History
The Whitmore Hotel, being one of the first Public Houses in Adelaide, has had a colourful and varied past since 1839.
The Hotel was opened on March 23, 1839 as the Queens Arms under the management of one Thomas Maslin. It remained known as such until 1904 when it was renamed the Bushman’s Club Hotel. In January, 1952 it was renamed the Gothic Hotel until it was changed to the St Andrews Hotel in 1994. It then had yet another name change to BTs Hotel on Whitmore in 2002. In December 2008, it was changed again to the Whitmore Hotel oddly, the first time this name has been used, given its location on Whitmore Square
The property is located on the corner of Wright and Morphett Streets. It was constructed in 3 stages: the original bluestone 2 storey corner section was erected in 1838; a second addition of freestone was added in 1912 and a third single storey lounge area that doubled the original size, was added in 1952.
From this time the southwest precinct became unfashionable and was increasingly occupied by a lower social demographic. The Gothic, as it was now known, retained a solid clientele now flavoured by the working class, workers from the nearby Adelaide Central Markets and a growing ethnic population that was moving into the city.
The Hotel gradually declined in appearance, condition and reputation as it sought to find its place in a new world. It traded as a niche operation to the gay and lesbian community, to the “gothic scene” and was up ’til now disposed as a strip club.
Today, the pub has resumed its place as a great local community pub at the head of refurbished Whitmore Square. Unlike a lot of “brassed and glassed” city pubs, the Whitmore has retained its character, with its breathtaking bluestone exterior, classic front bar with terazzo facing, old wooden fridges and traditional bar drinks ledges. It’s vibrant feel, great food and live music make it a must visit venue and we pride ourselves on the pubs affodability in food and drink pricing
