Story by Erica Richards, Brand Ambassador for The Exchange
I sit with Marcus Motteram, an icon of the Adelaide hospitality scene, in his bar – Hains & Co. Hains is known throughout Adelaide as one of the best spots in town to sit, relax, and enjoy a cocktail – or two! Today, we’re having a chat about Marcus’ latest project – a new bar above Hains & Co – named Ralph Louis Frederick. When I asked Marcus about the bar’s unusual name, he explained that Hains had been his maternal grandfather’s surname and that Ralph Louis Frederick were his first and middle names.
The concept for the bar had started with the introduction of Cody Banks as Marcus’ venue manager six years ago. Hains & Co started life as a gin and rum specialty bar, but when Cody became involved in the business, he shared with Marcus his passion for whisky – and the idea of a premium whisky bar, separate to Hains & Co, was born. Over the past six years, the pair have been working on their plans for Ralph Louis Frederick, and have submitted numerous plans to council before finally landing on the final design. The bar will have a spacious balcony, a feature that was very important to Marcus due to the fact that cigars will be an integral part of the offering, as they are at Hains & Co.
“Today, we’re having a chat about Marcus’ latest project – a new bar above Hains & Co – named Ralph Louis Frederick. When I asked Marcus about the bar’s unusual name, he explained that Hains had been his maternal grandfather’s surname and that Ralph Louis Frederick were his first and middle names.”
The space will not have a traditional bar but will rather feature a carefully curated collection of whiskies from around the world displayed on shelves and in cabinets around the room. With the idea that patrons can get up close and personal with the whisky, without the traditional barrier of a bar in the way. When I ask him to tell me more about his vision for the bar, he tells me he is designing an exclusive high-end whisky bar, where jazz, classical and opera will be playing, where the décor will be a mixture of art nouveau and art deco, and where whisky and cigars reign supreme.
Entrance will be by invitation only, echoing that of private member’s clubs of New York and London, although without a membership fee. This is a style of bar that will be new to Adelaide, and will cater to those with a taste for the finer things in life. For the high rollers out there, a limited number of lockers will be auctioned with half of the proceeds going to support local charities. The fortunate winners will be able to store their private cigars and whisky.
Ralph Louis Frederick is due to open early in the new year at 21 Gilbert Place, Adelaide. Follow the journey on instagram @ralph_louis_frederick We can’t wait to see the finished product!
This story is proudly presented by the team from The Exchange
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