So let’s just cut to the chase. Where is the one place you go to when you want to unwind and have fun with your friends in Adelaide City? Correct, you go to Distill on Rundle Street.

Rain or flood, hail or storm, the show must go on. We had the privilege to attend Distill’s relaunch party on a Wednesday night where the forecast showed stormy weather and high winds coming in. Suggested to stay safe and indoors, we did exactly that! When Distill opened their doors at exactly 6pm, guests were welcomed with the warm smiles of their staff. For those that have been to Distill you would be able to tell the difference straight away, with the new owner, came a new refurbishment.

Gone are the retro, old-fashioned ways and welcome to the flashy new, eclectic influenced style where the floor plan has really opened up for a greater sense of space. A variety of booths are available on a first in first serve basis where customers will get to sit and relax in privacy while enjoying the wide range of spirits the club has to offer along with their cocktails, wine and beers on tap.

The night was young, and we were greeted with generous grazing platters featuring all my favourites including fresh strawberries and grapes, hummus and beetroot dips, two types of my top pick of cheeses, vintage cheddar and brie, crackers with some cold cuts and condiments. The perfect complement to the variety of beverages they offer, which we got to sample on the relaunch night. Some of their wine menu are Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc, Bird in Hand Pinot Noir and the latest addition to join the menu from Down the Rabbit Hole, Tempranillo which also just had a launch on their wine products a couple of weeks back. Famous for their curated, sophisticated and seasonal cocktails, we got to try their popular Espresso Martini and Burberry (yes, you read that right) which has blueberry syrup, buffalo trace, Joseph Cartron Mure, lots of crushed ice and topped with soda and mint to garnish. It was delightfully refreshing. The night just went from great to glorious when “DJ Lisa D’Andrea” from 92.7FM started to play the classic beats of RnB & Hip-Hop songs that made the crowd go all out with their dance moves. Time flies when you are having fun, well it surely did that night.

Distill has proved it once again that this is the place to be when you’re in need of after-work drinks with your colleagues or even after-dinner drinks and chill followed by a great night on the dance floor found upstairs with a second bar ready to take your drink order. If you’re not much of a dancer, That’s fine too. Sit back, relax and enjoy a good catch up over a shared platter that you can order from the menu with your friends.

One of the highlights of the relaunch night was finding out that they are now open every Wednesday from 8pm. This makes Distill the official residence of the afterparty venue for Fresh 92.7FM which as we all know is popular with their ‘Windback Wednesday’.

Steven Gilles, 26, young entrepreneur and the proud new owner, admitted that Distill was love at first sight for him. He is delighted to bring back the buzz and some indie tunes to the East End every Wednesday and continue its beloved weekend events including Knock Offs from 4.30pm every Friday. Their resident DJs (Plastik People and Nichi Boy) will hit the deck upstairs from 10pm every Friday and Saturday. Distill is set up so delicately to accommodate everyone’s needs so if you are thinking of celebrating an intimate yet special occasion, why not book one of their VIP booths for the ultimate A-list experience? Or go big and all out by hiring their venue which has the capacity for 130 people and get ready to let the good times roll!

Words by Dee Pene from Adelaide Food Authority

WHERE: 286 Rundle St, Adelaide