For the love of Champagne

Adelaide’s first dedicated Champagne bar, The Dispensary, is a quaint space that offers a selection of Champagne, sparkling and wine from both The Dispensary and Apothecary 1878. Owner Paola Coro says her annual Champagne and sparkling tastings at Apothecary 1878 sparked the idea for a bar dedicated to Champagne. “I have wanted to do something like The Dispensary for quite a long time and it was only during those last few months of 2014 that everything started to happen.” Guests will have the option to not only order from the Champagne list at The Dispensary but choose from the variety of wines offered at Apothecary 1878. Staff will use a Champagne sword (saber) to theatrically open bottles of Champagne and sparkling. “Originally, the upstairs space was only used for functions but now our dedicated Champagne bar is accessible to our guests every weekend and they can choose from a wide variety of both Champagne and wine.” The upstairs bar utilises classical Parisian interior design and combines the dark regal colours of red and timber-brown throughout the furnishings and walls. An old Chesterfield couch sits amongst the blushing maze of chairs and end tables. “I’ve been saving most of the chairs for a while now,” says Coro, “mostly sourced from antique shops, they needed some love and retouching but they work together to create the feel of The Dispensary.” Located above Apothecary 1878, Coro hopes to soon provide Champagne from the smaller and lesser-known houses in the coming months. “People can come and relax on the weekends and try something different that they probably can’t find anywhere else in Adelaide.” With bottles of Champagne, such as Billecart and Louis Roederer, starting at $100, it caters for people who are experiencing Champagne for the first time or who are avid wine and Champagne enthusiasts. The Dispensary is open on Friday and Saturday nights and is located at 118 Hindley Street For bookings contact Coro on 8212 9099. theapothecary1878.com.au