Named after the first governor of South Australia, The Gov has seen a lot of changes over the past 162 years.

Since 1993, when the Tonkin family took over, The Gov has established itself as Adelaide’s leading live music venue and is highly regarded upon by musicians and music-lovers alike.

Between the regular local bands playing in the front bar and the world-class music featured in the venue, The Gov really is Adelaide’s home of live, original music.

The Gov’s front bar and saloon bar provide a friendly environment for activities like the Adelaide Ukulele Appreciation Society meetings on Tuesdays, Open Mic Sessions on Wednesdays, Irish Jam Sessions on Fridays and live local bands on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The warm décor, polished wooden surfaces and fireplaces throughout make it a comfortable and welcoming place to be, especially in winter. In the venue, pictures of famous musicians adorn the walls and the dimmed lighting and booths around the room emphasize the intimate space, creating the perfect environment in which to see a favorite band.

Live music can be enjoyed on most nights of the week, with a variety of local, national and international acts featured regularly in the front bar and venue. Since June 2007, over 350 different artists have graced The Gov's stages.

Renowned mostly for its' entertainment, it's refreshing to discover that The Gov also boasts a fresh and exciting menu that is diverse in it' s offerings. The ingredients are the very best of fresh South Australian produce and choices range from the famous Wood-Oven Pizzas to traditional pub faves like Schnitzels, Fish & Chips and more gourmet options like the Cajun Blackened Barramundi and Peppered Lamb Cutlets.

As John from The Adelaide Review observed; “The Gov is an institution for it's great music; it should also be an institution for its great food.”Not only is The Gov a successful business, but it is also active within its community, hosting countless school concerts, clubs and gathering groups, information sessions, charity events, monthly events for the physically handicapped and fundraisers with various organizations.

The belief that live music should be accessible to everyone is at the core of the foundation of this iconic live entertainment venue. Representing the entire spectrum of genres, The Gov focuses on offering something for everyone. From Cabaret to Punk, Folk to Rock, Hip-Hop to Electronica - The Gov lives and breathes live music and so do all of the people that venture within its walls. They understand that music is more than just entertainment, it's a way of life.