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The Guardsman re-writes history opening Adelaide's Bar

The Guardsman was officially opened yesterday in dazzling style, with guests walking the red carpet and enjoying a 1920s themed celebration, hosted by Rebecca Morse, to welcome Adelaide’s newest bar.

As the doors swung open yesterday morning, South Australians gathered to celebrate another chapter in history and welcome a new iconic bar and dining hall that celebrates the best of Adelaide.

Following more than three years of planning and design, the Adelaide Railway Station’s former Great Dining Hall has received a magnificent make-over, transforming the grand space back to its former glory, when it originally opened in 1928.

The $6m renovation pays tribute to its railway heritage as well as the venue’s past as a dining hall, and original details such as the jarrah flooring and heritage lights have been kept and restored. A variety of seating options including intimate leather booths allowing for 250 seats within the restaurant and a total capacity of 560. 

SkyCity Adelaide General Manager of Marketing Greg Stirling says The Guardsman is a very special project that has revitalised a space full of history for the benefit of all South Australians.

“The Guardsman echoes the original intent of the space which was as a meeting place for travellers to stop and enjoy a meal,” he said.

“It’s a unique opportunity to develop a part of the Railway Station that has not been used for many years and create a place where stories can again be shared.”

The grand central bar and open kitchen showcases some of South Australia’s well-known food and beverage producers. More than 20 local South Australian beers will be on tap, with beer suppliers including Coopers, Pirate Life and Mismatch.

South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions are featured in the almost entirely local wine list and local spirits include 23rd Street Distillery and Adelaide Hills Distillery.   

The Guardsman also features the wine room – an intimate 12-seater bar which will be available to book for private events. Special wine tastings have been developed including a tasting featuring Penfolds Grange.

Originally opened in 1928 as the Station’s former Dining Hall, the venue has been used as a storage area for more than a decade and has been brought back to its former glory over two years with a $6 million investment by SkyCity.

The Guardsman opens as SkyCity announced plans to invest $7m into the renovation of Level One of the current heritage building to create a vibrant and diverse entertainment space. The $330m SkyCity expansion including a 120-key luxury hotel, new restaurants and bars including a rooftop bar, conference and function facilities and wellness centre will open in October 2020.

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