Advertisement

40 Under 40 winner of the day: Crispian Fielke

Crispian Fielke has been one of the driving forces behind Adelaide’s thriving small bar scene for the past five years.

Jul 04, 2018, updated Aug 29, 2019

With a solid foundation working in restaurants and bars in Australia and the UK, Fielke and his business partners opened pioneer venue Clever Little Tailor in Peel St in 2013, which helped create momentum ahead of the proclamation of the small venue liquor licence.

In 2015, Fielke was also part of the team to open Pink Moon Saloon in Leigh St after converting a bin alley into a contemporary small bar and kitchen with a stylish log cabin feel.

The two bars have won a stack of local and national awards and last month Fielke, 39, was named a winner in the inaugural InDaily 40 Under 40 Awards.

Last year, Fielke and his cohorts expanded into the suburbs when they re-opened the Port Admiral Hotel in Port Adelaide after a two-year renovation. The venture includes a new beer brand, Port Local, which is brewed by Pirate Life and aims to become a key connection between the pub and the people of Port Adelaide.

If the success in the CBD is anything to go by, the Port Admiral is likely to play an important role in the long-awaited rejuvenation of the Port.

We caught up with Fielke to ask him some more about doing business in South Australia.

What do you believe are the strengths of doing business in South Australia?

We have an excellent physical position in the country – we can be in our regions within the hour or it’s just a short flight to the east coast. Our regions are key to the continued great reputation we have for high-quality produce and tourism opportunities, particularly in connecting producers with the end customer. In hospitality, the people of SA have great character and a growing confidence in their abilities … this allows for brilliant creative moments to be celebrated, often on the world stage.

What do you believe are the weak points of conducting business in South Australia?

Little or negative population growth doesn’t correlate with our growing confidence and ability to open new hospitality businesses. I think there is much work to do in the mental health space in our sector, addressing issues relating to expectations and the toll the industry takes on employees. These problems are nationwide but SA has a huge opportunity in training and people development in our industry.

Do you see your future in South Australia?

I do. Adelaide is such a great city to raise a family. I’m motivated by the opportunities that are still out there: the continuing renewal of Port Adelaide, the ongoing transformation of the city and the continued skill development of our (small) organisations’ people. 

How can the state encourage more of its young leaders to stay?

InDaily in your inbox. The best local news every workday at lunch time.
By signing up, you agree to our User Agreement andPrivacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Our people are everything, particularly in hospitality. Quality education and training facilities are key. Continued strong investment in the arts and tourism sector will mean that people will continue to have great things to do when they are here.

More about 40 Under 40

An assessment panel representing the South Australian business community judged hundreds of nominees for the inaugural 40 Under 40 awards, which aim to identify and promote a new generation of local leaders under the age of 40.

The final 40 includes a hugely varied collection of South Australian talents, who are making a mark in fields such as health, technology, the media, property, social innovation, agriculture, finance, the law, and much more.

For the full list of 40 Under 40 winners go here.

40 Under 40 is an InDaily initiative supported by the following partners:

  • Deloitte
  • Piper Alderman
  • Australian Institute of Business
  • KWP!
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Underwood Executive
  • City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters
  • Local Government Association of South Australia
Topics: 40 Under 40
Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.