Bar Cruz is one of two bars joining Justin James’ ambitious 14-seat degustation diner Restaurant Aptos, set in a 156-year-old Adeliade Hills church.

It will have six bar seats and eight dining room seats. When it gets warmer, the team will add another 14 seats in the courtyard.

The drinks list offering is the sort where you could pop in every day and have a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail. There’ll be a big focus on Adelaide Hills wine as well as spirits and beers. James and the team will be making some of its own beer as well.

An à la carte menu of around 12 dishes let’s diners experience the chef’s food in an approachable and affordable format. Some dishes on the menu will come straight from the Aptos menu, plus James’s signature marron dish will be making a comeback.

Restaurant Aptos will open this winter and then will be followed by the openings of Bar Cruz and Bar Mary.