The Grace Emily Hotel, a historic pub on Waymouth Street in Adelaide, has been a fixture of the city’s live‑music scene for over two decades. Originally built as the Launceston Hotel in (The Adelaide Review), the venue operates without poker machines or a bistro menu, focusing on drink and music. This guide covers its history, atmosphere, and what to expect when visiting.
Last checked: 2026-06-02
Address: 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000 · Type: Live music pub · Features: Darts, free pool table, BYO food · Drinks: Coopers beer and AB&D wine
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-02.
Sources reviewed: official property website, event listing sites (Adelaide Gigs, Whatslively), music review publications (Time Out, The Adelaide Review, Scenestr), social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram).
No on‑site visit, no interview with management, no independent verification of the historical opening date.
Snapshot facts
- The pub building opened as the Launceston Hotel in , three years after South Australia was settled (The Adelaide Review; also Time Out Adelaide).
- The venue was renamed and refocused on live music around 1998‑1999 (The Adelaide Review).
- Inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame in (Time Out Adelaide).
- Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam has run for about 20 years as of (Time Out Adelaide).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000 |
| Type | Live music pub |
| Features | Darts, free pool table, BYO food |
| Drinks | Coopers beer and AB&D wine |
When did Grace Emily open?
The building that houses the Grace Emily Hotel was first licensed as the Launceston Hotel in , according to both The Adelaide Review and Time Out Adelaide. It functioned as a community hub for dances and even inquests during the 19th and early 20th centuries before live music became its primary draw. The modern “Grace Emily” identity took shape only in the late 1990s. The Adelaide Review notes that the venue was renamed and repositioned as a live‑music pub around 1998‑1999, although the precise calendar date of the rebranding is not recorded in the available sources. Former owner Greg “Clanger” Kleynjans converted the old dining room into a dedicated band room that later won awards and hosted touring acts. The bottom line: the building itself is nearly 190 years old, but the Grace Emily as a live‑music destination dates from the late‑1990s.
Where is the Grace Emily Hotel?
The Grace Emily Hotel is located at 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000, in the West End of the city centre. The area is known for its concentration of indie bars, live‑music venues, and laneway culture. Time Out Adelaide describes the pub as sitting on a corner with outdoor tables at the front, a back beer garden, and the rear band room. The venue is a short walk from many Adelaide hotels and public transport stops.
What is on the menu at Grace Emily Hotel?
The Grace Emily does not operate a bistro or traditional pub‑food kitchen. Instead, the venue allows patrons to bring their own food – a policy that sets it apart from most Adelaide pubs. Time Out Adelaide notes the drinks list includes South Australian Coopers beer and AB&D wine. The focus is on cheap booze and a no‑frills bar experience. The Adelaide Review characterised the ethos as “without pokies, parmis or pretension”, underlining the pub’s deliberate avoidance of gaming machines and bistro staples. Price band: Drinks are generally low‑priced compared to CBD hotel bars, consistent with a venue that markets itself as a budget‑friendly local.
What are the upcoming gigs at Grace Emily Hotel?
Time Out Adelaide states that live music is a staple “most nights of the week”. Recurring weekly events include Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam on Monday nights (open mic hosted by musician Billy Bob Rankin) and Wednesday GreMily Jazz Jams. The venue’s own website (graceemilyhotel.com.au) and local event aggregators such as Adelaide Gigs and Whatslively list additional performances. As of June 2026, five confirmed upcoming gigs were listed across those platforms. The back band room is intimate, suited for quiet acoustic sets like the 2025 Kristin Hersh show reviewed by Scenestr, where the artist played a solo, 75‑minute set. The bottom line: the calendar is filled with original music most nights, ranging from open‑mic sessions to touring national and international acts.
Grace Emily Hotel at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Grace Emily Hotel |
| Address | 232 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000 |
| Type | Historic live‑music pub |
| Building opened | 1839 (as Launceston Hotel) |
| Renamed to Grace Emily | c. 1998‑1999 |
| Pokies / gaming | None |
| Food | BYO only; no kitchen |
| Drinks emphasis | Coopers beer, AB&D wine |
| Live music frequency | Most nights |
| Notable weekly events | Monday – Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam; Wednesday – GreMily Jazz Jams |
| Hall of Fame | South Australian Music Hall of Fame (2017) |
Pros and cons of the Grace Emily Hotel
Pros
- Authentic, pokies‑free live‑music atmosphere
- Budget‑friendly drinks with Coopers and AB&D wine
- BYO food policy reduces costs for patrons
- Intimate band room attracts serious musicians and attentive crowds
- Long‑running open mic (Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam) fosters community
Cons
- No kitchen – food must be brought in
- Very small capacity; shows can feel cramped
- Limited seating in the band room
- Not suitable for large groups or formal events
- No gaming or sports‑bar amenities
Alternative venues in Adelaide
If the Grace Emily is full or you want a different atmosphere, two other inner‑west pubs offer live music: The Earl of Leicester (62 Leicester St, Parkside) and The Wheatsheaf Hotel (39 George St, Thebarton). The Earl of Leicester has a larger band room and a bistro menu, while the Wheatsheaf focuses on craft beer and a quieter front bar. All three are pokies‑free and independent, but the Grace Emily remains the most music‑first option with the deepest weekly schedule.
Our pick: for live music lovers and budget‑conscious drinkers
The Grace Emily Hotel is the top choice for travellers and locals who prioritise original live music over food or gaming. Its combination of cheap drinks, BYO policy, and an intimate room that attracts both emerging artists and touring acts makes it the best fit for the reader types identified: live music enthusiasts, budget drinkers, Adelaide residents, and tourists seeking authentic nightlife. The venue’s refusal to install poker machines or a bistro signals a clear cultural identity that many visitors find refreshing.
Location and getting there
232 Waymouth St is in Adelaide’s West End, a 10‑minute walk from the Adelaide Railway Station and served by multiple bus routes on Currie Street. Limited street parking is available after 6 pm; paid parking lots operate on Hindley St. The pub is near the Adelaide Festival Centre and the River Torrens, making it a convenient stop before or after a show.
For another classic Adelaide pub experience with a rich history, consider the Mile End Hotel, which has been operating since 1841.
Frequently asked questions about the Grace Emily Hotel
Does the Grace Emily Hotel have poker machines?
No. The venue has operated pokies‑free since its modern incarnation, a policy highlighted by The Adelaide Review as “without pokies, parmis or pretension”.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. The Grace Emily allows BYO food. No kitchen is available, so patrons bring takeaway or snacks.
What drinks are served?
South Australian Coopers beer and AB&D wine are the primary drinks, according to Time Out Adelaide.
Is there a pool table?
Yes. A free pool table is located in the public bar area.
Are there dart boards?
Yes. Darts are available in the front bar.
What is the age policy?
The Grace Emily is a licensed venue; patrons under 18 are not admitted after certain hours. Specific door policies vary by event, but the pub generally operates as an 18+ space.
Is there a cover charge for live music?
Cover charges vary. Many weeknight shows are free or cheap; ticketed events (e.g., touring international acts) may have a small door fee. Check the venue’s website or social media for each event.