Hains & Co has opened one of Australia’s most significant independent whisky collections to a broader audience with the launch of its new upstairs space; Admiral’s Quarters.

Curated over nearly a decade by owner Marcus Motteram, the collection features 620 whiskies, ranging from everyday favourites and independent releases to exceptionally rare bottlings from around the world.

But Admiral’s Quarters isn’t just for whisky drinkers. Conceived as a whisky-led cocktail bar, the new upstairs space pairs the collection with a strong offering of timeless classic cocktails, premium spirits, cigars and elevated bar snacks.

Whether guests come upstairs for a Martini or a Negroni, a familiar dram or something exceptionally rare, the intention is the same: great drinks without intimidation, delivered with the hospitality Hains & Co has become known for.

“People don’t come to us because they want the biggest whisky collection,” says Marcus. “They come because they know they’ll be looked after. That should never change, no matter what staircase they walk up.”

While whisky remains at the heart of Admiral’s Quarters, classic cocktails are treated with the same respect. The list celebrates drinks that have stood the test of time, with thoughtful spirit selection and a focus on making the best version of each.

“Every classic cocktail has a reason for existing in Admiral’s Quarters,” says Marcus. “Our job isn’t to rewrite them, it’s to make the best version of them.”

The upstairs space marks the latest evolution for the popular West End bar, with the area previously operating discreetly as Ralph Louis Frederick.

Marcus’ grandfather, Ralph Louis Frederick Hains, provided the early inspiration and name for the original upstairs venue. Its evolution into Admiral’s Quarters brings the space more closely into the Hains & Co family while remaining true to the values that inspired it.

“In many ways, I like to think Poppa would approve,” says Marcus. “It’s still built around great hospitality, great conversation and sharing a good drink.”

Admiral’s Quarters encourages the slowing of time, inspired by the feeling of stepping into a naval officer’s private study. Warm timber, rich textures and the whisky collection provide the backdrop to a space designed to feel intimate, atmospheric and comfortable rather than formal.

Leather lounge seating and layered lighting encourage guests to settle in, while the outdoor balcony lounge offers one of Adelaide’s most distinctive places to enjoy a drink above the city streets, overlooking the heritage façade of Edmund Wright House.

Atmospheric, intimate and warm, Admiral’s Quarters sits in contrast to the lively energy of Hains & Co downstairs. Upstairs, the pace slows down.

“Downstairs has always had this wonderful energy – people laughing, celebrating and enjoying themselves,” says Marcus. “Upstairs is where that energy settles into conversation. Stories get longer, the pours become more considered, and guests settle into the experience.

“You can have a great gin and tonic downstairs, then wander upstairs, sink into a lounge chair and watch the city from the balcony with a great dram or cocktail in your hand.

“That’s exactly how we imagined people experiencing the venue,” says Marcus.
For those who do want to explore whisky, the collection is designed to be discovered rather than simply displayed. Guests can be guided towards something familiar, explore independent and unusual releases, or delve into rare bottlings.
Lists of rare whiskies available on request.

The drinks offering is complemented by a concise menu of elevated bar snacks and a premium cigar experience.

The food includes Hains & Co’s signature Sea Pigs – house-made sausage rolls served with tomato, Shiraz and black pepper chutney – alongside golden haloumi bites drizzled with lemon and honey.
The venue hosts up to 50 guests and can be booked for private events, open from Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm.

Admiral’s Quarters can be found upstairs through Hains & Co, and is now open.

WHERE: 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide