Adelaide in 2023 post is a series of pictures that showcases what the city looked like in 2023. Nothing profound, just glimpses.
Food does take centre stage as more people dine outside sampling street and cafe food. And new F&B places tend to stand out.
The post also covers the city, parts of suburbia life as well as a little bit outside of the city.
The headline picture captures the beauty of Adelaide Hills, a wonderful reminder of what we blessed with.
People
People more than anything else defines a city, the state and the country. Besides residents and office workers in Adelaide, we have tourists and a large presence of international students.
Student presence is due the 2 Universities and schools that offer foundation courses in the city centre. But its the residents that bring colour to the city.
Rundle Mall
Rundle mall is very much the city centre. Many of the flagship retail stores are represented. It is also a convenient meeting place for those who want to catch up with friends and colleagues. And there is always a store giving up its lease and another taking over.
Move away from Department Stores
The large department stores are no longer what they used to be in the eyes of the consumer. The pressure to remain relevant and profitable is evident.
The younger generation seem to go for smaller stores and more conscious of having a clear and separate identity. And the target stores are those to that have a single theme. Best know ones are H&M, Sephora and JB Hi-Fi.
Rejuvenation on the move
There are signs of rejuvenation with large scale project spearhead by State Agencies – vision, a brighter future and hope for the next generation.
Plants 4 Bowden is covered in greater detail in an earlier post. Its just outside the city parklands but close enough to make a difference to the city. .
State agency Renewal SA marvellous acquisition of an industrial site in decline and its conversion to full blown housing with amenities.
The early signs are encouraging. Plant 4 was the former manufacturing factory of well known SA icon Clipsal.
The icons remain intact
Adelaide’s Central Market and Chinatown have been joined at the hips for a long time. The Central Market is the oldest in the Southern hemisphere and one of South Australia’s cherished treasures.
I have done a number of the posts on the Market and the changes that it is facing. It continues to morph from fresh produce and dry goods market to food and beverage locations.
Middle East Cuisine
The suburbs
Adelaide Suburbs – nodes of small businesses mainly food and essentials. Every two to three suburbs tend to share a common retail centre typically anchored by a small supermarket.
Common store type are butchers, bakers, chicken and pie shops, newsagents, post office, coffee joints and takeaway outlets.
Don’t forget the takeaways
Every suburb has its usual favourite takeaways. From what I have seen over the years, roast chicken and chips stores are the most popular followed by Chinese and Pizzas.
But good to see Vietnamese Pho, Greek Yiros and Thai restaurants in the mix. Japanese sushi stores are also on the rise.
Keep an eye on the East End
The East End has a magic of its own. It’s the area to head for in the evening for a relaxed meals with good company. It remains unfinished with plenty of opportunities.
Rundle Street just after the Rundle Mall eastwards is also changing. It is the Western bookend of the emerging East End of Adelaide City.
Traditional pubs and eateries are being replaced by gastropubs similar to what we have seen emerging in Europe in the last decade. Patronage demographics is now wider.
Buildings
Much of buildings within Adelaide facade and structure wise have remained intact. Though internal fit-outs and decor inside to accomodate change in retail are much more modern and contemporary.
New hotels such as the Crown Plaza are welcome additions. Its shows the city is vibrant.
Food courts
Food courts in the city are popular. They draw a large lunch time crowd of workers. In the suburbs they are within large malls.
Westfields has set the tone for mall food courts. A necessary drawcard to bring in customers. In many cases they end up becoming centre of activity.
Food courts tenancy have seen recent changes such as South American cuisine reflective of new migrants and change in international students demographics
Adelaide Hills
Adelaide is blessed with having second eco system close by. The Hills are a short drive into cooler temperature, picturesque rolling hills and lush vegetation. I have covered the Hills and all its glory in earlier post here in an earlier post.
Airport Food – not just fast food
It’s happening at airports around the World and Adelaide Airport is not different. Significant renovations in F&B and the range is much better. Note the expensive fit-out and decor.
Finally to the sea
This is the only place that I saw remained the same. Possibly the effects of Covid and the slow recovery. Maybe one noticeable change, seagulls’ favouriteand long time resident, McDonald’s has gone.
Looking forward to 2024 and more changes that show Adelaide is keeping pace.