Built within the remains of an antique chemist shop, this unusual venue lures in wine connoisseurs. The basement cellar lounge is prime position for vino-sipping sessions.
If a 19th Century pharmacist had a boozy dream in the middle of the night, he'd probably envision himself here, inside this unusual bar.
Set within the heritage-listed remains of an antique chemist shop, The Apothecary 1878 is a curious space, unlike any other in Adelaide. White tiled surfaces and an original chemist's counter set the scene, along with old pill jars and medicine bottles, marked with handwritten labels and sitting in a state of useless order. Also labelled are the old dispensary drawers, which a pharmacist would have once used to store herbs and potions for creating tinctures and salves.
Today, the bartender behind the counter mixes liquor and juices instead, preparing elaborate cocktails for guests who wander in. Downstairs, the secluded cellar area feels like a cavernous French brasserie, decked out in vintage couches and surrounded by rustic brick walls. This place is home to an excellent wine selection. Indeed, more than 1000 wines live at The Apothecary, sourced from across Australia, France, Italy and Germany. No doubt a visit here will thrill highbrow oenophiles. But even if you don't take your vino too seriously, the polished restaurant menu could win you over, with dishes that pay tribute to Italian and French cuisine.
Andrea Tomaz
