Adelaide is about to experience a new wave of hospitality with the launch of Honeydripper, a sophisticated two-level venue set to redefine Adelaide’s bar scene.

Located in the heart of the city, Honeydripper is more than just a bar, it is an immersive audio experience inspired by some of the world’s most iconic listening bars.

The brainchild behind Honeydripper is Raf Thomson, a Barossa-raised wine expert with deep roots in the hospitality industry. Raf honed his craft in some of Adelaide’s most celebrated venues, most recently as a manager at Osteria Oggi, one of the city’s top Italian dining spots.

Raf will serve as Honeydripper’s owner and venue manager, bringing his extensive knowledge of wine and hospitality to create a seamless and elevated customer experience.

The idea for Honeydripper was first sparked in 2019 after a trip to Japan when he stumbled upon a small sign titled ‘Bar Level 5’.

“One night, after some street-side Okonomiyaki and baseball reruns, I stumbled upon a small sign that simply said ‘Bar Level 5.’

“After climbing some sawtooth stairs and walking through a black door, I found myself in a 10-seater bar where the bartender paused to change the record before continuing to make drinks. The music came first. That’s when I first experienced the magic of a listening bar,” Mr Thomson said.

Inspired by that experience, Raf began exploring similar venues around the world, from Dante’s in Miami to Goldline in LA and Eavesdrop in New York. He quickly realised that while the concept was gaining momentum internationally and Adelaide was next.

“A lot of people have developed a love for music through clubbing and gigs, but sometimes you want to enjoy music in a more relaxed, intimate setting. That’s the gap we’re hoping to fill.

“Honeydripper will be a place where music comes first, the drinks and atmosphere follow naturally, and every detail has been considered, ” Mr Thomson said.

The idea for Honeydripper was born, and after over two years of meticulous planning and refining, the venue is now set to open its doors.

Honeydripper will feature two distinct levels. A ground level and a mezzanine, each offering a unique vibe.

The Ground Level is will be an open-plan layout with conversation pits and connected booths, encouraging guests to mingle where the focus will be on local and international wine and a curated snack menu designed to complement the drinks.

The mezzanine will function as an intimate audio lounge, featuring Klipsch Heritage La Scala speakers built into the bar and a custom-made Condesa mixer at the centre. The record collection, curated by Chicago house legend Gene Farris, will exceed 3,500 records, with a focus on funk, soul, house, and high-quality production music. Cocktails will be the drink of choice here, enjoyed amongst the dimly lit warm orange glow, of the mezzanine.

The venue’s impeccable acoustics, curated sets, and laid-back vibe aim to create a space where guests can enjoy the music as much as the conversation.

The goal is to make Honeydripper a hub for Adelaide’s music lovers , a space where high-quality sound and hospitality converge.

Honeydripper is about to change the way you experience music and nightlife.

Follow @honeydripper.hifi for more details.

Photo: Neasan McGuinness