This is a list of notable pubs in Australia. An Australian pub is an establishment performing many functions. These include serving alcoholic beverages, meals, functioning as a venue for various kinds of entertainment, and, sometimes, providing basic accommodation.
History
The Australian pub is a direct descendant of the British and Irish pub.The production and consumption of alcoholic drinks has long played a key role in Western social life and commerce, and this is reflected in the importance of pubs after the British colonisation of Australia began in 1788. However, in the 19th century the local version evolved a number of distinctive features that set it apart from the classic British or urban Irish pub.
The lack of public buildings in rural towns in colonial Australia saw pubs serve as community meeting places for a range of local activities. Among other things, they served as a community hall, a venue for political meetings and a place where inquests were held.
Early pubs followed the English pattern and were located in the front room of a domestic dwelling. The room in this "public house" were furnished with a bar, tables and benches, and there was often sawdust on the floor. They functioned under long established rules and regulations that governed every aspect of their operations. These required the publican to be of good character and pay an annual license fee. Regulations also specified hours of opening, who might and might not be served, the quality of drinks sold and mandated the provision of street lighting outside the entrance. Police and magistrates enforced these rules strictly, with fines and a possible loss of license for repeat offenders.
Early pubs were distinct from hotels, inns and large city centre pubs, which tended to be larger and more elaborate purpose-built establishments with a basement and one or more upper floors. As well as a tap-room, or public bar, they often provided a range of other facilities, such as accommodation, a dining room, stables, parlour and a billiard room.
Some tough inner-city pubs had a reputation for violence and disorder. In Australian slang, they might be referred to as a bloodhouse.
Pubs in Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Harmonie German Club
Old Canberra Inn
The Durham Castle Arms
New South Wales
Current
Metropolitan
Argyle Stores, Sydney (The Rocks)
Australian Hotel, Sydney (The Rocks) (previously defunct)
Bald Rock Hotel, Rozelle
Australian pubs worldwide
There are an estimated 3,000 Australian themed pubs worldwide. They have been criticised for a lack of authenticity. They are particularly prevalent wherever Australian tourists or expatriate communities are found, providing a sense of connection for the Australian diaspora.[3][4]
