Family Hotel

Opening in 1904, the site of the heritage listed Family Hotel was the location of Burton and Knight’s wine and spirit store; and aerated water and cordial factory until the present building was erected in 1904. At this time the wine and spirit store was moved to Norman Street and a large ice works was erected at the rear of those premises. Built by Scotcher and Beer for John Barrington Knight, the hotel was designed by architect J. Firmin Jenkins.  It has a National Trust listing and is heritage listed.

The first licensee of the Hotel was John Barrington Knight who had lived in Pirie since 1876. He had owned many businesses including a wine and spirit store, a brewery and he also built an aerated water and cordial factory. Knight installed the latest steam powered machinery in his small brewery, giving him the opportunity to increase his output and improve his brewery techniques. His stout was awarded first prize at the Adelaide Wine show in 1896-1897.

After building this impressive motel he soon established a reputation for service and hospitality and was a publican from 1904-1911.

The elegant verandah was one of the few in Port Pirie which survived the Council by-law ordering the removal of verandah posts in the 1950’s and 60’s. Intervention and support for its preservation by the National Trust of South Australia in the late 60’s helped retain this fine structure.

The Hotel now operates as the Black Pig Bar and Grill and provides meals and live entertainment.