Adelaide’s historic General ‘Havvy’ Havelock hotel marks 150 years, is restored to its former glory

Adelaide’s iconic “Havvy” hotel is back after a major revamp – and its owners hope it’ll attract local footy clubs for presentation nights. Take a look inside.

The “Havvy” is back.

Restorations at The General Havelock, one of the first hotels to open in the city’s southeast corner in 1873, are now complete 12 months after they began, and its owners believe it will help put Hutt St back on the map.

Staff members Ebony Sheridan and Wade Richardson toast the opening of the revamped General Havelock Hotel. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The million-dollar works include a revamped upper level and balcony and front bar restored to its former glory, and marks the venue’s 150th anniversary.

“The classic restoration of pubs is what we’re missing in Adelaide,” said Hugo Pedlar of Penny Hospitality, which took over the pub in June 2022.

“It’s inviting, it’s warm, the food’s great – it’s a classic pub, without gaming, pokes or TAB.

“The Havvy was a big part of my teenage years growing up in Adelaide and almost everyone that I know has a story – they met their wife there; they met their girlfriend there; they used to party there in the 90s.

The renovated covered beer garden at the General Havelock Hotel on Hutt Street. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The front bar has had a facelift as part of the million-dollar upgrade. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Another area of the upgraded pub, which has been a long-time haunt for private school alumni and amateur football clubs. Picture: Brett Hartwig

“I’m hoping we can join the traders that are here like Bar Torino and Chianti, Ballaboosta – they’re institutional venues – and re-add General Havelock to that list. I think it has been forgotten about for a while and Hutt St has been as well.”

The venue also hopes to draw local and school footy clubs back for presentation nights and celebrations. They’ve already sponsored PAC’s Old Collegians Football Club.

A historic early picture of the General Havelock Hotel, which was built on Hutt St in 1873.

The dining room of the General Havelock Hotel after an upgrade in 1991.

“We’ve reignited the relationship with PAC, but we’re definitely looking to engage more – it was a huge Adelaide Uni pub for a long time and we’re looking to rekindle that relationship as well,” Mr Pedlar said.

“For us this pub is such a large part of the community, we’re welcoming everyone.”