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Oldest Pubs In Adelaide

Some of the oldest and most beautiful bars, pubs and taverns in Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide Pub History

Everyone knows Adelaide as the city of churches but, history shows that Adelaide is really the city of bars and pubs. When you walk around Adelaide you will be amazed by the amount of historic houses and buildings. The churches also grab your eye, but the pubs are the real show stoppers. People don’t give these buildings the credit they deserve!

These pubs are some of the grandest and most historic in Australia. Just look at the sadly soon to be demolished Newmarket Hotel. This beautiful 3 story classic pub is a great piece of history from 1883.

Hidden Beresford Arms Inn on Gilles St. is sadly not operational, but looks magnificent. Sounds interesting, read more here.

What is the oldest pub in Adelaide?

Like every city there is a bit of a debate about which is the oldest. The Edinburgh Castle in Currie Street retains the oldest licence (1837). It was known as the Guthrie’s Hotel until it’s name changed in 1881. In 1837 the Black Bull and the British hotel were also built.

Check out our Vintage Pub (2hr) walking trail. Click Here

10 of the Oldest Pubs In Adelaide

The Edinburgh Castle — 233 Currie St, 1837 (closed)

Black Bull — 58 Hindley St, 1837

British hotel— 58 Finniss St, North Adelaide, 1837

Dog and Duck — 125 Hindley St: 1838

West Oak Hotel — 208 Hindley St, 1838

Queens head — 117 Kermode St, North Adelaide: 1838

The Richmond — Rundle Mall, 1839

Producers bar — 235 Grenfell St, 1839 (for lease)

WHITMORE Hotel — 317 Morphett St 1839

Directors Hotel — 247 Gouger Street, 1839 (closed)

Grace Emily — 232 Waymouth St, 1839

Rob Roy hotel— 106 Halifax St, 1840

The Edinburgh Castle - 1837

From 1837 to 2018, it served as a local for many patrons who literally grew old in this pub. The Edinburgh castle was created six months after the establishment of the colony of South Australia. Pub adapted to the current trends without letting go of their classical appearance. It will be missed!

The Black Bull Hotel - 1837

“The Bull is tame, so fear him not; so long as you can pay your shot” – James Chittleborough, 1850. This bar was also created near the establishment of the Colony, in 1838. Their concept has been mastered, altered, and improved over the years. And they certainly can say they’ve been through a lot.

British hotel — 1838

Another important one from 1838. Not many venues can brag about them being in business for about 181 years straight! They have their taste and style intact from the colony years, showing that there’s no need to fix what’s broken. Their great rustic decor, open areas, and certainly British air will keep on shining forever!

Dog and Duck — 1838

Opened in 1838, this venue is the greatest example of aging well. It was closed in 2015, but re-opened to show a new type of young, forever-partying-soul kind of vibe. It has known how to keep the sparkle of attention alive by improving their looks, infrastructure, and events.

West Oak Hotel — 1838

Known as the Jolly Bar or Doctor’s Bar, this beauty is like a well-aged wine. Keeping their good old tradition of being the home for tired doctors with booze cravings after a shift for 180 years is not easy. Make sure to put it on your to-do list.

QUEENS Head — 1838

This bar has kept intact all of their classic attire. It’s a 180 years old masterpiece! They have remained classic after all these years. Make sure to check out their time-reversing menu, too!

The Richmond — 1839

The Richmond is actually one year younger than most of the other bars in this list. It has all the luxury a venue can have, being the straight up reminder of all the past good times. It has a classy decor, with classic furniture, and after 179 years at the heart of Adelaide, it remains unspoiled by the passing time. It’s one of our favorite venues for events. And how could it not be?

Producers Bar — 1839

This old house with more than 180 years is the right spot for sharing a beer with your mates, and it has been since 1839! This venue looks amazing from outside, with all the good old neighborhood stuff going on. Now, once you go in, you’ll notice that time did pass in this place since all the young-and-thriving people running and attending it are lit!

Whitmore Hotel — 1839

The Whitmore Hotel was closed three years ago and reopened last year by the ladies in charge of Sparkke Change Beverage Co. They have kept the best of the building, which remained intact in essence, and added a little bit more of environmental awareness. You just gotta love them!

Directors Hotel — 1839

The Directors Hotel is certainly not the oldest one in this list, but for sure is the one with most name changes. It had at least 6 names throughout these 180 years! And, with the name, on and off came the ideas and different concepts that they applied to this marvelous building. Not a Pub anymore

Grace Emily — 1839

Not the biggest, not the greatest, but old enough to be a legend! This bar is among the basic ones you have to check out while in Adelaide. The building remains unspoiled by time. Perfect spot for laid-back people!

Rob Roy Hotel — 1840

This is the one with most changes ever made to its structure. It has been through a renewal process at least 10 times during its 170 years. It’s actually the youngest on this list. Named after a famous outlaw, Rob Roy is a great spot for some people watching and a drink.