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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First Sir George Tavern was washed away by the 1852 Murrumbidgee River floods
THE most commanding building in the township of Jugiong, in the Riverina region of New South Wales, is undoubtedly the Sir George Tavern. An Irish settler, John Philip Sheahan, built the first Sir George Tavern on the banks of the… Read More ›
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Tasmania’s Central Hotel: One of Hobart’s first pubs and a member of Australia’s exclusive ‘200 Club’.
By MICK ROBERTS © HOBART’S Central Hotel has been serving-up hospitality – and plenty of beers – for over 200 years! It can claim membership of the exclusive ‘200 Club’, an Australian pub that has the rare distinction of an… Read More ›
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The O’Briens and Mossman’s Exchange Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © IN August 2014 we visited the northern Queensland township of Mossman where we stopped by the magnificent Exchange Hotel. This pub dominates the streetscape, and dates back to 1896. The Exchange Hotel at Mossman was built… Read More ›
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When the beer drought ended: They rushed this hotel
Beer rationing during the war years – and for some years after – caused a frenzied rush to the bar when publicans announced that they had secured a supply of the amber nectar. For more on beer shortages visit the Time… Read More ›
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Victoria’s ‘Petticoat Pub’
Regular customers of a hotel in St. Kilda (Victoria) call it ‘Petticoat Pub’ [Gippsland Hotel]. Women comprise the whole staff. Licensee Mrs. O. K. Edgar says that women are quicker and more courteous than men at hotel work. The staff of six includes her… Read More ›
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Grosvenor Hotel: Pay-back practical joke cost Melbourne publican £50
THE long-gone Grosvenor Hotel was located at the corner of Little Collins Street and Equitable Place, Melbourne. I’m not sure exactly when we lost this pub from Melbourne’s past, and would appreciate any information on its demise. The pub was… Read More ›
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Hawthorn’s Tower Hotel: Tearful scenes in Melbourne bar
By MICK ROBERTS © THE year before the original Tower Hotel was demolished, 300 weeping customers staggered from the bar after a mystery person dropped a “tear gas bomb”. A practical joker, it seems, left a ‘gift’ for customers of… Read More ›
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A mass murdering publican and punting at the Royal Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © WAY before pokies and TAB machines, pub drinkers found other means to gamble, and try their luck at winning a ‘quid’ or two. Cards, dice, billiards, bagatelle and other illegal lures were often used by publicans… Read More ›
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Memories of Bulli Family Hotel
DURING the 1920s and 30s, a pub on the NSW South Coast became the centre of social life for coal miners in the little town of Bulli. The Bulli Family Hotel, now trading as the Heritage Hotel, opened for business… Read More ›
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He went to the Harp with his Grandfather
BILLY Fitzpatrick of Market Square, went to work with the City’s milkman, Charlie Price, at the same age that he became a regular at the Harp Hotel *.He earned 2/6 a week.“I walked from house to house, carrying four gallons… Read More ›