Happy b-day to one of our favourite watering holes, The Mile End Hotel!
This grand old lady is the toast of the town for reaching the ripe age of 180 and boy oh boy, she just gets better with age. In 1840, the doors were swung open to The Market Tavern which became The Butchers’ Arms before transforming into The Mile End.
There are stories of burglaries, the death of a landlord, shooting matches, early celebrations of St Patrick’s Day and even a rabbit named Joe who would regularly munch lettuce leaves on the bar. It’s a rich history and when the Saturno Group took over the pub 20 years ago, they took it from a grungy sports pub to an art-deco dream that draws on the 180-year heritage and is set for eating and drinking all year round.
Pull up a pew, here’s why we love her so much…
The menu
Catch-ups are made easy with the vast selection of traditional pub fare and restaurant style meals available from 11.30am to 8.30pm every day, so you’re not battling to get orders in before the kitchen closes. Head Chef David White and his team are on a mission to bring you the best pub food in Adelaide, and they’re bang on target! You can grab a delicious local steak, Asian-inspired bowl, or an array of share plates to start. And vego and vegan friends are sorted with options galore.
Local’s the name of the game, with the extensive wine list featuring local boutique wineries; and they’re riding the gin wave, showcasing local SA distilleries with a ‘build your own gin cocktail’ option if you feel like flexing a little creative flair.
And beer lovers, rejoice! The Mile End is the perfect place to explore, with a solid list of craft beers and rotating taps, so there’s always something new to try from a local brewer; plus all frothies on tap are the same price, so it’s easy to go rounds with your mates.
The vibe
With history running through her halls, The Mile End was carefully renovated eight years ago to preserve the story but make her even more appealing. Thoughtful nods to the past include the replica original bar, colourful lead lighting, original bluestone walls, chandeliers, open fireplaces and the iconic moose head, as well as framed memorabilia, which all paint a colourful picture of years gone by.
It’s the definition of character, with something to catch your eye in every room and around every corner. The walls are donned with whimsical creations from local artist Sandra Anderson, including a detailed mural in the dining room. It’s the perfect collaboration of art and history, and you’re welcomed in, just like you were visiting a good mate’s house. “A lot of our staff are working in hospitality as their chosen career, not just as a job to make ends meet, so they’re passionate about ensuring you have a fantastic experience,” says Venue Manager Shane Abbott.
The happenings
Keep an eye on their events throughout the year, including key local events like Tasting Australia. Plus, this crew loves live music and gets the vibe cranking every Friday night with DJ Stixx, as well as daily specials including $11 cocktails and all the things that make for a fun night out. It’s the perfect spot for a function — you can book any of the areas for a do, or lock in 80 of your closest pals if you’re after a larger scale event.
Make a night of it
With 11 rooms and a two-bedroom flat upstairs, The Mile End offers a comfy bed just minutes from the CBD — perfect for a local staycation or a central spot to base yourself for any of Adelaide’s incredible festivals. There’s convenient car parking and, of course, a bottleo on hand, so all bases are covered.
Em xx
