BREWER of some of the world's finest beers, the Port Dock opened its doors on June 19, 1855. Port Adelaide had a greater need than most places for refreshment, and business was brisk.

In 1883 the hotel was rebuilt, with a Dry Creek stone frontage.

Then, after more than 50 years as a licensed premises, the Port Dock - and others - fell under the withering glare of a local preacher and temperance crusader, the Reverend J Kirby. The authorities succumbed to his wailings - on February 12, 1909, the headline in the Register was: "FIFTEEN FEWER HOTELS FOR PORT ADELAIDE DISTRICT".

The people of the Port were asked to nominate which 15 of the 45 pubs in the district should be deprived of their liquor licence. Despite fervent support for the Port Dock - and dock workers voting to increase the number of pubs - the Port Dock lost its ticket.

After that it was a boarding house, a stevedores office and a bordello.

In 1986, the injustice of 1909 was undone ... the Port Dock was again licensed. It was restored and a sophisticated brewery added. Enjoy it today!