The corner of Rundle Street and East Terrace is feeling familiar again, with a few thoughtful updates. After months of quiet changes, The Stag Public House is officially reopening next week, leaning into what it does best. Proper pub culture, done well.
Owned by Big Easy Group – the team behind Anchovy Bandit, Bandit Pizza and Wine, Tarantino’s, La Louisiane and Bottega Bandito – The Stag’s relaunch reflects seven years of learning what locals want from a front bar.
“A pub should do pub things. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be bloody great,” says co-owner Alex Bennet.
The relaunch follows the runaway success of Tarantino’s next door, the group’s New York–Italian bistro that has barely seen an empty seat since opening. From the beginning, the team – Bennett, Oliver Brown and Shane Wilson – saw the two venues as siblings.
The bones of The Stag remain firmly intact. It is still a place for after-work beers, long lunches, quiz nights and settling in for the evening.
“For us, a pub is truly a public house, a place of community and culture. Somewhere you can pop in for a beer with mates, settle in for a counter meal, or test your knowledge at weekly quiz night, and still be quietly pissed when your team loses, even if you swear it’s just for fun,” Bennet says.
What’s changed is the polish. The venue’s refreshed branding and visual direction, developed with Studio 2049, brings a clean, contemporary edge while respecting the pub’s long-standing role in the East End.
Black scribble vandalism marks some walls and ceilings, others are French-washed in warm heritage yellows, all tied together with modern art installations by Adelaide designer James Brown, the same creative behind Tarantino’s retro-inspired pieces.
“It still looks and feels like a classic pub,” Brown told Glam Adelaide in November. “But there’s this spark now — a modern twist on the traditional, and that’s mirrored in the food.”
A major focus of the relaunch is the kitchen, now led by Big Easy Group co-owner and executive chef Shane Wilson, who has taken a deliberate approach to pub food. Keep it classic, keep it generous, and keep it affordable. Prices stay where you expect pub prices to sit. The surprise comes in the quality.
“I love to use great local ingredients, but that doesn’t always mean it needs to break the bank,” Wilson says. “I love popping into the pub for a meal and a wine. So this is food I love eating, done in a way I love. Tasty with great produce.”
The menu sticks closely to the classics. Free-range chicken schnitzels are hand-crumbed daily in-house using panko, O’Connor’s premium steaks anchor the grill, and Ocean Jacket from Ferguson’s stars in the fish and chips. The signature parmi comes with a classic red sauce finished with a vodka twist, while the snacks menu includes house-made arancini with truffle mayo, best enjoyed with a Coopers Pale Ale.
“With the success of Tarantino’s, we’ve decided to bring some of the elements everyone has loved into The Stag and its food,” Bennet says.
“It’s a big building, and we want Tarantino’s to feel like the restaurant and The Stag to really be that front bar — somewhere you can grab a drink before dinner or settle in for the night with Adelaide’s best pub food.”
The drinks offering stays familiar but elevated. There’s a tight beer lineup, classic cocktails finished with Big Easy polish, and a wine list that proudly champions South Australia. Guests can even dip into Tarantino’s cellar if the moment calls for something a little more premium.
“Maybe you’re sitting out the front with a Clare Valley Riesling,” Brown said. “Or maybe you’re splitting a Barolo or a bottle of Champagne. Both should feel normal here.”
Weekly specials reinforce that front-bar focus, with Steak Frites Night offering a 200g O’Connor’s steak, fries and a glass of wine for $35, weekday lunch specials including a free beer or wine, happy hour pours, and a competitive Wednesday quiz night.
Looking ahead to Adelaide Fringe, The Stag will also introduce regular live entertainment with DJs and acoustic artists, alongside seven-day trade.
The Stag still keeps its soul intact. You’ll still find beers on tap, rotating specials, and food that doesn’t mind if you skip the cutlery (and occasionally lick the plate.) It’s just done with more care now, bringing classic pub culture into the present. Cheers to that.
The Stag rebrand
Where: 299 Rundle Street, Adelaide
When: Relaunch from January 13, open Sun to Thurs 12pm-11pm, Fri and Sat 12pm-1am
For the website, click here.
@thestagpublichouse
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