Author Archives
A journalist, writer and historian, Mick Roberts specialises in Australian cultural history, particularly associated with Australian pubs. Mick has had an interest in revealing the colourful story of Australian hotels or pubs and associated industries for over 35 years. Besides writing a number of history books, Mick has managed several community newspapers. Editorially, he has managed the Wollongong Northern News, The Bulli Times, The Northern Times, The Northern Leader and The Local - all located in the Wollongong region. As a journalist he has reported for Rural Press, Cumberland (News Limited), City Hub Sydney (City News), and Torch Publications (based in Canterbury Bankstown, Sydney).
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Strange funerals
PUBLICAN BURIED WITH THE BAR KEY From time to time there have been curious happenings in Australia in connection with funerals, and the latest ranks with the most piquant. This is how the story goes. A funeral party that came… Read More ›
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Belmore Hotel, Circular Quay Sydney
A Snake in the bar A COUPLE of blokes who enjoyed a morning tipple at their ‘early opener’ down by Circular Quay, got a good laugh out of a frightened barmaid one Autumn day in 1937. When a four-foot snake… Read More ›
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Bondi pub drinkers rally for war bonds
The sale of war bonds was a significant aspect of the Australian home front during the Second World War. Administered by the Commonwealth War Loan Office, the war loans scheme encouraged Australians to buy war bonds which would mature… Read More ›
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Newcastle’s three ‘Great Northerns’
The current Great Northern Hotel at Newcastle opened in 1938. It’s the third hotel of the same name to occupy the site, its predecessors having been in operation since 1864. The hotel was designed by Sydney architects Rudder and Grout and built… Read More ›
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Dog had a taste in Irish celebrations
A well-dressed man with a shamrock in his buttonhole celebrated “Be Kind to Animals Week” as well as St. Patrick’s Day at Parramatta on March 17 1933. Walking into the Tattersall’s Hotel, at the corner of Church and George Streets accompanied by a beautiful… Read More ›
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Criterion Hotel, Kalgoorlie
Re-union of West Australians A very enjoyable smoke social was held recently at the Criterion Hotel, Kalgoorlie, the occasion being a reunion of West Australians and Perth residents residing on the goldfields. Mr. E. McGinn occupied the chair. During the… Read More ›
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Rebel Irish flag at Adelaide hotel
A genuine Sinn Fein (Irish rebel) flag, over 50 years old, flew outside the Southern Cross Hotel in King William street yesterday in observance of St. Patrick’s Day. The manager of the Southern Cross (Mr. M. C. Flannagan) said the… Read More ›
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War time beer shortages
Thousands rush beer at suburban hotel Four thousand people gathered yesterday afternoon at the Imperial Hotel, Milson’s Point – one of the few hotels open in Sydney. The hotel served English beer at a shilling and six pence a pint…. Read More ›
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One beer a day from 18 to 88
PETER Pitman, aged 88, lifted a glass of foaming beer to his lips today and said, “One’s my limit.” Through a life-time of thinking, talking and dreaming beer, Mr. Pitman has still set himself that limit. Even today, after 75-years… Read More ›
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Pluto arrives in Melbourne
THEY LOOK EXTRA GOOD These pots have an extra good look about them, but don’t be hopeful. Picture shows a new beer servicing device known as “Pluto” in use in a Melbourne hotel. It consists of six feet of transparent… Read More ›