I've had one of the best experiences of my life so far at this humble little venue, one of my favourite bands playing all of their albums. So yeah, I'm a little biased. It's given me a unique opportunity to to experience a week at a live music venue. Even after a full week I still think it's a great venue. I haven't given the pub part of the establishment too many visits, but the venue is yet to disappoint. Compared to other similar places, the drinks are reasonably priced and the bar staff are a pleasant mix of too cool for you and friendly. It could be my distinctive hair, but they've started to remember what I drink. (yeah, I feel just a little like a rock star) The space offers good viewing for all genres of music fan, with raised areas for short asses (which I occasionally count myself as) and bars at both sides of the stage. There's also a spacious (and oddly a little tropical) beer garden for tobacco enthusiasts. When bands visit Adelaide, I take the venue into consideration. If they play The Gov, chances are I'll be there. read more

Governor Hindmarsh Hotel - The gov: the venue beer garden, in all it's radness. - Hotels Near Me - Hindmarsh, SA

3/1/2008 First to Review I like Alison's review. There were certain points she made that definitely hit the nail when it comes to describing the Gov. It really depends what music you're into, who you're with, who you know, and what you want to do there. I've been here several times before with close friends. Some people go to The Gov to socialise and have a few drinks. But not me. I dance! I even completed the advanced salsa lessons. I'm a male dancer. Well, I used to be, anyway. And I must say - if you want Latin American flavour in a local setting, this can clearly be witnessed and felt at The Gov...the location is easy to get to and once you step in, there is a good chance you will know quite a few people there or meet new high quality people. Then, of course, you get parts of the crowd who are just there to watch. Here are some of my favourite observations from my last night there: 1. By the end of the night, I was sweating like a pig, and lost a lot of calories from hours of non-stop salsa dancing. I was in it, to win it. 2. The venue can get packed, but there's not much of a line out the door around 10pm, unlike a lot of dance clubs in the city, so you'll get in straight away (most people are already inside gathering!) 3. Several women will want to dance with you...La Bomba anyone? How about some sexy salsa? I couldn't say no. 4. There is a large dance space. 5. You will see many women prancing around in sexy ballroom dresses or Rio Festival costumes...but I didn't complain, at all. The only suggestion I can make if this is going to be super awesome in the future is probably a wider range of salsa music and perhaps better song choices (geez, I never thought I'd sound like an American Idol judge)...but overall a clean, no-smoking, dance hall with cool bar staff. Not so sure about the odd sleazebags who do nothing all night except stand by the back wall and just stare...but ignoring them, this is one of the best spots for dancing in Adelaide because I still remember how fun it was to shake my bootay back then. I will definitely go back if I find myself a new dance partner! My old one left the State! read more

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I can't say that I have been a regular at this place, probably because I would spend most of my time at the pubs in the city, however I have been here a few times (usually when friend's bands were playing). The Gov (as it is known to Adelaideans) is pretty much an instution, and touted as the premier live music venue in the city, and since they extended the tram line up here it has made it heaps easier to get to when you are wanting a good dose of live music. During the day it is pretty quite, but come night time, especially Friday and Saturday, this place explodes. The Venue, which is the area out the back, is where most of the bands play, and it is pretty cool, though it is still a decent place to come an have a beer after work. read more

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I checked in and ordered over 40 minutes ago. I am still waiting for my food. They are clearly are understaffed. However the food was nice. My salmon was a little over cooked. The lamb rack was in fact lamb shanks but the sauce was great. They also allowed us to enter through the indoor entry which meant we got nice seats for the show. The venue section is always great. The tap selection is also quite nice. Mmmm chocolate stout. read more

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I'm not sure if the Gov itself is awesome or it's just the gigs that are awesome or if the fact that the gigs are awesome also make The Gov as a venue awesome. There is usually a pretty decent lineup happening here though, and its going to cost you less to rock out here than other venues, for example the Adelaide Entertainment Centre across the way. Obviously the crowd is going to change in conjunction with the music, I'm a metal girl, so if this is the kind of gig you're going to then be prepared to get your elbows out in the mosh pit. And for god's sake do not wear high heels. Regardless of the band the music is always ridiculously loud, so go see a gig that is worth losing your hearing over, otherwise that ringing in your ears will just make you bitter. Getting served at the bar can be irritating, unless you go when the music has started, only thing is you'll lose your place in the audience, in which case it's time to get your elbows out again. read more

Governor Hindmarsh Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Hindmarsh, SA

I have seen many bands at the Gov over the years ... so I am reviewing this place in it's live music capacity - I haven't dined here, or been into the front bar. Being a DJ, I like to support live music as much as I can, and the Governor Hindmarsh has always been a prominent venue. More intimate than the Thebarton Theatre, with cheaper tickets and more accessible parking, I'm always relieved when this is the chosen venue for an international act. Last night we came here for Adrian Edmondson And The Bad Shepherds - we didn't expect it to be so packed! (strangely, there were a lot less punters for the Peter Murphy concert in January). It was the perfect venue for this concert (which was mainly punk songs played as folk music with traditional instruments) - the dagginess of the pub really added to the atmosphere, and the acoustics were excellent. We like to keep an eye on the Gov, as you just never know who will turn up there (especially if you like more 'alternative' acts). And though this isn't a classy wine bar, the cider on tap is excellent and cheap! And the grunginess of the venue just adds to the live music experience ;) read more

As a live music venue, The Gov is fantastic. As a restaurant, I give the place a big middle finger! Hey if you can't cook a schnitzel you shouldn't call yourself a freakin' pub. To charge $18.50 for a beef schnitzel, of what looked (and tasted) like silverside coated in a truckload of crumbs and then deep fried to within an inch of it's life, you can seriously get ******. As for the $18 squid? So friggin' average. Oily, and a massive rip-off, and screw that shitty side salad too. It was honestly some of the worst pub meals I have ever tried. I guess it's another example of pubs who scrimp on the food because they know they'll get the punters in the door for the shows. Pffft! Yeah I'm maybe a little harsh, but I just hate paying good money for shit food, so booooo to you Gov and your crappy meals. The staff were nice so I'm giving them 1 star. Rant over. read more

Fantastic gigs here - all year around. Ideal location which is also good for dinner before a show at the entertainment centre or a night in town be sure to book in advance if there is something big on at the entertainment centre. Their garlic bread is amazing, cooked in a wood oven and the slices are so thick! I often think about the Gov's garlic bread when I am served mediocre bread with some garlic butter waved over it. Their salmon on a bed of mash was average, the salmon was still a little jelly like in the centre, I prefer my salmon cooked right through. Their deserts make me speech less, it does not matter what desert you choose it will be an experience. Parking is not an issue, plenty of parking in side streets. read more

I can't fault the gov as a live music venue. Hands down best in Adelaide - 7 stars even. But this review is about their restaurant. A few months ago when someone suggested going to the gov for dinner I was confused. I didn't even realise they had a restaurant section that extended past pizza/bar food. That night I had a duck risotto which was really nice. The service left a bit to be desired but they had certainly got on to my list of places to return to. So I was a bit excited when I found out we were having our work Christmas Party there. $29 a head for 2 courses. It was packed out to the point you could hardly get in to your table, it was so loud I couldn't hold a conversation even with the person across the table from me. It was a hot day turning to a pleasant evening but the room was incredibly muggy, everything seemed to be slick with condensation. As for the food, you really can't expect much from large function fare. But I did expect a little more than what we received. My salad consisted of a plate of rocket with a smattering of red onion and about 5 walnuts slathered in a tasteless oil. The goats cheese tart was alright but on par with something you would get out of a pie warmer. I didn't even attempt to eat the profiterole dessert. Again the service left a lot to be desired. The wait for dinner was a bit excessive and several people had to leave before dessert arrived despite waiting as long as they could. I had no hand in organising the event but for some reason - probably because I make the mistake of making eye contact with people - the waitresses kept trying to explain to me about payment, when we had to leave etc. Every time I stood up from the table to get a drink/toilet I was accosted. After repeatedly being polite and telling them to talk to the organiser, I felt I had to be snappy on the last occasion that I was not the appropriate person to be hassling. Once the dinner portion of the night was over and we were able to sit outside with a drink it turned out to be a great night. So all in all - avoid the Gov for their Christmas functions. But definitely give it a go for a nice meal. Great place to stop in before a gig there or at the entertainment centre. read more

Gluten intolerant beware! The things on their menu that are marked as gluten free actually aren't. Luckily when mine came out I double checked with the waitress before eating it. On the upside, they have me my money back and made me another meal for free. On the downside, it took them an hour and a half to make the second meal, it came out stone cold and was revolting as the meat tasted off. Would not eat hear again, but I suppose this venue isn't known for its food is it. read more

I have been to see many a show at the Gov and it has to be one of Adelaide's most iconic venues. What could be better than live music? Live music at the Gov. A huge venue out the back lends itself to all manner of shows. I have been here to see fringe shows and comedy shows as well as live music. It also has a great beer garden area/outdoor area where you can go to take a break for a while, if needed. Last time I was here was for their Latin American nights which was amazing fun and value. I am pretty sure the door entry was around $20 or possibly less. They hold these events about once a month and they go off. They often have about three live latin American bands complete with dancers all kitted out in their beautiful feather and sequin costumes. The place is teeming with lots of short people ie real latinos, who, I believe come out of the womb dancing, by the look of their smooth natural moves. Half way throught the evening they even took you through a bit of a dance lesson, which was amusing. I have also dined here before going to see acts at the Entertainment Centre across the road. The dining area is vibrant and comfortable and the food is pretty good for the price. read more

Great venue but service not great. Refused to let us order food as we hadn't 'booked' a table, so people at the next table let us sit with them & then we were able to order food. Otherwise we had to move into the restaurant or front bar to get it. Then we ordered from the 'To Share' menu & got 2 slices of garlic bread cut into 4 pieces for $6 - most expensive garlic bread in Adelaide?! Then I wanted a coffee but the machine had been turned off in our section so I had to walk to the other side of the building to get one from the front bar & walk all the way back. They weren't that busy, so why not say to me that they could get me one & get it for me? That would have been good customer service! read more

I have only been to 'The Gov' to watch gigs, rather than for a meal or casual drink. But events wise, it is definitely the best venue to watch a really good band. There is always a lot of space and even for a short girl like me, it is easy to see the band/singer no matter where you are. Whether you want to be right up the front, moshing away, or if you want to sit back, relax, and just listen to the music being played, there is no doubt that you will have a good time here. With a number of small bars, there's not too long of a wait to grab a drink. Only problem was that in the back venue where all the gigs are played, there is not an ATM. So you have to go outside and into the front bar area to get money out if needed. So if you are heading to a gig here, I recommend you take a good amount of cash with you if you are expecting to have a couple beverages. Not only is it a good place to see a band, they always have great bands lined up and for a price which is fantastic. To see a decent band here would be approximately $30-$40 per person, which is great in comparison to $70 at the Thebarton Theatre or $100 at the Entertainment Centre. read more

Just had a lovely chicken and caper dish. Staff very friendly my mate got the wrong meal they replaced very quickly and gave free drink over all nice experience read more

Very disappointing meal. Despite being a pre theatre menu and the meal ordered at 6.36pm it only arrived at 7.15pm and concert at the Entertainment centre started at 7.30pm. I think our order got forgotten. The vegetable tarts were tasty but had been heated in the microwave so crust was soggy and filling separated from the crust. Lamb back straps average and pearl cous cous salad was very cold. Staff were friendly but we won't be returning. read more

Love the Gov. Best place to see bands. Only bad thing is that the drinks are really expensive.

The first words that come into my head when I think of The Gov are FAT Pizza, although PHAT Pizza would also suffice. With this said, the pizza here is thick, greasy and awesome. When everyone else seems to be on trend with fancy wood oven pizzas -although don't get me wrong as I do love wood over pizzas- The Gov comes out with the goods, which are worthy of causing all kinds of hypertension. I like the layout, the vibe, the right amount of difference in the decor between modern and dated, and of course the versatility. The best thing is that you can eat your pizza and then attend a gig, which often has great ambience attached to it. Within the gig area you will find that there is efficient space within a good authentic environment. The bands are obviously pretty good too. But yeah, the pizza is great. read more

How can you not love the Gov? Honestly, if you've never been then I feel sorry for you. If you have been and you don't like it, well.. I don't know what's wrong with you. The Gov has some seriously stellar line ups when it comes to gigs! Hands down my favourite gig venue in Adelaide. No question. This year alone they've had musicians such as; The Vines, Kimbra, Let It Be Beatles Tribute Band and the Zep Boys Led Zeppelin Tribute Band are just some to name a few! I have personally been to every one of these gigs, and it was worth every penny. You can almost always meet the band afterwards as they stay and chat with everyone, which is always a win-win for me! In case you hadn't noticed I'm a bit of a gig groupie (well I like to refer to myself as a 'band-aid' but that could be from watching Almost Famous one too many times). Every single gig was badass. That's all that needs to be said. I can't complain about one thing at the Gov. If you can find a fault then you're not doing it right. read more

Great new menu- fresh and healthy and the staff were helpful. Food served quickly too. Been here plenty of times and will be back!