Making the Most of the Ashes in Adelaide

Five Australian cities will be in the grip of Ashes fever this summer. Here’s what to do before, after and between matches in Adelaide (test matches 2-6 December).

Eat

LUNCH ON EASY STREET
With its easygoing vibe,  slick service and fresh blend  of Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, it’s hard to go past Peel St, particularly for lunch (weekdays) before start of play at 2pm. It’s open for dinner  until 10.30pm (Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday), which dovetails nicely with the end of the third session on match days.

THINK LOCAL
Burgers, chicken wings, hot dogs – it’s typical sports-day fare. The difference at Bread  & Bone Wood Grill is the topnotch quality. And from here, it’s easy to hit the West End after the match – Udaberri, Pink Moon Saloon, Clever Little Tailor and Alfred’s Bar are all just metres away.

Drink

GO TO THE TOP
Sleek rooftop bar 2KW has excellent views of North Terrace, the River Torrens and Adelaide Oval, plus players (past and present) are often seen imbibing here during cricket season. A word to the wise: there’s a serious dress code and even more serious security so patrons should visit when they’re at their peak, not on the nth beer.

MAKE A ROYAL MOVE
A relaxed yet upscale pub, The Queens Head in North Adelaide is South Australia’s oldest licensed venue in its original location. There’s  a chic beer garden that works equally well for a bevvy before play or a post-stumps pint. The wood-fired pizzas are excellent.

Between matches

GET HIGH AND MIGHTY
Get a loftier perspective of Adelaide Oval with a RoofClimb. On the days before and after the Test, you can do a standard tour that takes you along the top of the arcs of the Western and Riverbank stands. But reserve a place during the first three days of the Test for  a special 2.5-hour climb where you’ll be able to watch about  six overs from the top of the Riverbank Stand.

TASTE THE STATE
Explore wines from around  South Australia at the National Wine Centre. A free tour of the Wine Discovery Journey runs at 11.30am daily or you can book hosted wine-appreciation and educational tastings. Don’t leave without sampling some of the 120 Aussie wines at the Wined Bar, where there’s also a selection of share plates and platters.

Best breakfast

Because Adelaide’s Test match is a day-nighter,  you’ll need solid brunch-style food that will fill you up from midmorning through to  tea. Enjoy dumplings as  part of a dim sum feast at  Ding Hao (26 Gouger Street;  08 8211 7036). Over on Wright Street, My Kingdom for a Horse serves killer coffee and smashing staples (try the eggs Benny or crisp cornbread waffle with smoked salmon) as well as local beers, wines and ciders. On weekdays, book Italian-led Rigoni’s Bistro on Leigh Street, a local favourite for pre-match fuelling.