One suburb, six stops. Make the most of Kent Town’s walkable, cityside appeal with some of the best cafés, pubs and bars in Adelaide

Images | Ekaterina Shipova

Stop one: a morning coffee at Tell Henry

For Nelson Lin, a perfect day in Kent Town begins the same as ours. “It would start with a coffee at Tell Henry,” says the café’s owner, “sitting in our little courtyard with the morning sun coming through the trees.” It’s a quiet, peaceful way to kick things off, with the Kent Town fixture opening its doors at 7:00am—the ideal first stop after a morning walk.

Tell Henry has been around since 2015, but it passed into Nelson’s stewardship this March. His approach has been ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’—and there’s definitely nothing broke about consistently good coffee and a welcoming, comfortable spot to drink it. Excellent cups are at Tell Henry’s heart, with the team using coffee from specialist roasters Industry Beans.

When asked what he’s been enjoying most about taking over the Rundle Street venue, Nelson says that it’s given him a little window into Kent Town Life. “Post office staff starting early, parents on the school run, people grabbing a coffee before a work meeting. I just love seeing everyone getting on with their day in their own way, and having Tell Henry be a little part of that.”

After a coffee, what else is on Nelson’s perfect day agenda? “Probably a wander through one of the galleries nearby, then a walk around the beautiful old streets before slowly making my way towards the parklands. I think that’s the nice thing about Kent Town — you can be so close to the city and still have a really slow, peaceful day.”

39A Rundle Street, Kent Town
@tell_henry

Stop two: a bountiful breakfast at 78 On Rundle

Ready for something more substantial? Wander up to 78 On Rundle and settle in for a proper breakfast. There’s classic café and brunch fare to feast on: a granola bowl with poached fruit; stacked brioche French toast with berry compote and ice cream; or chilli scrambled eggs with chorizo.

For the last three years, the heritage venue has been in the hands of hospitality veteran Megan Weekley, who has lovingly revamped the mid-Victorian building inside and out. The interior features a terrazzo concrete bar, booth seating and green panelling throughout. Outside, a mural by local artist Nicky Create provides a perfect backdrop for catch-ups in the spring sunshine.

78 Rundle Street, Kent Town
78rundle.com.au

Stop three: fresh bagels and a sweet treat from Frankly Bagels

After morning spent walking in the parklands and shopping in the local boutiques, it’s time for a snack from Frankly Bagels’ newly opened Kent Town chapter. Christie Wilkinson and Jack Crichton’s business has developed a devoted following for its bagel-and-coffee offerings since opening its first store in Prospect six years ago.

Kent Town, with its growing assortment of offices, apartments and local venues, makes for an exciting third location. “Kent Town has such a great mix of people who live nearby, work in the area or pass through on their way into the city,” says Christie. “It felt like a natural place for Frankly to become part of people’s everyday routine.”

Several classics from the Norwood and Prospect branches will make an appearance on the menu, such as the #3, with smoked salmon and dill caper cream cheese, and the #6, with chimichurri chicken and aioli. Some new delights were created specifically for the east side location, like the #2 (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato), the #5 (cubano with roast pork, ham and Swiss cheese) and the #7 (pesto chicken and avocado). All of the bagels are baked fresh each morning at the Norwood storefront—take your pick of delicious fillings and pocket a chunky cookie for later.

2–4 King William Street, Kent Town
franklybagels.com.au

Stop four: a late pub lunch at Kent Town Hotel

For a more substantial feed, settle in for a late lunch at the newly refurbished Kent Town Hotel. Their menu offers upmarket mains and pub classics, like fire-grilled steaks with thick-cut chips, chicken schnitzel with a herb and parmesan crust or the duck leg cassoulet with haricot beans.

There are a variety of comfortable spots around the venue, perfect for sitting back with a crisp pint and a meal—the expansive dining room, for one, or the leather couches by the fire. Otherwise, spill out onto the leafy terrace or head upstairs to the balcony bar. Wherever you end up, enjoy your long, unhurried lunch in Kent Town’s fully revamped, laid-back watering hole.

76 Rundle Street, Kent Town
kenttownhotel.com.au

Stop five: wine o’clock at KHOU Bar

As the evening winds down, a night cap awaits at KHOU Bar & Cellar Door. The KHOU moniker is derived from the surname of owners Dan and Rebecca Khouzam—also the founders of Signature Wines. Their cosy spot opened in 2022 and has a strong focus on Dan and Rebecca’s own label, alongside a carefully selected range of local and international drops. “We also have seasonally created cocktails, beers and a food menu designed for sharing,” says Dan.

It’s not just tipples and snacks, though. “We love creating a reason to come in beyond just a drink,” Dan adds, “so we regularly host events, tastings, workshops and vinyl nights. Ultimately, it’s a place to settle in, have a drink, feel at home and relax.”

The pair loves Kent Town for its mix of old Adelaide charm and exciting, emerging food and drink scene. “It’s close enough to the city to feel connected, but still has that leafy, neighbourhood feel.”

65 King William Street, Kent Town
khou.com.au

Stop six: cocktails and a game of pool at Reform Distilling

A perfect day in Kent Town ends at Reform Distilling, which came about the way all good things do: over a gin and tonic with your sibling. “I was in need of a career change, and my brother had just moved back from the U.S.,” says owner Jed Coffey. Both brothers were passionate about joining the beverage industry, and opened Reform Distilling’s doors in late 2021.

They chose to set up shop in Kent Town; Jed fell for the street-art-lined Little Rundle Street the moment he saw it. “It’s so close to the city but also removed enough to be a standalone destination, without the hustle and bustle,” he says. Inside, the space is sleek and slightly industrial; its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for drinks and a game of pool, shuffleboard or darts. Choose from a cocktail, local beer and wine or the brand’s own gin, which pairs beautifully with mixers from Mischief Brew, another nearby standout.

“We’re spoilt in Kent Town, with so many great cafés and a growing selection of licenced venues,” says Jed. “The people are super friendly, and there is a real sense of community here. It’s only set to grow, with hundreds of more apartments being built. […] All of this from one small suburb that certainly punches above its weight. It’s quickly becoming the go-to place to spend a day with friends.”

91 Little Rundle Street, Kent Town
rfrm.com.au