can cluster into intimate dining settings or be brought together as a central island … A glass-walled cellar, accented with gold mirror and wine-hued displays, showcases a premium edit of labels.”

On Friday evenings, there are plans to invite DJs in to play vinyl in the space. If the rhythm moves you, you’re welcome to push back your chair and dance.

Lola’s will open at 88 Magill Road, Norwood in early October.