Hains & Co opens its whisky collection to the public

Hains & Co, the much-loved West End bar, has opened its upstairs space to the public. Admiral’s Quarters is a whisky-led cocktail bar built around one of Australia’s most significant independent whisky collections, and it’s now welcoming guests from Wednesday to Saturday.

Owner Marcus Motteram has spent nearly a decade curating the collection, which now features 620 whiskies. The range spans everyday favourites and independent releases through to exceptionally rare bottlings from around the world.

But you don’t need to be a whisky drinker to appreciate what’s on offer. Admiral’s Quarters pairs the collection with a strong list of classic cocktails, premium spirits, cigars and elevated bar snacks. Whether you’re after a Martini, a Negroni, a familiar dram or something rare, the approach is the same: great drinks without intimidation.

“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.”

Admiral's Quarter's - Arne Studio 2 — Photo: Jon Wah

Classic cocktails treated with respect

While whisky remains at the heart of Admiral’s Quarters, the cocktail list celebrates drinks that have stood the test of time. The focus is on thoughtful spirit selection and 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 previously operated discreetly as Ralph Louis Frederick, named after Marcus’ grandfather, Ralph Louis Frederick Hains, who provided the early inspiration for the venue. Its evolution into Admiral’s Quarters brings the space more closely into the Hains & Co family.

Admiral's Quarters - Jon Wah 9 — Photo: Jon Wah

“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.”

A naval officer’s private study

The space is designed to slow things down. Inspired by the feeling of stepping into a naval officer’s private study, Admiral’s Quarters features warm timber, rich textures and leather lounge seating. Layered lighting encourages guests to settle in.

The outdoor balcony lounge offers one of Adelaide’s most distinctive places to enjoy a drink, overlooking the heritage façade of Edmund Wright House.

“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.”

For those who want to explore the whisky collection, guests can be guided towards something familiar, explore independent and unusual releases, or delve into rare bottlings. Lists of rare whiskies are available on request.

The drinks are complemented by elevated bar snacks, including Hains & Co’s signature Sea Pigs (house-made sausage rolls with tomato, Shiraz and black pepper chutney) and golden haloumi bites with lemon and honey. A premium cigar experience is also on offer.