Thursday night marked the opening of peel streets newest venue, Paloma Bar and Pantry. The latest venture from the team behind 2KW, Paloma brings a sophisticated Mediterranean vibe to the Laneway.

The first floor provides for a light, breezy and carefree Spanish atmosphere. The menu reflects this with beautiful tapas, which we had the pleasure of sampling. Starting with crostini and pate from Les Deux Coqs (another great SA business you should check out), topped with pickles. Simple and delicious! Also on offer was a dish of peppers, white anchovy and olive as well as a capsicum salsa on toasted bread. Finally, chargrilled octopus!

We were then guided up to the second floor, which was dimly lit and provided for a more intimate feel. It would be perfect for your next function! Keeping with the Mediterranean theme, this floor focuses more on an Italian air made apparent by the table in the middle adorned with charcuterie and cheese.

While the pantry side of the establishment had us smiling, the bar side didn’t let us down either. What venue with wine on tap would?! But their cocktails were the stand out. We were greeted with ‘The Paloma’, the bars namesake and signature cocktail made with tequila, orange infused gin, house made grapefruit cordial and prosecco. We also tried to ‘Magdalena’ made from gin, strawberries, thyme and prosecco. The cocktail list certainly reflects Spanish and Italian roots with plenty of light and fresh spritz’s and negronis’ as well as agave based spirits- by which a particular cocktail is made called Paloma and is the inspiration behind the bars name. The beer list boasts plenty of local craft beer as does the wine list, with the addition of wine and champagne from France, Portugal and Spain. Interestingly, they have a section reserved just for sherry, which manager Luke Flemming expects to expand to introduce people to ‘non-just-your-nana’s old cabinet’.

The staff were enthusiastic and welcoming, the décor stylish and refreshing. The drinks are light and don’t leave you with a heavy head in the morning. It is clear that a lot of thought, research and passion has gone into the creation of Paloma Bar and Pantry. If you find yourself along Peel street in the coming weeks, make sure to stop by and support Adelaide’s newest venue.

Words by Indy Salerno

WHERE: 20 Peel St, Adelaide