Gingers Vintage Lounge Bar

An evening of Italian music, delicious food and lively connection brought a taste of Naples to Goodwood.

Dinner with friends, conversations with fellow locals and dancing like no one was watching - Giri’s Una Notte a Napoli brought a little Italian spirit to Ginger’s Vintage Lounge Bar on Saturday 24 October.

From the outset, this felt like a genuinely social evening. Arthur the owner personally greeted us on arrival and showed us to our table - a lovely touch that immediately made us feel welcome. Seated alongside other locals, we found ourselves chatting before the show and over dinner. It’s a simple arrangement, but one that helped create a warm atmosphere, with conversation flowing easily between people who had arrived separately.

Our dinner picks were the Atlantic Salmon and French Chicken Casserole, enjoyed as the room settled in for an evening of music. The table service was excellent, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout the night.

Then came the Giri vibe.

Led by Adelaide musician Franco Parrella on guitar and vocals, Giri - Italian Lounge Songs brought an upbeat, Gypsy-style approach to classic Italian and Neapolitan music. Joining Franco were Adrian Ferraretto on cello, Steve Shier on percussion, Angel Manzella on vocals and tamburo, and Alessia Grillenzoni on harmonica.

The ensemble’s mix of instruments and personalities suited the intimate space perfectly. Black-and-white Italian film clips played on the wall, adding a cinematic backdrop to the vintage atmosphere.

Giri takes its name from 45 giri, a nod to vintage seven-inch records. That affection for Italian musical history carried through the evening, with Franco sharing stories and context behind the songs. For those of us unfamiliar with the language, these introductions offered a way into their humour, romance and character.

But it was the crowd interaction that made the night. The performers encouraged participation, and the audience happily responded. Guests were soon dancing between the tables, clapping along and enjoying themselves with very little concern for polished footwork.

Ginger’s proved a lovely setting for the experience. Exposed stone walls, eclectic artwork and warm lighting gave the venue its vintage charm, while the closeness of the musicians made everyone feel part of the occasion.

For the over-40s looking for a local night out with friends, this combination has plenty of appeal: dinner, conversation, live music and a chance to dance, all without needing to make a late night of it.

The evening lifted my spirits. It wasn’t only a journey through Italy; it was also about connection, dancing, laughter, good wine and delicious food. Una Notte a Napoli left us with the feeling of having shared a lively evening among friends - some we arrived with, and others we met along the way.

Giri’s Una Notte a Napoli at Ginger’s Vintage Lounge Bar was one of those special nights where strangers became friends, the music brought everyone together, and you left with a full heart and a smile that lingered.

Giri’s next performance will be part of the upcoming Italian Festival on 14 November at Alta Villa Club, Beulah Park.

For more information and tickets, click on the box below. Please join Feature SA for another fabulous night out!

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Photography by Kate & Geoff Needs