The Franklin Hotel

We came here to catch up with a friend — we wanted a laid-​back pub with good food and good beer … well, this is exactly what The Franklin Hotel is all about!
One of the chefs is Mark (formerly of Dragonfly Bar + Dining), so we knew the food would be good — and we were definitely not disappointed! We started with ‘Dip N Dough’ (dips with flatbread), which were amazing, as well as chips with aioli (the chips were perfect). I ordered the Maple & Chipotle Pork — this was much larger than I expected, 2 fillets of pork with chipotle sauce and a huge mound of black rice, corn, tomato and coriander salad — delicious! Other orders on the table were the Nori Beef and Char-​Grilled Calamari, both of which were giving me a bit of food envy: P We finished off sharing the White Christmas ice cream, made in-​house by Mark (and also delicious).
I also need to mention to good range of craft beers on tap — the Young Henry’s Dark Ale was particularly good (and not all pubs have dark ales or stout on tap), and they were $ 9 each which a usual price.
We are already looking forward to coming back here again — it was excellent value for money (in fact, we probably ordered a bit *too* much food, as we didn’t realise how large the serves would be!), and the drink selection is excellent. Being slightly out of the way on Franklin Street means that it is more accessible for car parking. 5 stars!

Meeting up with other interstaters, we decided to stop here, conveniently located near our accommodation. Upon entry, we found a low-​lit open space, not dissimilar to other historical pub buildings around town. So what makes this one different? Depends on what you are interested in. I liked the modern fit out, with geometric colourful fabrics off-​setting the dark walls, whilst still retaining the beauty of the original architecture. In addition, I liked the little fireplace nook at the back of the bar, for a more intimate gathering. There is also a larger fireplace, in the main bar, for the bigger groups.
There appears to be another business attached to the pub called «Franks Dogs» (from memory). While we didn’t have any hot dogs, we did order a couple of things from the share menu and wowsers, it was fantastic! The tasting plate, with aubergine chips, falafel, dips, char-​grilled warm pitta and a variety of other interesting choices was the pick of the bunch. Four of us had two of those and that was more than sufficient. I think they were around $ 30 each. Not bad value, considering the quantity.
The very efficient, friendly and inviting bar lady, Cara (excuse me if that is not spelled correctly) was most hospitable. She let us know that there was also accommodation available upstairs. Without being asked, she offered to show us, in case we were coming back in the future. Great service, right there. It makes me want to come back. The rooms were very cleverly re-​designed, from the old dingy rooms to a modern, slick, comfortable space to hang your hat for your stay in Adelaide. There are only a handful of rooms, but, unlike the previous back packer style that was in residence, these rooms are all class, without the accompanying price tag. The cost of the rooms are on par with what we were paying elsewhere. But here, you have privacy, your own upstairs balcony, some rooms have baths and /​or can suit twin share. The bar was not heaving with clientele (pity for them) and it closes around 10pm, so you are not going to be kept awake by drunks and thumping music. The fit out is new. You are within a stones throw from the Adelaide Central Market, two blocks from the City centre, right in the thick of it. You even get a little goodie back when you check in. You’ll have to stay to find out what’s in it. A lady never tells *all* of her secrets at once.
The service, location, price and comfort of the place makes it a very attractive option, for food, drinks and/​or somewhere to kip next time I’m stopping over in Adelaide.
Oh, and I recommend the hot cider!

It seems like the craft beers are starting to invade Adelaide. Okay, I’d never been here before it’s current fitout, but that was because I thought it was only for the backpackers who stay here, however on a recent trip back to Adelaide I decided I would walk in to see if they would kick me out because I wasn’t staying in one of the dorms.
Well, they didn’t. Instead they sold me a craft beer which I was pretty happy about.
The first time I came here they were still finishing off the beer garden out the back, but the renovations inside were pretty cool, so I marked it down on my ‘must go back once the beer garden is finished’ list, and did just that. Okay it’s not the best bar in Adelaide, but I certainly didn’t mind my short stay here.

My experience at the Franklin was bittersweet. Nothing to do with the service, food or ambience but because it was a farewell lunch for a good workmate of mine.
The menu was emailed around a few days prior and I swear, it took me a good 15 minutes of staring at the PDF trying to make a decision from the many tasty sounding options. I finally went stocko and chose the chicken parmigiana.
We all rolled down to the Franklin on Wednesday where they had reserved two long tables with stools and two smaller tables with chairs and benches for our large party. We were able to pay separately for our pre-​orders while buying our drinks which is always welcome at a group lunch. Nibbles were brought out to start which were so moreish we had to physically restrain ourselves from gobbling too much and spoiling our lunch.
After everyone had grabbed seats, the lunches started rolling out of the kitchen at a steady pace. Someone later told me the kitchen here is very small and if that’s true, they did an admirable job turning out 44 meals without fault (none that I heard of, anyway). My parmi was solid and the other meals I was close to were also enjoyed.
Being that it was a farewell lunch of a good friend, several different drinks were imbibed over the course of the afternoon. .. which ended up around 6pm. I tried the cocktail jar (cute!) the Lychee Cup pitcher (shared), a couple of glasses of sav blanc, a couple of gin and tonics and a couple of tequila shots at the guest of honour’s insistence.
I think it speaks for a venue when there is no desire to move on from exactly where one is for a good six hours. The Franklin was cool without being try-​hard or posey, the atmosphere laid back and casual and the setting comfortable. The beer garden is currently under renovation although we were able to enjoy a few minutes in the sun before our lunch began.
I look forward to a return trip and hopefully for a happier occasion.

I do love this place and would so love to stay the night in their accomodation one day.
The décor is tres cool and the outside area has such a relaxing vibe, although its not undercover so a bit useless on rainy days.
I like the menu and have always enjoyed my meal.
The staff are always pretty friendly and helpful and seem pretty clued up on their wine and beer lists.
The atmosphere is always the draw card, its a nice place to go for after work drinks or a Saturday afternoon lunch.
I’ll keep coming back!

What a cutie. Quirky furniture & art, nooks and crannies, a real fake fireplace and top nosh.
Our group could quite get settled, so we moved from the quieter dining room to the lounge for a drink then up to a long shared table for eating — thereby exploring most of the hotel! Ok we weren’t going to test the beer garden — it was 8 degrees — but just letting you know there are plenty of spots to sit depending on your mood.
Pork belly, fish fingers looking more like generous fists, a chicken pie and franks dogs were our choices — and we all felt the meals were generous, different & delicious.
Wed night is a Franks Dogs and beer special night & there’s also mystery beer and mulled wine on the menu — an adventure in every glass!
I’ll be back for the beer garden in the warmer months — well worth a visit.

So achingly hipster. So laid back and cool. The beers are served in a halfway between a pint and a schooner tankard and the food is tasty, if not a little heavy on the frying.

What the hell? Where has this little gem been hiding and why did I not know about it sooner.
After coming for a couple of drinks after work, we ending up staying to enjoy «Pub Cha» and I can honestly say AMAZEBALLS.
Hot chips in little old fashion chip cups, cute and simple
But it was the balls that swept us of our feet. The veal and pork meatballs in gorgonzola and polenta sauce and the potato balls were out of this world!
A little tip though, dip the chips in the gorgonzola and you will have the best dipping sauce ever.
Washing down this spectacular treat, you will notice the extremely reasonable prices of the beers and what a superb range of popular and boutique brews they have.
All in all, the service is great, the atmosphere is cool but most importantly the food and brews were FANTASTIC!
I will return SOON!

Oh the Franklin. We have spent much time together, in every state imaginable. I remember soberly eating, having a quiet drink and a blur of colour and noise (not-​so-​quiet drink).
My friends and I used to come here weekly to sample their drinks and food. They have a brilliant range of ciders and beer (I think their are about 15 different ciders) and they had a cocktail menu, but I am not quite sure if that is still around. The only problem with the drinks is that there is always something run out. But as there is such a large range, you are very likely to find something else you enjoy.
The food. I am always apprehensive about pub food. But the Franklin isn’t really a pub, it is a bit more hipster, which is reflected in the food. They have recently created a new menu. The food is absolutely amazing and they have a massive range of vegetarian options. I have yet to sample all the new options, but the lasagna and nachos are definite winners!

Are you the type of person that lays, and when you do, do you do it back-​style?
Was that a really long and cryptic way of asking if you’re a laid-​back type of person?
Am I just a lousy, no good, talentless hack?
Who knows the answer to these questions? I don’t know. I know the answer to at LEAST two of them. And I can tell you that I’M a laid-​back type of person, which is why this review’s so laid-​back. Like, you know, whatever.
And that’s the vibe I get from the Franklin. My friends and I pop in here very now and again for a cheap drink and a chat. It’s always felt very nice and relaxed. I’ve always had a habit of ending the night here, actually. It sounds bad if I say the place puts me to sleep, but this certainly isn’t the place to get my motors running again.
Or, at least, it never used to be. I feel as if the place is changing its target demographic. The general public’s a fickle creature, though, and I wouldn’t feel all too confident making any predictions on what sort of folk will frequent this place in the coming months. Maybe I’m just getting old, but I used to enjoy the pub here a lot better than I do now.

The Franklin Hotel is both a pub and upstairs a backpacker’s hostel. I’ve never stayed at the backpacker’s, so I’ll stick to talking about the pub. A great friend of mine had some going-​away drinks here a few months ago and I was surprised to find a really pleasant pub — a little scruffy but in a sweet way. Whoever is in charge has done a great job making the most of the beat-​up old premises with a collection of beautiful old lamps and comfy furniture. Plus the drinks are pretty cheap too.
I felt something in the air — as though this place was just on the verge of becoming Adelaide’s new hipster haunt. A bit of investigation of their Facebook page seems to reveal just that — an intention to draw people in with micro-​brewery beers, ciders, DJ nights and live music. I haven’t of much going on yet, but I’d definitely be willing to come back here — nice lighting does wonders.

Killing time is something we all have to do once in a while, but how we spend those moments is what really make us who we are. Me, I go to the pub! This makes me AWESOME!
By chance the Franklin Hotel is situated very close to where my girlfriend work, so on the odd occasion when I pick her up and am just a smidge early I have been known to pop in.
I tell you what, Chloe L has hit the nail fairly on its end hitty part, the Franklin is definately on the up and up! Just popping your head in the front door you can see the décor (old school chic… sort of), with some really slick pre 50’s furnature and a really nice looking bar. Yes, I feel very at home in here… sort of like an episode of The Sullivans with pints instead of long necks!