Why is Kings Head publican Gareth Lewis opening a bottle shop just over 100 metres from an existing one? "Because BWS is shit," he says laughing, insisting "there won't be any common ground" with the chain owned by Woolworths Limited.
Like the hotel that houses it, Sturt Street Cellars sells South Australian-sourced beer and wine. It also reflects the boom in craft spirits over the past five years by stocking only locally produced spirits. For now, that means plenty of aperitifs and gin, just in time for summer.
Free tastings will be held three times a week and there will also be masterclasses in the cellar. Rotating art installations will decorate the space and Lewis is working with "a heap of wine and beer producers" to schedule upcoming launches at the venue.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWOf particular interest to beer lovers is the impressive "crowler" machine. This contraption seals freshly poured brews from the four taps into 948-mililitre cans that will keep for two weeks. These taps will rotate regularly and include a range of limited releases and keg-only offerings from smaller breweries, meaning this will be the only way to take some of these beers home.
Sturt Street Cellars
353-357 King William St, Adelaide
(08) 8212 6657
Hours:
Mon to Fri 11am-9pm
Sat to Sun 10am-10pm