The Brighton Metro Hotel has been a cherished part of the Brighton community for 168 years. Originally licensed in 1846, the hotel began as a three-room wattle-and-daub hut named the ‘Thatched Cottage’ by Henry Highet, who arrived in South Australia in 1839. The building served not only as a public house but also as a church, alternating between the two roles.
In 1850, the property was acquired by William Voules Brown, who rebuilt it as the two-story ‘Thatched House Tavern,’ only for it to be destroyed by fire in 1857. Publicans of the time, like Brown, played active roles in local affairs, with Brown serving as a Councilor when Brighton became a corporation in 1854.
In 1927, Margaret Leahy, a pioneering hotelier, purchased the hotel and undertook significant renovations. Along with her husband Tom, they rebuilt the hotel, which reopened in 1936.
Today, Brighton Metro Hotel is a modern venue with a newly renovated buffet, sports bar, and expanded beer garden. A highlight of the renovation is the children’s playroom, featuring gaming consoles and a kids’ cinema, making it a family-friendly destination.
With over 175 years of history, the Brighton Metro Hotel continues to be a central hub for the Brighton community, offering a welcoming space for all generations.