South Australia’s famous wine regions are also home to welcoming pubs that offer a laid-back, authentic atmosphere.
Offering more than just a cold pint, they’re becoming must-visit destinations for food lovers. They champion craft beers and a farm-to-table philosophy, with menus built around local, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers.
Scenic Hotel – Adelaide Hills
Located just outside the city limits in the nearby Adelaide Hills, the Scenic Hotel is the ideal place to enjoy a sundowner on the veranda while enjoying the best version of Aussie pub classics like chicken schnitzel and even a version with kangaroo.
The classic pub overlooks the clouded peaks of Norton Summit, and is perfectly positioned for a prime view of the setting sun. The pub is also a popular local music venue that supports local acts, and the beer garden hums with locals and visitors alike.
The Watervale Hotel – Clare Valley
A beautifully renovated old hotel that has retained the friendly atmosphere of a country pub, The Watervale Hotel offers both all-day casual a la carte dining and a fine-dining degustation experience.
The owner’s organic, biodynamic Penobscot Farm drives the seasonal menu. Special events, usually on a Sunday, include lighting the ‘Fires of Hell’ – the outdoor Argentinean asado style BBQ in the beer garden. The venue also offers ‘Ethical Epicurean Experiences’ in the restaurant, featuring a degustation menu for up to 10 guests.
Victory Hotel – McLaren Vale
This legendary gastro pub is a restored 1858 restaurant and pub overlooking Sellicks Beach and Aldinga Bay. Packed full of cheerful pub fare, its smart, modern menu is created with as much fresh, local produce as possible, like the Coopers’ beer-battered King George whiting, perfect to enjoy with a glass of McLaren Vale Fiano.
Their cellared wines focus on the McLaren Vale region with additional wines from other South Australian regions, other Australian states and the very best from overseas. The pub has over 8000 cellared bottles and magnums, with vintages covering the last 20 years. Groups can even dine in the cellar, providing the ultimate immersive atmosphere, seated at a beautiful long table.
Overland Corner Hotel – Riverland
Boasting the Riverland’s largest selection of independent craft beer, wine, spirits and local produce, this destination pub is located in the Riverland Region. It was built in 1856 out of limestone and is one of the oldest standing structures in the state. It even offers free caravan parking and camping at the rear of the venue so that you can stop in for a couple of days.
Open for lunch and dinner five days a week and live entertainment on the weekend, this is the perfect stop on your Riverland roadie. It’s as much of a pub as it is a historic site. In summer, the beer garden is the place to be with mini festivals and fairy lights to complete the atmosphere.
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