Adelaide’s General Havelock Hotel will undergo a major renovation with neighbouring food truck hub

Adelaide’s beloved Havelock Hotel is getting a multimillion-dollar shake-up – and a new food and drinks hub just down the road.

Historic Adelaide pub The General Havelock will undergo a multimillion-dollar facelift as its new operators look to restore the city venue to its glory days.

Local business Penny Hospitality, led by Hugo Pedler, took control of the Hutt Street pub – affectionately known as ‘The Havey’ – earlier this month.

A major refurbishment of the venue, including a new balcony restaurant, plus revamped front bar and beer garden, will get underway shortly. It’s expected to be completed in time for the Adelaide 500 motor race in December.

“We’ve always loved the Havelock and what it stands for. It’s got a really special place in everyone’s heart,” said Pedler, who’s behind city venues such as Lions Arts Factory, Super Bueno, West Oak Hotel and Two-Pot Screamer.

“It’s that nostalgic pub for everyone... (but) the glory days of the Havelock have been over for a while, and it probably hasn’t seen the love that its deserved.”

Havelock Hotel staff member Cameron Groskreutz and Penny Hospitality boss Hugo Pedler. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Managing director Pedler said the renovations were part of a wider plan to revive the Hutt Street precinct as a “dining destination”.

This includes another Penny Hospitality project called ‘The Forecourt’ which will turn the disused Caltex petrol station on Hutt Street into a food and beverage hub featuring a cafe, neighbourhood wine bar and rotating food trucks.

The project, located just down the road from the Havelock, is still being discussed with Adelaide City Council.

“The last ten years, Hutt Street has been really down in the dumps... but I think it’s been misrepresented. It’s much cleaner and safer than people think,” Pedler said.

“It’s great to see venues like Bar Torino and Ballaboosta come in and really start to shake the street up, alongside Chianti (Classico) which is an institution.

“What we want to do is build on that and help revitalise Hutt Street and make it a destination again.”

The General Havelock Hotel, built in 1873 on Hutt Street, Adelaide.

The newly completed renovated dining room at the General Havelock Hotel in September 1991.

Originally built in 1873, the Havelock has long been a favourite of footy players and university students, with generous drink specials and classic pub dishes.

Pedler said he was hoping to “breathe new in life” into the venue, removing the pub's pokie machines and focusing on quality food and beverages.

“It’s always had a huge party culture and we’re really excited to take it to the next level from a food and beverage perspective,” he said.

“We want to change the face of the Havelock from that 2000s pub look, back to a classic Australiana pub feel. Somewhere warm and inviting, with amazing food and wine lists, restaurant quality food and great beers on tap.”

Penny Hospitality, together with Expressions Media and Adelaide Unleashed, are hosting a Hutt Street Long Weekend party this long weekend, featuring live entertainment, market stalls, wine tastings and plenty of food options.