HandleBar pedals into new territory with West End live music venue
The company behind pedal-powered pubs that sail through the CBD will expand its West End footprint, with live music and an Americana-themed bar expected.
HandleBar has acquired its neighbouring property on Andrew Street in the city’s West End and is set to operate a fully licenced bar and events space to complement its pedal-powered CBD food and drink tours.
A new live music venue is also on the cards, with the business’ general manager Thomas Watson telling CityMag to expect country music and Americana vibes.
The bar, venue and American yard-style game space (think giant Jenga, giant beer pong and giant Connect Four) will be housed at 14 Andrew Street where the group currently operates its pedal bar business.
The company bought 16 Andrew Street to house the people-powered contraptions that cruise through the CBD with 16 boozy bikers, Watson says.
HandleBar customers will arrive at ‘Home Base’ at 14 Andrew Street, where they’ll be able to play some games and have a drink or two before hopping onto the big bikes.
“Then they’ll go on the tour and come back to the exact same sport and can continue on with us if they want,” Watson says.
“Eventually the plan is for live music as well – country music. Jason Series – one of HandleBar’s owners – spends a lot of time in Nashville and he wants to bring a bit of that to Adelaide.”
HandleBar hopes to enhance its offering through live country music and an in-house bar. Photo: Supplied.
HandleBar is in the process of locking down required licences and is expected to open the new space in early November.
The purchase follows HandleBar’s acquisition of 14 Andrew Street in 2022, which was facilitated by Colliers’ Rhys Newman.
The newly secured property adds 819 sqm of space to HandleBar’s footprint on Andrew Street.
Subscribe for updates
Newman says the company’s expansion puts it in a good position to take advantage of development activity around Grote Street and Gouger Street, including the $400 million Market Square project.
“After helping HandleBar Group Australia secure 14 Andrew Street in 2022, the business wanted to explore options to further expand their footprint within the CBD,” says Newman.
“Following our recent success, they once again engaged Colliers to unlock and negotiate the acquisition of the adjoining site.
“The South Australian market remains resilient, particularly in the vacant possession/owner-occupier space, with strong underlying demand.”