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

Between the regular local bands playing in the front bar and the world-class musicians 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 Wednesdays, Irish Jam Sessions on Fridays and live local bands on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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 booths around the room emphasises the intimate space, creating the perfect environment in which to see a favourite band.

Best Entertainment Venue in Australia

In 2017, The Gov received both the AHA(SA) and National AHA awards for Best Live Music Venue, the inaugural national APRA/AMCOS Licensee of the Year award - which recognised our commitment to artists and their music rights - and was inducted into the South Australian Music Awards Hall of Fame.
In 2016 we were honoured as the first inducted into the AMC (SA) Hall of Fame. In previous years The Gov has won the AHA National Award for Best Entertainment Venue in Australia in 2009 & 2012, the AHA (SA) Award for Best Entertainment Venue in SA in 2007, ’08, ’10, ’12, ’13, ’14 & ’15 and have been inducted into the AHA (SA) Hall of Fame for Best Entertainment Venue in South Australia in 2011 and 2015.

Regarded amongst musicians as the key home of live music in Adelaide, The Gov benefits from the continued support of many artists who come back year after year, at times to play multiple nights in one visit.