The Lion Hotel

The Lion Hotel is a North Adelaide pub with several ways to eat, drink and spend time under one roof. Its restaurant offers a more polished setting for celebrations, corporate lunches and milestone occasions, while the bistro serves pub classics and more elevated main dishes indoors, on the terrace or in the Garden Bar. The Express area caters to mornings and quick stops, with barista-made coffee, pastries, rolls and sandwiches, as well as a sit-down breakfast and brunch service.

Wine is a major part of the venue. The retail Lion Wine Room stocks bottles from Australian and international producers, with staff available to help visitors choose a bottle. It also hosts regular masterclasses and wine dinners led by winemakers, industry specialists and the hotel’s in-house experts, covering tasting techniques, food pairings and the stories behind the wines. That makes it a useful destination for both curious newcomers and more experienced wine drinkers.

The building brings considerable history to the experience. The site began as the Lion Brewery and Malthouse in 1870, with the hotel constructed on the corner of Jerningham Street and Melbourne Street in 1880. The brewery buildings remain, and the venue’s function spaces include The Cellar, an underground room within the original brewery. Other spaces range from contemporary, light-filled rooms to private areas with balconies overlooking Melbourne Street. Across the venue, guests can choose between the restaurant, bistro, bar, terrace, garden and wine room, each offering a different level of formality.

The Lion also has a strong live entertainment history, having operated as a live music venue and hosted acts including Midnight Oil, Diesel and INXS. These days, the hotel continues to promote live music and sport on the big screen. Its six function spaces, dedicated event kitchen and flexible packages make it suited to weddings, birthdays, conferences, corporate events and private dinners. For everyday visits, the mix of casual and formal dining works for a quick breakfast, a relaxed pub meal, a group gathering or a more considered evening in the restaurant. The venue is in North Adelaide and has onsite parking and transport links for functions and larger occasions.