McLaren Vale Hotel unveils $2m renovation 100 years in the making

More than a century’s worth of renovations have been stripped away as part of the McLaren Vale pub’s major overhaul. See the pictures.

The McLaren Vale Hotel has recently received a $2m renovation. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The McLaren Vale Hotel is one of the only pubs in the famed McLaren Vale wine region, and it just got a whole lot bigger and better.

After acquiring the pub in 2019, Palmer Hospitality Group began a $2m renovation plan go chip away at more than a century of renovations to reveal the building’s hidden original features.

McLaren Vale Hotel staff member Hannah Ormerod. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The overhaul has been several years in the making. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Inside the new look pub. Picture: Brett Hartwig

McLaren Vale Hotel’s prawn and ginger dumplings. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Renovations began in June 2022, with ‘The Vale’ now proudly boasting an “exquisite” 20 metre marble top bar, reinstated original fireplaces, and a tripling of the size of the al fresco deck that looks out across Tintara Winery’s heritage-listed trees and garden.

Palmer Hospitality managing director Martin Palmer said he was motivated to keep The Vale’s “traditional” feel.

“At its core, The Vale is a traditional regional pub, and it was always our intent to retain that authenticity through the renovation while creating a premium hospitality experience for visitors from near and far,” he said.

“The contemporary fixtures we have chosen simply enhance the familiar, cozy features people have always loved about this place – like the open fireplaces and natural structural materials.”

The McLaren Vale Hotel’s renovated beer garden. Picture: Brett Hartwig

McLaren Vale Hotel’s chickpea falafels. Picture: Brett Hartwig

McLaren Vale Hotel’s confit duck. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Executive chef, Glenn Worrall, has designed a menu which he says will honour the many regional producers and ingredients of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Now that there are original building features that are a part of the experience of dining here, it’s really important to celebrate local produce,” Mr Worrall said.

Visitors will have the option to grab a drink or meal at either the Vale Bar, the Bellevue Restaurant, or on the extensive pub deck that extends around to the largest Morten Bay Fig tree in the continent.

Diners inside the new look McLaren Vale Hotel. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Mr Palmer says the McLaren Vale Hotel is the go-to destination for visitors to mingle with locals while enjoying a wine or a beer at The Vale Bar.

“Ask the barman for tips on the best places to visit around the area,” he said.

“The Vale Bar tips its hat to some of the region’s most iconic vignerons and winemakers.”

There’s no better time to visit than now after recently being awarded Best Redeveloped Hotel (Country), WT Spurr Award for Tourism & Regional Promotion and Best Overall Hotel (Country) in the recent Australian Hotels Association Awards – SA in November.