Current Issue #488

Adelaide's hospitality scene explores social distance dining to keep doors open

Sia Duff
Soi 38

New social distancing measures and a ban on non-essential mass gatherings have added fresh uncertainty to South Australia’s bar, cafe and restaurant sector. Here’s how many of them are taking steps to continue serving through the storm, for as long as it’s safe to do so.

Update 23 March: With the federal government’s latest measures forcing all licensed pubs and clubs to shut, and all cafes and restaurants to close unless only operating as takeaway outlets, the information below is now out of date. Head here to find out what restaurants are working to continue operating on a takeaway-only basis.

While many South Australians are able to comfortably work from home as a precautionary step, this is evidently not an option for our bars, cafes and restaurants, a sector run on often-thin margins and staffed by a notably casualised work force. In short: if no one’s buying coffees, a lot of people aren’t paying rent.

Until any further news from the government, balancing these priorities with the need to limit any potential for community transmission is an ongoing challenge. While some have gone as far to launch crowdfunding campaigns to keep their doors open, others have been taking steps to minimise risk for their staff and patrons. While many are responding by stepping up their existing hygiene practices and shaking up their floorpans to allow diners and staff to maintain a safe distance, others are pivoting to takeaway-driven models, along with cashless transactions and bans on reusable cups.

Here is an updating list of places around Adelaide that have outlined how they’ll continue to trade into the future. But, as with all things COVID-19 related the situation may change so please click through the links to check for any new information. And in case it needs repeating: wash your hands, keep your distance, and if you feel unwell, stay home.


Sparkke at the Whitmore
Sia Duff

Sparkke at the Whitmore

Restructured seating, new takeaway menu, free online shipping for bottle shop

“We have implemented social distancing measures across our venue – this includes the spacing and layout of tables, as well as number of patrons in any single area.

“And as of today, we’ve introduced a new lunch menu – Haute Lunches, available across the casual dining areas of Sparkke at the Whitmore. Each hearty and generous dish is priced at $15 and can be eaten in or taken away.”

– via Facebook


Jonathan VDK

Osteria Oggi

Open, reduced capacity, takeaway encouraged

“We have reduced our capacity to ensure there is plenty of personal space between our customers.

“For those choosing to stay at home, you can call ahead and enjoy Oggi as a takeaway meal, or if you want us to tailor a specific take-home meal for you, your family, or gatherings at home, call us and we will accommodate.”

– via Facebook


Minestra
Sia Duff

Minestra

Reduced seating, cashless, takeaway and delivery incoming

“We’ve pulled out some seats and a table or two to make more space between customers.

“We’ll be keeping shakers, pots and magazines off tables unless required, and we’ll be sanitising surfaces much more often. We’ll stay open while it is safe and responsible to do so.

– via Facebook


Soi 38
Sia Duff

Soi.38

Takeaway only, no shared dishes, cashless, takeaway encouraged

“While we ride this crazy wave, we have made some changes to our operations so that we can support our staff in the long term, and keep the health of our guests and staff as our priority.

“We are working towards a home delivery option in the coming days, directly from us to you. Stay tuned to social media and our website for more details soon.”

– via Facebook


Jonathan VDK

Africola

Reduced capacity, increased hygiene and service measures

“Like other hospitality operators, we are being extra vigilant with monitoring the health of our staff, increasing rigorous cleaning and service practices and aim to reduce seating where appropriate for the comfort and safety of our guests. We will continue to follow the advice of the government and make sure we are doing the right thing.”

– via Instagram


Sia Duff

Fino Vino

Increased hygiene measures

We ensure that all our facilities at our premises will be cleaned before and after your visit. Our staff will be keeping up very rigourous hygiene procedures, both on their person and also in our restaurant space. All high-contact areas will be disinfected regularly.

– via Facebook 


The Colonist

Cashless payment encouraged, outdoor seating, increased hygiene measures, online menus

“Our intention is to continue to trade during this time. Whilst doing so we have (and will) provide the safest possible environment for our patrons, staff and all visitors to the hotel.”

– via Facebook


Madre Adelaide
Sia Duff

Madre

Reduced capacity and altered seating, increased hygiene measures

“As it stands, we are continuing to trade in line with the current advice given by the Australia Department of Health and the State Government. In saying that, we have taken steps to try and minimise the threat of contagion.”

– via Instagram


https://www.instagram.com/p/B5v8ICwDjl1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Exchange Specialty Coffee

Adjusted seating, cashless, no keep cups

“We are closely monitoring the health of our staff and ensuring Exchange is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. We have also adjusted our seating arrangements to ensure your comfort.

“We’re doing all we can to mitigate risk at present. If you’d like to support us, and can’t visit us in person right now, you can purchase gift cards online.

– via Facebook


The Golden Wattle
Sia Duff

The Golden Wattle

Reduced capacity, takeaway encouraged

“We are still cookin’ away on the red gum grill and we are more than happy to organise take-away orders that you can pick up or we can drop in the back of your Schnitzel-Getaway-Vehicle in the loading zone out the front. Give us a buzz on 8223 7874, we accept card payments over the phone or well-sanitised cash.”

– via Facebook 


The Mile End

Drive through takeaway meals, cashless payment encouraged, outdoor seating, increased hygiene measures

– via Facebook


Hey Jupiter
Sia Duff

Hey Jupiter

No keep cups, altered seating, takeaway encouraged, increased hygiene

“Like everyone we aren’t sure what’s going to happen so we can only plan and action for what’s happening at the moment. We will continue to monitor the developments and make decisions accordingly. 

“If you would like to get takeaway please call us on 0416050721 and you can drive by and we’ll run it out to your car with a little spritz of Sanitiser!”

– via Facebook


https://www.instagram.com/p/B9yexVMDd__/

The Banksia Tree

Reduced capacity, no reusable cups, takeaway encouraged

“You can call ahead with your orders to minimise any wait times. We’ll even drop it out to your car if you need us to.

“We have taken extra sanitation measures on top of the strict ones that we already had in place. We have limited tables to increase distance between them and removed self serve salt and sugar. We love your keep cups as much as you do! But for now, all takeaway coffee will be served in our compostable cups. “

– via Instagram


Sia Duff

Sibling

Takeaway coffees, cashless, no reusable cups, opening its ‘pantry’

“We have opened the Sibling Pantry for retail purchases (Lost Loaf sourdough, Tweedvale milk, alternative milk, eggs, coffee beans, cold brew, orange juice). If you’re wondering how you can support us, this is the best way. Everything is made in-house or sourced from our backyard.”

– via Instagram


Jonathan VDK

The Summertown Aristologist

Reduced capacity, no shared menu, delivery service in works

“The restaurant capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing between diners. Our menu offering has changed temporarily to avoid sharing. We will now offer an a la carte menu of individually plated dishes.”

– via Instagram


Sia Duff

Nido 

Reduced capacity, takeaway encouraged, increased hygiene

“We have reduced our capacity to ensure there is plenty of personal space between our customers.

“For those choosing to stay at home, you can call ahead and enjoy Nido pastas as a takeaway meal or if you want us to tailor a specific take-home meal for you, your family, or gatherings at home, call us and we will accommodate.”

– via Facebook


Sia Duff

Orso

New takeaway menu

– via Facebook


Meaghan Coles

The Unley

Online menus, in-seat ordering and payment, altered seating and capacity


Sia Duff

Sunny’s

Reduced capacity, takeaway encouraged, increased hygiene measures

“We will be increasing our hygiene practises to include extra sanitising and risk reduction. We have also adjusted the capacity of our dining and bar areas to ensure guests can feel comfortable and confident to be dining with us.”

“Starting this week we will be shortening our menu (ever so slightly) but this new menu will also be fully available via UberEats. Win some, lose some.”

– via Facebook


Of course, this is by no means a comprehensive list. Are you a regular somewhere? Check their social media channels (or heck, call them) to see what the go is – and maybe just check in on them. It’s been a rough week.

Next

Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox

Get the latest from The Adelaide Review in your inbox