Favourite live music venue The Gov takes home national title for best entertainment venue

Iconic Adelaide pub The Gov has celebrated a 30th anniversary with a top national award.

South Australians already know that the place to go for the best live music is The Gov in Hindmarsh, and while celebrating 30 years of ownership the iconic pub has taken home a prestigious national title.

The renowned pub took home the award for best entertainment venue at the Australian Hotels Association’s national awards on Monday night.

The stage has hosted famous acts such as Sia, The Angels, Keith Urban, The Living End, John Butler Trio and Hozier, while more are being booked and becoming sellouts.

Jo Tonkin is celebrating 30 years as owner of The Gov with her siblings Richard and Melissa. She is a fourth generation publican and has helped to make The Gov so renowned and beloved. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Jo Tonkin along with brother Richard and sister Melissa have owned the pub since 1993, and this year celebrate their 30th year.

“We just loved getting the recognition for all the hard work over the last 30 years,” Ms Tonkin said.

“It’s our 30th birthday so it’s a nice thing to have, particularly this year.”

The Gov, which is one of SA’s oldest pubs, opened in 1848 and was named after SA’s first governor, Captain John Hindmarsh.

With the Thebarton Theatre being closed for renovations, Ms Tonkin said there’s no shortage of live bands and music in Adelaide at The Gov.

“Next year we have lots of shows booked in that are touring, so next year is looking fantastic,” Ms Tonkin said.

John Butler from John Butler Trio at the Governor Hindmarsh.

Chris Cheney of The Living End at The Gov. Picture AK Photography

“There’s a good variety of different shows occurring and obviously lots of local bands.

“It’s a big mix, which is great. I think that’s why The Gov works so well, it’s not just one style of music it’s lots of different genres which appeals to many different music lovers.”

On the books next year are American rock band Anberlin, Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and musician Gregory Alan Isakov, and Ian Moss among many others.

Ms Tonkin even said some artists request to be booked into The Gov rather an any other venue in Adelaide due to its intimate setting.

“We’re family owned and independent, which is a big thing. These days there’s lots of hotel groups and other companies that own music institutions,” Ms Tonkin said.

“So it’s good that we’re a family run, independent hotel which is unusual in today’s landscape.”