Pubs of the West End: Your Cranker Companion Guide

By 20 July 2025 Adelaide SA, Australia

 

It’s official: The Crown and Anchor has closed its doors as of Sunday 20 July 2025, with the original venue set to undergo a two-year renovation and the construction of a new student accommodation building next door.

But the average $3 schooner punter need not fret - The Cranker is relocating to Adelaide's oldest licenced pub, The Ed Castle, over in Adelaide’s West End.

One of the best perks of The Cranker (and East End pubs in general) has always been their proximity and walkability to one another.

Want to vet that first date? Meet for drinks at Roxie’s and, if all else fails, bail to meet your mates at The Austral. Spotted your ex at The Exeter? Sprint the 160 metres to The Cranker. Keen for a pub crawl? You pretty much have your plan set out for you before you can say "Adelaide University Engineering Society".

So, what better way to welcome The Cranker to The Ed Castle (the Crastle), which is officially opening their doors from 5 pm on Wednesday 23 July, than by spruiking some of its new neighbours for you to sip and support while you're there?

THE GRACE EMILY - 4 min walk from/to The Cranker

Grungy, welcoming, and soaked in soul, The Grace Emily is a West End icon where the beer’s cold, the music’s live, and the vibes are effortlessly cool. Established in 1839, this no-frills pub is all about character - from its sticker-covered walls and cosy front bar to its legendary Monday night open mic, Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam, which has been drawing musos and music lovers for over 20 years. Grab a Coopers, claim a seat in the beer garden or by the band, and let the night unfold - the Grace is the kind of place that keeps Adelaide’s live music heartbeat thumping. 

BONUS: It's Joel's favourite pub. 



THE CUMBERLAND ARMS HOTEL - 5 min walk from/to The Cranker

Lovingly known as The Cumby, this West End staple serves up all the essentials: cold drinks, a killer beer garden, and one of the biggest screens in the city for live sport. Whether you're popping in for a midweek lunch, a weekend session, or dinner with mates, the vibe is always easy-going and welcoming. With a solid drinks list and regular specials, and you’ve got yourself a go-to spot for good food, good company, and a classic Adelaide pub feel.



UNION BRIDGE ON FRANKLIN - 5 min walk from/to The Cranker

The West End has quietly welcomed back an old favourite -  but not quite as you remember it. Formerly Benjamin on Franklin, the venue has been steadily transformed into Union Bridge on Franklin - a sister venue to the beloved Union Bridge Brewery and Distillery in Cudlee Creek. Blending heritage charm with the playful, modern flair the Hills crowd already loves, the new-look pub has been through front bar renovations before opening its doors to punters back in May of this year. It’s more than just a city pub; it’s the start of a new chapter for a much-loved space down the West End, reimagined with some serious hospitality sparkle.



THE WEST OAK - 6 min walk from/to The Cranker

The West Oak Hotel is living proof that Hindley Street’s got stories... and it’s still writing new ones. Established way back in 1838, this former Royal Oak/Worldsend/you-name-it, has kept its soul while getting a little bit of love. You’ll still spot nods to the past - cracked tiles, timber fridge doors; but these days it’s all about crisp local pours, a mini deli slinging charcuterie and pub sangas, and a beer garden made for live gigs. Upstairs, The Jolly Bar and rotating art gallery keep things fresh, while the street-facing café buzzes with uni students and RAH wanderers. It’s a little history, and a whole lot of West End charm.



WALKABLE BARS

Know of a West End pub in walking distance to The Cranker that we need to add to this list? Drop it in the comments below!

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