Adelaide couple Adam Rocco and Tamara Spark have returned home from Melbourne to open Local Grind in the ground floor of The Watson Art Series Hotel.

Rocco, formerly of Melbourne restaurants including GG in East Melbourne, Bottega and Mister Bianco, will rattle the pans while Spark will oversee front of house and the wine list that showcases wines from Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

Rocco said, “We’re hoping to attract a strong local following as well as catering for Hotel guests and residents at The Watson. Local Grind is very informal so people feel comfortable visiting us for any occasion, whether it’s just a coffee after a morning walk along the Linear Park or a celebratory dinner with family and friends.”

The casual dining restaurant incorporates a small providore at the entry selling pastries, oils, pasta, cured meats and a few fresh fruits and vegetables.

The light and airy interior features a wall length mural, light timber furniture and industrial style pendant lighting and has bi-fold doors opening up onto an outside dining area as well as a side courtyard.

Local Grind will provide room service and poolside dining for hotel guests, as well boardroom catering for the serviced offices.

Local Grind is located at 33 Warwick St, Walkerville, South Australia.