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After three years of renovations and a vision more than two decades in the making, a 170-year-old Barossa pub has unveiled a spacious new dining area, breathing new life into the historic venue.
The state heritage-listed Williamstown Hotel has transformed what was once a crumbling, unused corner of the property, into a spacious new area overlooking the beer garden, with more room for celebrations, long lunches and plans for private functions.
Dating back to the 1850s, the much-loved country pub has been a fixture of Williamstown for generations. Now, the latest redevelopment marks another chapter in its long history, fulfilling a vision the building’s landlord has held for around 20 years.
Before work began in 2023, the area was occupied by ageing amenities and a deteriorating structure, leaving much of the space underutilised. Manager, Athena Turner, has operated the hotel with her husband for the past seven years, saying the transformation has been particularly rewarding.
“It was literally just a rundown, falling apart, old building … It was literally like dirt. So, it wasn’t even a structure of any form that has incorporated into the renovations,” Athena said.
“I’m pretty sure [the landlord] always had the vision of what he wanted… We’ve just inherited it.”
The result is a substantial increase in the hotel’s dining capacity, with the new space almost doubling the room available for guests.
“Its given us a much bigger room … and now it’s going to be another function area where we can do private functions because it will have its own bar out there as well.”
One of the biggest advantages for families is the new dining area’s direct view of the adjoining beer garden, allowing parents to keep an eye on the kids while enjoying their meal. It’s an important consideration for the family-run venue, which is continuing to introduce additions designed to make the pub welcoming for guests of all ages.
“We’re gonna create a little kids corner, we’re very family friendly.”
The latest upgrades highlight the hotel’s existing outdoor spaces, including its beer garden, which features mature gum trees, shaded seating and an outdoor bar. The venue also has a restored former stable building, known as The Barn, which is also used for functions and celebrations.
The pub was originally known as the Victoria Creek Hotel, reflecting Williamstown’s former name, and has been part of the township since the mid-19th century. Both the hotel and its former barn were entered into the South Australian Heritage Register in 1993.
With the major renovations now complete, Athena and her husband are looking ahead to making the most of the expanded space, from private celebrations and larger gatherings to relaxed weekend lunches with the family.
And with the warmer months approaching, it may be time to take a drive through the Barossa, settle in for a country pub lunch and see the transformation for yourself.
Williamstown Hotel
Where: 20 Queen Street, Williamstown SA 5351
For more info click here.
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