The Australian Pub is a direct descendent of the British and Irish Pub; the name ‘pub’ an abbreviation of ‘Public House”. British law imposed social responsibilities on upon inns and taverns to ensure the well-being of travellers and declared them public houses to receive all travellers in reasonable condition who were willing to pay the piece for food, drink and lodging. In the 19th century the Australian version evolved with a number of distinctive features that made them different to the English pub.
In Australia, pubs were usually the first structures built in newly colonised areas, particularly the gold fields and the new towns grew around them. They served as hotels providing accommodation, as post office, meeting places and even general stores. Often, they were the centre piece of the towns structure and the social life of those who lived there.
Unlike the British pub the characteristic style of the Australian pub came with the introduction of the American style bar-counter and customers sat apart from the publicans and the atmosphere became commercial rather than home-like. Most Australia pubs were distinctly a public male dominated place strictly segregated along gender and racial lines. Australia pubs typically featured several inter-connected bar rooms around a large main bar. Many added outdoor and semi-enclosed beer gardens where food and drink were served where families with children were able to eat as they were banned in other sections of the Gastropubs” with pubs, unlike their British counterparts, had dining rooms and large function rooms and many particularly in rural provided accommodation and were generally called hotels
Australian’s, adopted a northern European beer drinking culture and it was not until the mid-twentieth century did wine become a beverage of choice. Over time pubs also became places of entertainment many providing bands and live music and entertainment free of charge. Many pubs also adopted gambling as a key part of their activities when gambling laws allowed the introduction of poker machines.
Accommodation was another service provided and often dictated by licensing laws and Australia pubs were generally registered for business under the formal name of’ “hotel”. More upmarket pubs often reversed the name and put the word “Hotel” before the name. Many city, suburban and country pubs offered reasonably priced accommodation as well as dining facilities. Again, licensing laws often dictated the provision of a minimum level of accommodation that differentiated hotels from bars and drinking places.
Over the years, as motels and budget hotels developed, travellers became less dependent on pubs for accommodation and pubs became more focused on drinking and meals and in many cases gambling. Many elected to focus on higher quality food offering s and became known as ‘Gastropubs Pubs” with superior dining options with remodelled and improved décor.
Today the Australia pub is a blend of all the options available. They are places where families and friends gather for meals and entertainment. the range of food offerings vary from gourmet style restaurants to the more basic pub food. Many of the larger chain hotels have gambling facilities attached and accommodation is still available but not a legislative requirement for operating a pub. Licensing laws are far more relaxed and pubs offer a range of beverages, including a wide selection of wines.