The Crafers Inn has for a very long time been known as the pub for locals knock offs and truckers. I was always disappointed that it did not offer anything more special than an schnitty and chips.
But wait... in come the owners of the Stirling Hotel and Belair Hotel. With a very quick turn around and some smart refurbishment. The Crafers Inn has been revived into a very funky lil pub in the Adelaide hills.
As soon as they started to chip away at the old 1970's plaster (which was the style back in the day) to expose the beautiful stonework and natural charm of the architecture, the customers started to flood in with curiosity.
Then came the new menu and then came (my favourite) speciality craft beers and funky tunes. I immediately felt relief that someone put some attention is such an historic building with so much potential.
This pub is now pumping, and I have noticed is attracting some attention of the non-hills dwellers. Which is great for Crafers and Adelaide Hills Tourism.
Now, as for the menu. An extensive new menu that features pub classics with modern touches. I have tried the Pulled Pork with fancy slaw burger, served with chips. This is really amazing, well seasoned and balanced in flavour without being too heavy. Nice touch of sweetness to the chosen roll, and really goes down well with a pint of Pale Ale.
Second meal I have tried was the Jamaican Goat Curry. I love curry, but I am also very fussy as to the quality of curries as well. But, this meal (like the burger) satisfied me. The curry was cooked well, with the goat very tender and the classic Jamaican Curry spices well done. Served with a pappadum and roti. Very nice! In fact, next time I go there I am ordering the curry again.
As for the bar. When you have a bar that has a Feral Pale Ale and London Pride on tap, you have won me over. The behind bar beer choices are also extensive. So, if you are one of those growing beer connoisseurs and you develop a thirst on your way through the hills, Crafers Inn is a good place to stop for a top up.
And now for a little history. For those unknown to the History of the Adelaide Hills, Crafers was once known as Waverly Ridge. How did it's name change? Well, apparently the folks in the hills where quite partial to taste of beer and would travel to Waverly Ridge to go to the local pub called Sawyer's Arms owned by a gentleman named David Crafers. Just like today, the locals would make plans for the weeks end to go to the Pub commonly phrased as "Crafer's place". So, apparently the name stuck to the area and Crafers is named after its pub history.
For me it is quite satisfying to me to see that the Crafer's Inn is once again lively and full of people enjoying the Adelaide Hills and winding down after a hard weeks work. read more