Lewis Potter
Stem steps up its outdoor dining thanks to Outdoor Activation Grant
Head west down Hindley Street and cross the Morphett Street bridge to find Stem Bar and Restaurant. Opened in August 2019, Stem has proven a popular space for food and wine lovers to enjoy.
With a large space out the front of the restaurant underutilised, Tom Paxton, Stem Co-Owner, looked to the City of Adelaide Outdoor Activation Grant to update the area.
“We implemented a series of mobile outdoor dining tables and a long dry bar for the Hindley Street frontage of our business, custom built from Tasmanian Oak by an emerging Adelaide furniture maker (Cleve Batten at Bon Collective),” said Tom.
The new outdoor setting has activated the area and created an inviting space for a range of customers and passers-by.
“We’ve seen the area attract a wide variety of customers; from the after-work drinks crowd to people interested in a casual meal. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of passers-by that notice the venue and stop for a drink or a meal.”
Tom Paxton, Co-Owner Stem Bar and Restaurant
Photo by Lewis Potter
In 2020, to support businesses hit hard by COVID-19, the Outdoor Activation Grant was launched allowing businesses to enhance and activate their outdoor areas; driving patronage and supporting jobs.
"The grant was easy to apply for and meant that we could undertake development of our business offering during a time that was otherwise very challenging for the hospitality industry. We would strongly recommend that other businesses seek out Council assistance in the future based on our experiences!”
The Outdoor Activation Grant was funded by the State Government of South Australia and administered by the City of Adelaide.