Bottoms Up: Mary’s new bar is tops
Mary’s Poppin has announced the launch of its new high-class cocktail bar, bringing a new venue experience to Adelaide’s queer scene.
The front bar at Mary’s Poppin has been renovated into a sophisticated cocktail bar, launching tonight (August 22).
Bottoms Up introduces signature decadent cocktails, and offers premium drinks unique to the bar.
The revamped area embraces the venue’s community and culture while providing a new experience for regulars.
“It’s a place to chill, connect, and enjoy a cocktail in a setting that feels sophisticated but still has that Mary’s wink and flair,” Mary’s Poppin owner Stephen Craddock says.
The area has been overhauled with mirror ball details and textured seating areas, as well as a “world class sound system,” Mary’s Poppin general manager Lily Jaksic says.
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“The space is very immersive and you feel like you’re in a totally different bar compared to the rest of the club,” she says.
“It’s a bit of a reprieve from the fun chaos of the main bar with all the dancing and drag shows.
“We have been the go-to queer venue for so long we don’t want anyone to feel like it’s the same old thing that they’re getting every single weekend.
“We want to continue to reinvigorate the space and remind people that we are here to show up for them. We’re here to keep things fresh and exciting and keep them coming back not just for us but so they continue to have a space that really interests, entertains, and accommodates them.”
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Jaksic says Adelaide’s queer venue scene is lacking a high-class experience, and as the city’s most popular queer-venue, Mary’s Poppin is filling that gap.
“By bringing that more sophisticated experience to the queer scene which we don’t have, it’s giving them another space within a space that they already know and love,” she says.
“We thank and encourage our community for continuing to show up every weekend. It’s the reason that we can continue to do what we love to do and continue to provide this space for them.”
Few dedicated LGBTQIA+ bars exist in Adelaide. Queer-venues such as the Mars Bar closed in 2017, followed by My Lover Cindi in 2024.
Mary’s Poppin has been a queer-owned and operated venue since 2016, investing in queer entertainment and platforming South Australian drag.
The venue has also attracted globally recognised drag queens to perform there, including Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamo, who have a combined Instagram following of 7.1 million users.
Doors to Mary’s Poppin open at 9pm, with drag shows from both Adelaide and interstate talent starting later in the night to celebrate the launch of Bottoms Up.
The first 100 ticket holders to arrive before 11pm will also receive free entry and a complimentary drink.
