Governor Hindmarsh, Grace Emily and Crown and Sceptre among Adelaide pubs keeping live music scene alive
Grace Emily hotel in the city's west end has been one of Adelaide's live music strongholds.
Image by Kylie Fleming
Old pubs carrying on a tradition of live music on all levels are a hallmark of Adelaide music. These hotels include The Gov (Governor Hindmarsh) that was crowned Best Entertainment Venue in Australia by the Australian Hotels’ Association in 2009 and 2012. Another is the Grace Emily, inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame for its commitment to live music.
The Gov (Governor Hindmarsh), Port Road, Hindmarsh
Since the Tonkin family took over in 1993, The Gov has established itself as one of Adelaide’s leading live music venue. Besides hosting world-class musicians in the Venue, its bars welcome groups such as the Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society, open mic sessions, Irish jam sessions and live local bands on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Crown and Sceptre, King William Street south, Adelaide
During the late 19th century, the Crown and Sceptre was popular with residents and city workers in nearby Victoria Square. It quickly earned a reputation for its musical and theatrical performances, with the South Australian Register declaring it “one of the finest houses of entertainment in Adelaide”. In the 1990s/early 2000s, the hotel hosted numerous indie bands. Its many features acts included Luke Million, Funk Latin Union, Orelia, The Swissand The Cat Empire.
Grace Emily, Waymouth Street, Adelaide
The colony was only three years old when the hotel, then The Launceston, was established in Adelaide's west end, In 1998, the hotel became The Grace Emily, and a live music stage was built in the former dining room. Some of the earliest to feature include Mick Thomas and Dave Graney. Paul Kelly and all members of Cold Chisel have performed thereas have international stars Ben Folds, Jeff Martin, Justin Townes Earle and The Handsome Family. Patrons enjoy genres from acoustic/folk, blues/roots, country, jazz, pop, rock and world.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Franklin Street, Adelaide
South Australia’s oldest continuously licensed hotel from 1837 as Guthrie’s Castle. Its eclectic mix includes blues, indieand alternative. The long running raw jam acoustic session has been a popular Tuesday night. The hotel closed in 2018 due to nearby construction.
The Crown and Anchor Hotel, Grenfell Street, Adelaide
First licensed in 1853, the Crown and Anchor has been considered a stalwart of the live music scene for at least the past two decades. Famous acts include Tex Perkins, Kim Salmon, Fiona Horne, Rob Snarski, The Spazzy’s, Dan Luscombe (Black Eyed Susans) and Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr). Popular local acts are also frequent the pub, including Bad//Dreems and Grenardiers. The front bar of the Crown and Anchor has also earned a reputation as a place for free DJ sets by big name acts.
The Producers, Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
The Producers’ distinctive timber frontage is a now rare example of the Queen Anne/Federation style but first hotel on this site, called the Woodman’s Inn, was operating in 1839. In 1906, the present hotel was built for the South Australian Brewing Company. The Producers has been a versatile live music venue. On Thursday evenings, it became home to Open Grave Records’ CACTUS, a live folk music night with local and interstate talent. Fridays and Saturdays saw the beer garden and warehouse spaces activated by everything from hardcore and punk to psychedelia and electronica.
