- Where: 32 Gawler Street, Mount Barker
- Follow them on Facebook here
- Follow them on Instagram here
- Check out their website here
- Phone: (08) 8391 1003
We love a good pub feed and were excited to head up to Mt Barker to try out one of the best pubs in the hills, not only because we had heard great things about the food, but they have an in-house magician! You heard right! Magic and a schnitty. What bliss!
Each Wednesday from 6pm til 8pm during school holidays (usually it is more often but covid has stuffed the schedule this year of course!), Rich Tieger Magic is in the bistro area ready to entertain the kids (and adults) with his exceptional family friendly tricks and skills. With a combination of magic and card tricks, sleight of hand fun, great banter and some of the best balloon art (because this isn’t your usual balloon dog with a tail) you will see. Our crew absolutely loved Rich’ antics and this really sets a family meal at The Barker above standard pub fare. It was a real treat and we can’t wait to go back.
But how is the pub itself? The Barker is located on the picturesque main street at Mt Barker, right smack bang in the middle of town. A recently updated venue that is spacious and really comfortable, even with a large group and a pram like we had, they currently have several eating areas so there is plenty of room (plus the sports bar and usual gear).
They have all the facilities for those who bring young babies (like we did) as well. The kids menu will sort out even the fussiest of eaters (they were more than happy to modify menu choices for our fussy crew) and is well priced to boot, which is so important with large families (it adds up sooooo quick!). If you are taking small kids they will spread out some activities to keep the kids entertained on your table, which can make or break a family dinner if it stops a tantrum!
The adult meals were great, standard choice pub feeds and if you are a parmy lover like us, you won’t be disappointed. Plenty of local and imported beers to pick from as well, plus all the local wine selection. You can make your booking on line for lunch or dinner, 7 days a week. Perfect! We had a blast, with great food, a modern and big venue and of course the in-house show with magician Rich. We are already making plans to go back a few times during the holidays.
Mt Barker is a fantastic spot for families, only 30 mins from the city up the freeway. Why not make a day of it and check out one of the great playgrounds in the area (Our fave Barker PG here), pop into the incredible Laratinga Wetlands (info on our visit here) to walk off that lunch, or cruise the famous Adelaide Hills!
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