Celebrating its sesquicentennial, the historic General Havelock has reopened, following restorations giving it a new lease on life.
Popularly known as the ‘Havey’, the Hotel was established in 1873, named in honour of Major General Sir Henry Havelock, who led British troops against an uprising in India in 1857 and is today memorialised as a war hero in London’s Trafalgar Square.
The sympathetic revival has spared no expense in a top-to-bottom overhaul.
“We’ve been working with some of the best craftsmen in Adelaide to restore the front bar, balcony, and upstairs area,” reports Hugo Pedler, director of Penny Hospitality, which operates the Havey.
The pub’s old-school front bar has been restored “to its former glory” based in a classic pub feel that is both warm and welcoming. The new upstairs area includes an all-weather heritage balcony, with heaters and cosy couches, and a 270-degree view of leafy Hutt Street and the cityscape.
A refreshed beer garden was completed in April, offering sports fanatics booth seating, tap beers and a 4.5-metre TV. The beer garden and upstairs areas are available for function hire.
A new food and beverage menu offers a wine list filled with local producers, curated to complement the venue, and a stepped-up menu, featuring new items alongside pub classics and specials throughout the week, striving to elevate the Havey into a new era as a gastro pub.
“Gone are the days of average pub food,” says head chef Billy Preace. “You can expect a really great, high quality dining experience at the Havey now.”
The 150th birthday re-opening weekend party will offer drink specials including $3 champagnes, $5 espresso martinis, and $6 base spirits.
Penny Hospitality acquired the pub with ideas of re-energising the precinct. The restoration and relaunch are part of wider plans to re-establish Hutt Street as a hospitality hotspot.
“Great food, great service and a great wine list will turn the Havelock into the heart and soul of Hutt Street,” concludes Pedler.
