The Crafers Hotel

The Crafers Hotel got a new lease on life when Julie and Ed Peter, and Brett and Sarah Matthews, bought the historic Adelaide Hills pub in 2014.

The trio renovated the entire place, stripping it back to the original structure and stonework and installing a brand-new kitchen in a different spot. The pub only closed for one day during the entire process. There’s a certain classy, timeless air about the place. You can enjoy French bistro-style cuisine such as ox tail en croute and duck a l’orange, and Australian pub classics such as steak, schnitzel, and fish and chips. When the weather is good, make the most of the Crafers ambience out the front.

A dedicated wine room holds 2000 bottles from around the world. Sommelier Liinaa Berry spent a year building up the collection, which ranges between $50 and $11,000. It includes rare varietals and favourites such as Zweigelt (Austria), Arbin Mondeuse by Trosset (France), Amarone della Valpolicella (Italy) and Antoine Arena (Corsica). Smaller local labels such as Lucy Margaux and BK Wines are also well-represented.

A range of cocktails and local beers provides a nice contrast to the wine. Otherwise there’s 5 Senses coffee.

Seven rooms await those keen to stay overnight. Three of them have tubs for a little extra luxury, and all have access to a shared kitchenette, washer and dryer.