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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Clifton’s historic pub up for sale
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The Transcontinental Hotel, Brisbane
THE Transcontinental Hotel was constructed in 1883-4. In 1879 Peter Murphy, wine and spirit merchant, leased premises in George Street from Francois Boudin. In 1881 he acquired the adjoining vacant land. On 28 August 1883 Peter Murphy, then publican and… Read More ›
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Vale: The Dora Dora Hotel, Talmalmo
THE Dora Dora Hotel traded for over 100 years on the road between Talmalmo and Woomargama – in the south east part of the Riverina, close to the NSW and Victorian border – before it sadly closed for business and… Read More ›
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The Drinkers
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Packing them in at the London
The opening of the new bar at Hotel London, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 24 July 1953. The liquor licensing laws of the day obliged public bars to close at 6 pm. The ensuing rush to the bar to beat the clock… Read More ›
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Taking a leak at the Auburn pub
Part of an archive of forensic photography created by the NSW Police between 1912 and 1964. With the introduction of 6pm closing the phenomenon known as the ‘six o’clock swill’ emerged. Approximately 90 per cent of beer was consumed between… Read More ›
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Historic Landmark to be Demolished
The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 3 March 1928: The old Bee Hive Hotel, now a hostel of the Church of England Men’s Society. The building, which stands at the corner of Princes and Argyle streets, is almost 100 years old.
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Grand Hotel, Bowral shuts shop
The Southern Highlands News reports today (January 1 2015): ONE of the Highlands most historic pubs has shut its doors for the last time. The Grand Hotel in Bowral closed indefinitely last week due to rental increases. It is understood the pub… Read More ›
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Old Hotel Being Demolished
GLOBE HOTEL, at the corner of Antill and Davey streets, Hobart, as it appeared at the beginning of the week. It had been almost demolished by yesterday. A modern hotel is to replace the Globe, one of the oldest licensed houses in Hobart… Read More ›
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Rosehill’s two hotels
SYDNEY’S original Rosehill Racecourse Hotel was located at the corner of Eleanor and Alfred Streets Rosehill before its forced closure in 1929. Established in the mid 1880s, owner, Tooth and Company brewery transferred the pub’s license to a purpose built hotel… Read More ›