The Guardsman

Commuters might think they’ve gone back in time when they step off a train and come face-to-face with the resurrection of this old Adelaide Railway Station space. Originally known as the Overland Dining Hall, the historic 1928 venue is now a bar, cafe and restaurant called The Guardsman.

The classic 1920s façade – facing out to the railway station concourse – welcomes patrons with a shopfront cafe and bar either side of two neo-classical columns and era-specific typography and signage. Once inside, the original jarrah flooring and green and gold leather booths make way for a stone-top central bar with wood panelling and brass finishing and an open kitchen to one side.

The all-purpose venue is open all day, so commuters can grab a coffee and a bite to eat (there's pastries and sandwiches to take away) on the way to work. It is also open until late for after-work drinks and special events at the nearby Adelaide Oval and Festival Centre.

The restaurant menu from head chef Luke Brabin uses 100 per cent South Australian produce for his take on pub classics with Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian-inspired touches.

Of special note are The Guardsman’s share plates: 36° South beef short rib rending, Saskia Beer Barossa Valley chicken and Robarra baby barramundi. There are also pub-grub classics for those who want a burger, schnitty or steak to go with a big Barossa red or craft beer and poke bowls for those after something a little lighter.

When there, be sure to make room for Brabin’s take on two South Australian sweet-tooth specialties: the Berliner jam donut and The Guardsman Fruchoc.