An iconic Kensington venue celebrates 180 years in style

Step into Kensington's Rising Sun Inn and there's no escaping the venue's rich history.

“This building has been here since 1845, and a lot of it is original,” says owner Grant Goodall.

“Back in the day, it was quite a journey from the city to Kensington so the bricks all had to be made locally and you can still see the bricklayers' fingerprints in some of them."

"There are four original fireplaces, and the original shingles are still in place underneath the iron roof, so we have a display of that for customers to view.”

Fortunately, there have been a few additions over the years and the building is equipped with air conditioning and heating as well as a modern kitchen.

That mix of rich history and contemporary flourishes has helped the Rising Sun Inn win the Best Pub/ Bar category at the Eastside Business Awards for the last two years.

Inside, the venue is divided into several private dining rooms where you can sink into a comfortable Chesterfield sofa in front of a roaring fire, as well as the bar, dining room, conservatory and an outdoor area.

“We describe ourselves as a boutique restaurant bar,” says Grant. “You can come here for a drink, for a modern Australian meal, or both.”

The Rising Sun also serves one of Adelaide's most acclaimed high teas, which turns up the old world charm with a vintage tea service and crochet tablecloths.

Grant and his partner Jacqueline are in the venue every day, “and we much operate this like people are coming into our home.”

That welcoming atmosphere is a key part of the Rising Sun's appeal, helping it to feel intimate even when it's at capacity with 120 customers.

“This is a place where friendships and relationships are formed,” says Grant.

“There wouldn't be a week that passes without someone walking in and saying they met their partner or got engaged here – it's a place for everyday dining, but it's also a place to celebrate special occasions.”

And it's not just personal relationships that blossom beneath this roof.

In 1995, three visual effects specialists named their business after the venue where they held their first meetings and Rising Sun Pictures has gone on to win Academy Awards while working on some of the biggest movies in the world.

After more than 180 years in business, there are plenty more stories to be found between these walls.

Grant and Jacqueline are always happy to share some of those tales with visitors, including the motorcycle factory that once operated here and the freed slave who became the area's first publican.

“Every time somebody walks into the venue, they're celebrating its history,” says Grant.

“But this is a special year with the 180^th birthday coming up, so we wanted to celebrate appropriately by throwing a special party once the weather warms up a little.”

The Rising Sun Inn will celebrate its 180^th birthday on October 26 with an all-day celebration featuring live music inside and in the car park, giveaways from Coopers Brewery and Paracombe Wines and prizes for the best period costumes.

Visit today

60 Bridge St, Kensington
W: https://therisingsun.com.au/
F: https://www.facebook.com/therisingsunkensington