Kids eat free
every Sunday and Monday
buy 1 main meal and receive one kids meal free
*T&Cs apply
$19 Schnitzels
every Tuesday night
$18 Burgers
Every Wednesday night
Happy Hours
Mon-Thurs 4-6pm
Fridays 4-7pm
Sat-Sun 3-6pm
Functions
Our Legacy
Our History
The British Hotel stands as one of Port Adelaide’s most treasured landmarks, proudly holding its licence since 1847, making it the oldest continuously licensed hotel in the district. Founded by retired seaman James Wakeling after the “Great Fire” of 1847 destroyed his previous establishment, the Port Tavern, the British rose from the ashes on the corner of North Parade and Nelson Street, just metres from the Port River. In its earliest days, ferrymen and sailors could quite literally tie up their boats at the door, stepping straight inside for a well-earned drink after a long day on the water.
Ownership changed hands several times throughout the 19th century, including a period under Sir Henry Ayers, who commissioned a major rebuild between 1876 and 1878. This renovation gave the hotel its iconic two-storey façade and balcony that still stand today. From 1907 to 1952, it became known locally as McGrath’s British Hotel, during which time Esther McGrath made history as South Australia’s first independent female hotel licensee. Over nearly two centuries, the British has been a meeting place for dockworkers, sailors, locals and travellers alike — a true cornerstone of Port Adelaide’s social life.
After periods of decline and closure in the late 20th century, the British Hotel was lovingly restored and reopened in 2010, earning a City of Port Adelaide Enfield Heritage Award for its preservation work. Today, under new management, the British continues to thrive as a modern pub, restaurant and function space — proudly blending its rich maritime past with a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere.
Our menu is all about good, honest food — simple dishes made with quality ingredients and packed with flavor. From classic pub favorites to fresh seasonal specials.
We proudly pour great local wines from some of South Australia’s best vineyards — the perfect complement to any meal.
Our cocktail list mixes the best of both worlds — a few house creations we’ve dreamed up ourselves, alongside timeless classics everyone loves.