Historic city pub the Colonel Light Hotel closes its doors – less than a year since reopening

Just nine months after reopening, a landmark city hotel has once again shut down. Is it another victim of the CBD hospitality industry crisis?

The Colonel Light Hotel, renamed Tullula Bright at Colonel Light after reopening nine months ago following its five year closure, has called final drinks yet again.

Brock Phillips, also known by their drag persona Tullula Bright, took over the state heritage-listed Light Square hotel in January this year.

“I sadly need to announce that after discussions with my advisers and the landlord of the pub that I have had to make the decision to close down the Colonel Light,” Mr Phillips wrote on the Tullula Bright Facebook page.

The 65-year-old opened the venue to be an “entertainment centre” that embraces Adelaide’s art scene.

“We want to support as many local artists as we can in the area,” they told The Advertiser earlier this year.

Brock Phillips, also known by their drag persona Tullula Bright, took over the state heritage-listed hotel in January 2022. Picture: Russell Millard

The closure comes amid the ongoing crisis facing CBD hospitality operators.

Peel St tapas bar, La Rambla shut its door last month, citing forced closures during Covid, worker shortages and falling foot traffic caused by city workers working from home as reasons for the closure.

“Anecdotally the sector is struggling,” liquidator Ian Burford told The Advertiser of La Rambla’s closure.

The Colonel Light Hotel, originally named Hotel George, pictured in 1927. Picture: SA State Library

The Colonel Light Hotel, originally named Hotel George is one of the oldest pubs in Adelaide, opening in 1847.

The Advertiser contacted Mr Phillips for comment, but he declined.