Dog Day Afternoon

Fest’s editor Laura Desmond and director George Sully steal a Kelpie to test out two dog-friendly pubs on Melbourne Street

feature (adelaide) | Read in About 2 minutes
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Laura Desmond and Molly the Kelpie
Photo by George Sully
Published 11 Feb 2020

Molly is a Kelpie cross who loves the beach and playing with her favourite ball. She's nine- (going on two-) years-old and is a perfect bar buddy for a sunny afternoon. She is Laura Desmond's second cousin.

The Kentish Hotel

Nestled off of the bustling Melbourne Street is the Kentish Hotel. Constructed in 1881, the Kentish is a hidden gem with plenty of locals and a relaxed vibe. Dogs are welcome out the front of the hotel at the many highly coveted tables. There are plenty of water bowls about and our dog-for-the-day Molly makes some new friends with the other canine companions drinking with their owners. Over the Fringe season, catch live music from Scottish singalongs to the Rolling Stones.

Plenty of seating, plenty of water and a good dose of sunshine – 4.5/5 paws.

The Lion Hotel

We grab a table outside and are serenaded by acoustic duo Zyke and Damo. On the menu are the classic pub favourites, including chicken parmis, burgers and salt and pepper squid, with some Asian inspired pork belly and chicken dumplings. The traffic is noticeable on this side of Melbourne Street, and Molly doesn't find many new friends. This season, the Lion will be home to a visual arts exhibit and an intimate music performance by The Holden Brothers.

Enough chairs to go round but this busy corner comes with a lot of traffic noise – 4/5 paws.