Adelaide’s laneway bar scene has quietly become one of Australia’s most exciting drinking destinations—and tucked away in the West End, Hains & Co stands out with a whisky selection that ranges from a surprisingly affordable $17 pour to a single bottle that will set you back nearly two grand. Opened in 2015, this nautical-themed small bar has built a loyal following among locals who appreciate its intimate booths, knowledgeable staff, and an upstairs whisky saloon that rivals anything in the country. Whether you’re after a well-crafted G&T or want to explore rare Japanese spirits, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

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Location: 23 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide SA 5000 · Hours: Daily 4pm-2am · Style: Eclectic nautical · Bookings: For groups of 4+

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Adelaide whisky bar open since 2015 (Bepoz)
  • Daily 4pm-2am including public holidays except Christmas Day (Hains & Co)
  • Bookings required for groups of 4 or more (Hains & Co)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ownership structure beyond Marcus Motteram connection
  • Full current whisky list beyond the extreme price points
  • Complete events calendar and masterclass schedule
3Timeline signal
  • Bar opened in 2015 as gin, rum, whisky venue (Bepoz)
  • March 2020: TripAdvisor review praises nautical theme (TripAdvisor)
  • November 2023: InDaily article revealed invite-only upstairs whisky bar pricing (InDaily)
4What happens next
  • Continued operation as Adelaide’s small bar culture expands
  • Potential new whisky tasting events at the upstairs saloon
  • Growing reputation as destination bar for whisky collectors

Who owns Hains and Co.?

The face behind Hains & Co is Marcus Motteram, who has been instrumental in shaping the venue since its founding. According to coverage from InDaily, Motteram has discussed the 10-year journey of the bar, positioning it as a cornerstone of Adelaide’s small bar renaissance. The venue’s official website describes the philosophy as attracting patrons who “go for the spirits but stay for the atmosphere”—a sentiment that speaks to the personal touch Motteram has brought to the space.

Marcus Motteram connection

While Marcus Motteram is the most visible figure associated with Hains & Co, the precise ownership structure remains somewhat opaque. Industry coverage consistently points to his involvement in the bar’s direction, particularly regarding the curated spirit selection that has earned accolades from both critics and regular patrons. Glam Adelaide describes the venue as one of the most awarded gin and cocktail bars in Adelaide, suggesting a successful ownership model whether solo or in partnership.

Business background

The bar operates from a heritage-positioned location on Gilbert Place, a laneway between Hindley Street and Currie Street in Adelaide’s West End. TripAdvisor reviewers note the venue’s sophisticated positioning—attracting a wide variety of clientele while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The bar’s Bepoz case study profile indicates a technology-forward approach to operations, suggesting professional management behind the scenes.

Bottom line: Marcus Motteram is the primary figure tied to Hains & Co, with the venue operating as a successful small bar that has become one of Adelaide’s most recognized drinking destinations since 2015.

What is Hains and Co.?

Hains & Co is a gin, rum, and whisky bar occupying a hidden laneway spot in Adelaide’s West End. The official website describes it as a venue where patrons visit for spirits but stay for the atmosphere—a testament to the carefully crafted environment that combines nautical aesthetics with intimate seating arrangements. The bar opened in 2015 and has since become one of Adelaide’s most awarded cocktail destinations, according to Glam Adelaide.

Location and hours

The bar sits at 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide SA 5000—a precise address in the West End laneways that rewards those who seek it out. South Australia Tourism lists the venue as walk-in friendly with facilities including alfresco dining, live music, free WiFi, and pet-friendly options (available upon enquiry). Opening hours are 4pm to 2am daily, including public holidays except Christmas Day. The late-night closing time makes it a natural final stop on Adelaide’s small bar crawl.

Atmosphere and style

The nautical theme permeates every detail, with reviewers on Wanderlog praising the warm atmosphere, unique nautical decor, and top-notch cocktails. Time Out Adelaide notes the bar is ideal for gin on hot afternoons or rum on cold nights, fitting the eclectic approach that defines the venue. Glam Adelaide highlights the heritage nautical ancestry with salvaged mementos, suggesting elements from the old Largs Bay jetty may be incorporated into the decor.

The vibe

The combination of intimate booths, nautical artifacts, and an extensive spirit selection creates an environment that reviewers consistently describe as sophisticated yet welcoming—neither stuffy nor pretentious despite the premium positioning.

Bottom line: Hains & Co is a nautical-themed small bar where the atmosphere rivals the drinks—intimate booths, salvaged maritime mementos, and a spirit selection that draws collectors and casual drinkers alike.

Hains and Co menu and drinks

The drinks program at Hains & Co centers on gin, rum, and whisky, with particular emphasis on the whisky selection that has garnered national attention. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently note the bar specializes in gin and rum with plenty of interesting options, while cocktails are described as pricey but worth it.

Drinks menu highlights

The whisky range demonstrates remarkable breadth—InDaily’s 2023 coverage revealed the spectrum runs from Dewar’s 12-year-old Blended at $17 for a 30ml pour to the Hanyu Distillery’s 13-year-old ‘Magic Carpet in Sweetie Shop’ at $1,866 for the same measure. This pricing extreme positions Hains & Co as both accessible for casual whisky drinkers and irresistible for serious collectors seeking rare Japanese expressions.

Whisky and cocktails

Beyond the headline prices, the upstairs whisky bar hosts ticketed tasting events. InDaily reported on a $350 event featuring Yamazaki 18-year-old Mizunara and Hibiki 21-Year-Old alongside other rare expressions. The cocktail program receives consistent praise for quality, with the bar staff’s product knowledge highlighted as a distinguishing feature by South Australia Tourism.

Food options

Food is available alongside drinks, though details are limited in public sources. TripAdvisor reviewers note food accompanies the drinking experience without elaborating on specific offerings. The venue’s focus clearly remains on the beverage program rather than culinary output.

The upshot

The pricing extremes at Hains & Co—$17 to $1,866 for 30ml—create an unusual democratization of the whisky experience where newcomers and connoisseurs can coexist at the same bar.

Bottom line: The drinks menu offers exceptional range—from accessible $17 pours to $1,866 collector bottles—with regular ticketed events bringing rare expressions like Yamazaki 18-year-old to Adelaide.

Products offered by Hains and Co

Beyond the core drinks program, Hains & Co has expanded into complementary product categories that enhance the overall experience. The venue features cigars alongside its whisky focus, according to Bepoz, while beer options are listed on Untappd. The combination of premium spirits, cigars, and the invite-only upstairs whisky saloon creates a destination experience rather than a simple bar visit.

Cigars selection

The cigar offering at Hains & Co pairs naturally with the whisky program, creating an after-dinner experience popular among collectors and enthusiasts. While specific brand availability isn’t detailed in public sources, the pairing suggests a curated selection befitting the venue’s premium positioning. The upstairs whisky bar’s exclusivity extends to cigar-friendly policies, making it a rare Adelaide venue where both interests can be indulged simultaneously.

Other offerings

The venue’s broader offerings include alfresco dining areas, live music events, and free WiFi according to South Australia Tourism. Pet-friendly options are available upon enquiry, expanding accessibility for those who want to enjoy drinks without leaving furry companions at home. The walk-in-friendly policy combined with booking options for groups ensures flexibility for different visit types.

Bottom line: Hains & Co extends beyond drinks into cigars and events, creating a holistic venue experience—but the core appeal remains the whisky program and the exclusive upstairs saloon.

Hains and Co reviews and photos

Customer sentiment for Hains & Co runs strongly positive, with consistent praise for atmosphere, staff knowledge, and the unique positioning. South Australia Tourism describes the service as dependable and consistently excellent with vast spirit selection and product knowledge. The venue attracts a wide variety of clientele while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. For a deeper dive into this establishment, you can read our Sunbeam Air Fryer Review.

Customer feedback

Staff are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their jobs by TripAdvisor reviewers, with one noting they go for the spirits but stay for the atmosphere. Another TripAdvisor review describes bar staff as slightly pretentious but not rude—a characterization that suggests the knowledgeable service occasionally reads as intense to newcomers.

Upsides

  • Exceptional spirit selection with rare whiskies
  • Knowledgeable, passionate staff
  • Unique nautical atmosphere
  • Reliable, consistent service

Downsides

  • Cocktails are pricey
  • Upstairs whisky bar is invite-only
  • Location can be hard to find
  • Staff may appear slightly pretentious

Visual gallery

The venue’s official website showcases the nautical design elements, intimate booth seating, and the extensive spirit displays that define the space. Wanderlog reviewers specifically praise the unique nautical decor alongside top-notch cocktails, suggesting the visual presentation enhances the drinking experience.

Bottom line: Reviews skew positive with praise for atmosphere, staff, and spirit selection—minor concerns about pricing and occasional pretentiousness don’t significantly dampen overall enthusiasm.

I go for the spirits but I stay for the atmosphere. Truly one of my all time favourite places for a drink.

— Patron review via Hains & Co

It’s the kind of bar that makes me wish Adelaide was my home.

— Visitor via South Australia Tourism

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Adelaide enthusiasts savoring Hains and Co’s whisky in the West End can extend their night to the West Beach Surf Club menu along the coast for bistro fare and ocean views.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Hains and Co located?

Hains & Co is located at 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide SA 5000, in the West End laneways between Hindley Street and Currie Street. The hidden location rewards those who seek it out, sitting in a character-filled lane away from the main thoroughfares.

What are the opening hours for Hains and Co?

The bar opens daily from 4pm to 2am, including public holidays, except Christmas Day. The late-night closing makes it ideal for continuing an Adelaide small bar crawl into the early hours.

How can I book a table at Hains and Co?

Bookings are available for groups of 4 or more. You can contact the venue by phone at (08) 8410 7088. Walk-ins are also welcome for smaller parties, according to South Australia Tourism.

Does Hains and Co have a whisky selection?

Yes—the whisky program is a major draw. The range spans from Dewar’s 12-year-old Blended at $17 for 30ml to the Hanyu Distillery’s 13-year-old ‘Magic Carpet in Sweetie Shop’ at $1,866 for 30ml. The upstairs whisky bar hosts exclusive tastings featuring rare Japanese expressions like Yamazaki 18-year-old and Hibiki 21-Year-Old.

Are cigars available at Hains and Co?

Yes, cigars are available and pair naturally with the whisky program. The upstairs whisky bar’s exclusivity extends to cigar-friendly policies, making it a venue where both interests can be indulged together.

What is the vibe like at Hains and Co?

The atmosphere is described as warm and nautical with unique decor incorporating salvaged maritime mementos. Intimate booths and knowledgeable staff create a sophisticated yet welcoming environment. Reviewers praise the warm atmosphere and top-notch cocktails.

Is Hains and Co suitable for groups?

Absolutely—groups of 4 or more can make reservations, and the bar accommodates larger parties for special occasions. The intimate booth seating and walk-in-friendly policy for smaller groups ensure flexibility for different visit types.

For visitors to Adelaide, the choice is straightforward: seek out Gilbert Place’s hidden laneways, arrive after 4pm, and prepare for a whisky experience that ranges from the accessible to the extraordinary. Whether you’re a casual drinker curious about Japanese whisky or a collector hunting rare expressions, Hains & Co delivers an experience that justifies the journey off the beaten path.