This place is a hit with homesick English backpackers who find themselves craving a few pints of Boddingtons. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident ghosts.
Originally built in 1863, this pub has seen many changes over the years, thanks to periodic rebuilds and refurbishments. It's part of the large Elephant & Wheelbarrow chain and has sister venues in Victoria and Western Australia. Yes, that's right. This boozer
is a chain pub, but that doesn't mean that everything here is predictable. On the contrary, ask the managers and they'll probably lower their voices a little and tell you that this place is 'haunted'. Apparently, eerie phantom spirits have been spotted in the pub's basement function room, especially at closing time. Ghostly figures are also said to sometimes wander through the hallways of the Prince Consort Backpackers accommodation which is located upstairs.
But enough of scary stuff! If you come to the Elephant & Wheelbarrow, you're probably looking for beer first and ghosts second. Step over to the taps and you'll find English brews such as Boddingtons, Tetley Bitter, Newcastle Brown Ale and Old Speckled Hen at the ready. There are also Aussie choices such as Tooheys, Hahn, Victoria Bitter and XXXX.
The kitchen serves up snacky tempura prawn dippers and nachos, as well as more substantial burgers, lamb shanks and the good old Brit fave, bangers and mash.
The Elephant & Wheelbarrow has live music on weekends and a schmick beer garden for fun on clear nights.
Andrea Tomaz
