Car smashes into Southwark Hotel in Thebarton, causing extensive damage

This “country pub in the city” was just days away from its 10th anniversary when a car ploughed into the front wall. But the family owners are still promising cold beer. SEE THE PHOTOS

A Toyota sedan has crashed into pub on Port Rd, Thebarton. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

This “country pub in the city” will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next week, but just as the family owners were opening the doors for business today, a car smashed into the front wall.

“We heard this almighty bang,” said owner Verity Ferguson.

“I saw all this dust rising and I thought, ‘oh my god the pub’s on fire’.”

But the Southwark Hotel on Port Rd in Thebarton wasn’t on fire – a Toyota sedan had just crashed into it.

The car smashed into the pub about 10.30am on Tuesday. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

A large mound of rubble and part of the front of the car could still be seen inside the pub several hours after impact was made about 10.30am.

SES and MFS crews were still working well after 2.30pm to try and secure the property as one northbound lane was closed on Port Rd – reducing traffic to a crawl.

Witnesses reported seeing the driver of the Toyota, believed to be elderly, “ricochet” off the tram track in the middle of the road before ploughing into the pub.

“There’s been times when the trucks that come around here fly around and we often say ‘one will come through the door one day’,” Ms Ferguson said.

“It’s just difficult before Christmas, and hotels are tough at the best of time, particularly at the moment.”

An SA Ambulance spokesperson said the three occupants of the car were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition.

A car has gone into the front wall of the Southwark Hotel on Port Rd at Thebarton. Picture: AAP / Mike Burton

Owner Sam Ferguson assesses the damage to his Port Rd pub. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

An SA Ambulance spokesperson said three people had been taken to hospital in a stable condition. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

Ms Ferguson said trading at their business, which locals describe as a “country pub in the city”, usually peaks around this time of year before getting quiet again on Christmas Eve.

Despite the damage, she and her husband Sam Ferguson, 48, remained upbeat – promising to stay open while the building was fixed.

In fact, it was still “business as usual” while the car was firmly lodged in the front wall on Tuesday afternoon.

“I just hope all the people are alright that caused it … it’s a p***k of a time before Christmas,” Mr Ferguson said.

And does the Southwark Hotel have anything planned for their 10th anniversary next Thursday? “Cold beer and finger food,” said Mr Ferguson.

Owners of the Southwark Hotel, Verity and Sam Ferguson. Picture: Gabriel Polychronis