In the heart of Adelaide's cosmopolitan dining and entertainment strip is this new-look, spacious pub.
A total renovation in 2007 shooed away the barflies and bikies who haunted it for decades, but its name was not lost in the rubble. The Oriental Hotel is now in a state of Zen, with its decor paying homage to its landmark name in a tasteful, contemporary fashion. Funky bar lighting, polished floorboards and terracotta potted greenery makes this stylish bar conducive to meditating over a glass of something invigorating.
The main bar flows out to a table-studded deck, bordered with a soothing pebbled water feature; a pleasant distraction from the deeply set chairs that make reaching for your drink a slight effort, though the extensive wine list makes it worth it, with 45 pours by the glass starting at $4.50.
The house cocktail, Godzilla, is nearly as big as the monster and certainly chases away any feelings of awkwardness; grab someone who you would like to get close to and let your straws meet in the fishbowl-sized mix of peach vodka, Midori, sake and lychee liquer. Underground, the hidden sanctuary also offers boutique beers and Adelaide's best DJs on Friday and Saturday nights until 2am.
Roz Taylor
