BRKLYN Bar

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Posted 2016-04-21 by Karen Ross ⇒ follow

I love the edgy atmosphere of Adelaide's East End and I love to visit a brand new bar. There's been a burst of stylish new bars opening there recently and the latest goes by the name 'BRKLYN'.

I'd heard it was different from your regular East End bar, something about it having a New York feel, so I set off to 260A Rundle Street recently to see for myself.

After climbing the stairs from street level, I found myself in something akin to a New York subway stop.

On turning the corner I noticed a string of 'shops' including a delicatessen and a Barber Shop. Yes, that's right, a Barber Shop.

I commended myself on arriving early, as the bar wasn't yet busy and I had the chance to have a good look around. Building designer Matiya Marovich, of Sans-Arc studios, guided the revamp of the space that was formerly the Soundpond broadcast and production studio. The newly exposed brick and stone walls, chunky beams and industrial lighting, along with long windows overlooking East Rundle Street, create a New York City loft-like aura. The design works.

I ran into co-owner Rashaad Chénia who shared the BRKLYN story with me. Having worked in hospitality for six years or so, while completing his University degree, Rashaad wanted to open a bar that wasn't 'just a bar', but a multi-functional space. He'd seen the concept work successfully overseas; retail, café, bar, music, hairdresser etc, all in the mix.

Rashaad was aware of the current trend in gentrification of old buildings in Brooklyn, New York, resulting in cool new places to eat and drink. When he heard the the Soundpond space was for sale he knew he'd found the ideal space. It took seven months to hatch the concept.

Soundpond maintains a presence as an on-line radio station, streaming music every day from around 2pm. The studio is located next to the Barber Shop.

You can settle into a booth or perch yourself at one of the bar areas and soak up the ambience while enjoying a glass of South Australian wine or craft beer. The beer menu is extensive and features Pirate Life, brewed nearby in Hindmarsh, Stone and Wood Pacific Ale from Byron Bay, and, of course, Brooklyn Lager from guess where?

There's a cocktail list too, offering classic favourites with a NYC twist, like the New York Sour, Cold Drip Negroni or the Roast Coconut Old Fashioned.

I'm told the Pastrami Sandwich is to die for so a visit to the deli is definitely on the cards next time. Not sure I'll need to visit the barber.