Messenger’s ‘best of’ poll reveals SA’s best pubs – as voted by you

Close to 3000 votes later and we’ve found the best pubs in the city, suburbs, hills and country. SEE THE LIST

Matt Radbone at the Victory Hotel – voted SA’s best pub. Picture: Tom Huntley

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We’ve crunched the numbers and, almost 3000 votes later, you have helped decide SA’s favourite pubs, from the city to the suburbs, the hills to the regions.

The landmark Victory Hotel, at Sellicks Hill, was voted the best pub in SA.

It was closely followed by the Caledonian Inn, in Robe.

Victory Hotel venue manager Matt Radbone said after a tough few months of COVID restrictions, the pub was thrilled to win.

“We’re pleased as punch about it, actually,” Mr Radbone said.

“We just sit down here on the hill, down south, and do our thing so to be recognised like that is really special.

“When we shut the doors back in March, we didn’t know when we were going to be able to open again.

“It was really nice to be able to open the doors and get people back in and feel a bit of a hum around the place again.”

Mr Radbone credited consistency as key to the pub’s success.

“We’ve had the same chefs for years; some of them have been here for 10 years so we’ve had a great consistency of food coming out of the kitchen,” he said.

“It’s always been a family pub and we pride ourselves on having that family feel.”

Of course, owner Doug Govan’s specially curated wine list helps as well.

“Doug takes so much care in his wine list and has forever,” Mr Radbone said.

“We’ve got everything from the winery down the road to some of the best wines from across the world.”

City and North Adelaide

1. Historian Hotel, 18 Coromandel Place, Adelaide

Once described as a “diamond in the rough” the Historian Hotel has played a big part in rejuvenating Coromandel Place.

The Historian’s daytime specials of steaks or burgers with a sneaky lunch time drink have made it a popular lunch haunt with city workers.

It’s currently closed for renovations but still taking bookings in preparation to reopen better than ever.

2. The Kentish Hotel, 23 Stanley St, North Adelaide

3. The Lion Hotel, 161 Melbourne St, North Adelaide

A burger from the Historian Hotel, Adelaide. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

North

1. Coopers Alehouse Gepps Cross, 560 Main North Rd, Blair Athol

When Coopers renovated the old Gepps Cross Hotel it quickly became a popular spot for anything from a Sunday sesh to a family dinner.

With the very best Coopers brews on offer alongside a menu of classic pub fare, share plates and street food the Alehouse has something for anyone.

Before COVID restrictions took hold, the spot had gained a reputation for hosting some of the best live music in the suburbs and local music fans are looking forward to getting back in for a boogy.

2. Fox & Firkin British Pub, 1370 North East Rd, Tea Tree Gully

3. Highbury Hotel, 1017 Lower North East Rd, Highbury

Coopers Alehouse Gepps Cross. Picture: Elliott Clarke Photography

South

1. Victory Hotel, Old Sellicks Hill Rd, Sellicks Hill

2. Seacliff Beach Hotel, 221 Esplanade, Seacliff

3. Willunga Hotel, 3-5 High St, Willunga

East/inner-south/Mitcham hills

1. The Edinburgh Hotel, 7 High St, Mitcham

One of the oldest pubs on our list, The Edinburgh Hotel, or The Ed, as it is best known, has had 151 years to secure its spot as one of the best in Adelaide.

The pub sits in the heart of the historic Mitcham Village and has withstood the test of time.

It now plays host to live music, special events and its loyal regular customers, many enjoying its beautiful garden setting.

2. The Colonist, 44 The Parade, Norwood

3. Alma Tavern, 66 Magill Rd, Norwood

Edinburgh Hotel staff members Declan Gramazio and Alexandra Barratt with owner Chris Codling celebrating the historic hotel turning 150 last year. Picture: Matt Turner

West

1. Wheatsheaf Hotel, 39 George St, Thebarton

Pubs are well-versed with supplying the very best brews and this Thebarton hotel decided to make its own in 2014.

On top of brewing its own beers, the Wheatsheaf Hotel is also known for its amazing program of live music and Friday knock-off drinks.

But if music isn’t your things, its got board games, dart boards and pool tables to keep you entertained.

2. Largs Pier Hotel, 198 Esplanade, Largs Bay

3. Ramsgate Hotel, 328 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach

The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

Adelaide Hills

1. Uraidla Hotel, 1198 Greenhill Rd, Uraidla

Since 1867, the Uraidla Hotel has been a social hub for the hills community.

Its focus on sustainable practices, including growing produce on site, implementing a substantial vegan and vegetarian menu and up-cycling furniture, is what sets this pub apart.

Taking inspiration from the area’s market gardening history, the Uraidla Hotel’s menu includes shawarma cauliflower steak, green pea falafel and salt and pepper tofu, alongside the traditional schnitzels, steaks and seafood.

2. The Stirling Hotel, 52 Mount Barker Rd, Stirling

3. The Crafers Hotel, 8 Main St, Crafers

Uraidla Hotel. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

Country SA

1. Caledonian Inn, 1 Victoria St, Robe

At more than 160-years-old, the Caledonian Inn is the oldest pub on our list, but age is just a number for this Robe landmark.

This English-style pub was voted as the second-best pub in the state in our poll, and it’s easy to see why.

With fresh and local produce from the Limestone Coast, the Caledonian’s menu impresses locals and tourists alike.

And with a drinks menu – which even includes the local Robe Town Brewery brews – to match, it isn’t surprising that this country pub was voted one of the best in the state.

When COVID restrictions hit, the historic inn’s owners took the opportunity to close the pub down for renovations and it’s set to reopen at the end of August.

A housemade pie and pint at The Caledonian Inn, Robe. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

2. Prairie Hotel, West Tce, Parachilna

3. Marion Bay Tavern, 5 Stenhouse Bay Rd, Marion Bay