The Kentish Hotel — Restaurant in Adelaide

We enjoy a Sunday at this historical pub in North Adelaide.

Certainly! Here’s a polished single write-up review of The Kentish Hotel in North Adelaide:

Review: The Kentish Hotel, North Adelaide

Tucked away on the charming, tree-lined Stanley Street in North Adelaide, The Kentish Hotel is a local institution with deep historical roots and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Established in the 1880s and rebuilt in 1881, the hotel is one of the few Adelaide pubs to retain its elegant arcaded façade, earning it heritage status and ongoing affection from locals and visitors alike.

The hotel has strong community ties, having once been owned by John Collard Cocker—an early pioneer of South Australian cricket. For over 70 years, the Kentish has also been associated with the Cocker family, weaving sport, history, and hospitality into its enduring legacy.

Stepping inside, you’ll find a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. The interiors feature polished wood, classic stone floors, and a friendly pub feel, while the outdoor spaces—both front and back—are shaded and relaxed, perfect for al fresco dining or a casual drink under the trees.

The menu is a solid offering of gastro-pub classics and seasonal specials. Expect generous portions of favourites like fish and chips, chicken schnitzels, burgers, and grilled barramundi, all priced reasonably. Daily lunch specials and a kids’ menu make it a reliable choice for families, while more adventurous diners will find enough variety to satisfy without straying too far from tradition. Feedback on the food is generally positive, particularly for the barramundi and classic pub staples, though some diners note inconsistency in schnitzel thickness and preparation on busy nights.

When it comes to drinks, The Kentish excels. The wine list features local and boutique producers, and the craft beer selection is thoughtfully curated with rotating taps. Gin lovers and coffee drinkers are also well looked after. Their popular happy hour adds great value and draws a lively after-work crowd during the week.

Service is often highlighted as a strength, with friendly and attentive staff creating a consistently welcoming experience. While it’s not a late-night party pub, the Kentish is perfect for a relaxed lunch, weeknight catch-up, or a Sunday session in the sun.

Overall, The Kentish Hotel balances historic charm, quality food, and good value, all set in one of Adelaide’s most picturesque streets. Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable regular or a visitor wanting to soak in some authentic North Adelaide atmosphere, the Kentish is a great...

On the 16th January, we arrived late for dinner and were gratefully served even though the kitchen was just about to close. What the staff didn't know was we were out for a quick meal while a family member was in palliative care at a nearby hospital. It was bitter sweet. Here we were enjoying one of the best meals we had ever had (reminding us what life is all about) and yet our situation was devestating to say the least. My hubby who orders a Chicken Parmigina at 'every opportunity' said it was one of the best he had ever had. Giving it a 10/10 and even making the effort to personally thank the chef (i think even surprising the chef with his thanks!). My Lamb Backstrap topped any 5 star meal that I have ever had. Something about the fresh mix of flavours that I just couldn't get enough of and the lamb cooked to absolute perfection. Sarah who served us at the bar was an absolute gem in service and personality. Sarah even went out of her way to help me choose a nice glass of wine, offering a tasting to help with my choice. What we know could of been an extremely stressful evening out, was rewarded with such bestowing...

I went here with a large group of friends a few weeks ago, and mostly, we all enjoyed it. Generally the staff were great and the food was mostly good. The letdowns were the Blue Swimmer Crab Pasta. The three of us who ordered this dish all said there was way too much chilli. Blue Swimmer crab meat is a very delicately flavoured meat - the excessive amount of chilli simply overpowered it - please reconsider how you put this dish together. These three dishes earn 1 star, the rest of the dishes earn 4 to 5 stars. Also, the mens toilets have been deteriorating for years. There are broken toilet seats, overflowing rubbish bins, a dingy look reminiscent of a 1950's public toilet that has never been remodelled. So incongruent with the rest of the hotel - it's time you...