Built in 1887, the Original Coopers Alehouse restaurant and bar is a heritage listed building which has a lot of history to this day. It was a privilege to visit one of the oldest pubs in Adelaide.

With bookings exceeding capacity over the festive period, extending the dining room was a great decision. This spacious site now has four function rooms to hire and with over 90 amazing wines available and every Coopers beers on tap, it’s a no brainer. This is the place to be for an intimate gathering or large group events. They can fit us all and can definitely feed us all. With daily specials such as Monday T bone Steak for $19.90 or Fridays $10 espresso martini, this place is easily a go to for all types of customers.

We came just before lunch time and luckily got straight to ordering as shortly after that, groups of people started to fill up the space. The Original Coopers Alehouse may be a historic place but there is nothing old or boring about the menu. Yes, there are the popular dishes you can find in your usual restaurant and bar however here at Coopers, they deliver them to the next level. With a little tweak here and there, the end result is so very enticing and exciting.

The first plate we shared was the Tuna Carpaccio with green beans and cherry tomato salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. First of all, the portions are huge. This is definitely an entree to share. The tuna was excellent, the salad was just such a great complement. We loved the crunch of the bean, the refreshing cherry tomatoes, and Lollo Rossa lettuce.

Next was the Seared Spiced Kingfish. The dish comes with shaved fennel, witlof, orange and grapefruit slices which made this salad so refreshing and tangy. Topped with sesame chips, fish roe and generously sauced with squid ink and aioli. What an experience on the palate that was. Honestly couldn’t fault the combination of squid ink and aioli, we just couldn’t get over it. We loved this dish!

I haven’t tried Chicken Roulade in a long time. This was filled with mild sobrasada and chorizo topped with crispy jamon, broadband, sweet corn, mango, red pepper salsa and white beans puree and jus. Bliss. We were still impressed by the portions on every plate. Definitely a plate to share as they are very generous. This roulade was plated beautifully and the vibrant colours really stood out.

The Confit Rabbit was served with witlof, pickled carrots, radish, and most interesting of all, the candied hazelnut. Having this dish is basically like having a dessert because it was sweet, but with rabbit meat. Sounds intriguing? If you like your meal to lean more towards the sweeter side, give this a try as you won’t regret it. The meat was roughly shredded and with a combination of mint and liquorice powder this will get your taste buds dancing.

Now the burger that had us all wondering from the very beginning as they are calling it the AFC Burger which can only mean one thing, Adelaide Food Central, am I right? On a serious note, we ordered this up and it got delivered nice and hot to our table. The deep fried chicken tenderloin jerk coated with with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and Chipotle mayo in a sesame brioche bun. This also comes with dipping sweet chilli sauce and fries finished with the perfect seasoning. I’ll also have one to go thanks.

We were determined to get one of the pizza’s here because when your pub has a wood fire pizza oven, then the pizza is a must! We were suggested to try the Sando Supreme. Consisting of leg ham, olives, onion, pineapple (yes, we approve pineapple on our pizza!), salami, capsicum, mushroom and of course not forgetting the good ol’ mozzarella. You cannot go wrong with wood oven pizzas.

Have I mentioned their Oven Roasted Duck Breast yet? If I haven’t, that’s because I’m saving the best for last. Cooked so tender with maple bourbon sauce, accompanied with honey sriracha roasted carrots, radish and watercress salad, this dish is garnished with walnut for that extra crunch. We were over the moon when it also came complimented with duck fat potatoes which gave the perfect balance.

If you are after something to share with a group, Coopers Ale also have their Grazing Boards, Share Plates such as Nachos, Bruschetta, and get this, Salt and Pepper Crocodile!

And if you are looking for plant based meals, don’t worry they speak vegan! They will do vegan burgers and burritos and for lighter meals you can pick vegan salad or cauliflower tempura.

Now seriously, what more could you want? This place provides everything including a gaming room and live music every evening during the weekend. No wonder they are fully booked out this festive season! Christmas Function Packs are also available and for more information please contact them directly.

Opens daily from 11am until midnight and 1am on weekends, the Original Coopers Alehouse is the place to be.

Words by Dee Pene from Adelaide Food Authority

WHERE: 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide