New chapter for favourite West End pub haunt
An iconic Adelaide pub – a hub for the city’s burgeoning punk scene in the late 1970s and a former haunt for Cold Chisel – is changing hands.
Grace Emily Hotel publican Symon Jarowyj has announced that next Monday will be his final night running the hotel renowned for showcasing local live music after nearly 16 years.
“I’ve had a blast but need more time with my beautiful family,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the culture and longevity of our little venue. Forever grateful.
“New publicans Kyle, Joseph and Shane will build upon the 28 years of history. If you’re around Friday night, there will be some cheap drinks going with a shit disco and Monday will be my final night.”
Numerous punters took to the Facebook comment section, one writing it was “one of the best venues in the country” and that “I’m so grateful that you created such a wonderful space for musos to start their journey, and a landing pad for us to always come back to”.
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Another wrote, “You kept the Grace going through the tough times and no matter how long between drinks you always remember what we drink – you are a legend”, while Suzy Ramone of surf psych band The Molting Vultures said it was a favourite venue for performing.
According to the SA Music Hall of Fame, the Grace Emily was established in 1854 and in the late 1970s became a hub for Adelaide’s punk and new wave scene, with bands like The Angels, Cold Chisel and The Riptides regularly performing at the venue. It was previously known as the Launceston Hotel but changed its name to the Grace Emily Hotel in 1998.
InDaily understands that the new publicans for the Grace Emily are Bread and Bone owner Kyle Landman, who is a member of punk band Young Offenders, and Proof Bar owners Joe Wilkinson and Shane Ettridge. Landman declined to comment when contacted by InDaily.
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Adelaide City Councillor Keiran Snape said the Grace Emily is his local haunt, saying you cannot go wrong with the house rosé.
Snape said he loves Monday nights, when there is an open mic session with up-and-coming bands.
“I live just around the corner, and it’s been a local staple for many years now supporting the live music scene, supporting local music acts – it’s really accessible, friendly, a bit grungy, but we love that,” he said.
“Sym, who’s the owner, he’s really friendly, he knows most of the regulars by name, and I think between that and having the Ed Castle open up again, the West End has become a bit of a live music haunt in the city.”
Snape said it was “incredibly important” to have small live music venues such as the Grace Emily, calling them “part of the heart and soul of our city”.
He was confident the new publicans would maintain this vibe.
“It’s got something special there, and I think the new owners will recognise that and recognise the support it has in the community – both the local community and the live music community – and we want to keep that flourishing,” he said.
It comes as the historic city pub The Griffins Hotel on Hindmarsh Square was sold to Adelaide developer George Kambitsis for $8.55 million.
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