Landmark Pig n Whistle Inn still in business after 190 years
Proud owners celebrate milestone after decade at the helm of historic Bathurst pub
This popular venue was established in January 1832 and is the oldest continually licensed pub in South Africa
The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn in Bathurst is celebrating a momentous milestone of 190 years.
This popular venue, right on our doorstep, was established in January 1832 and is the oldest continually licensed pub in South Africa.
Owners Gavin and Lucille Came celebrated their own personal milestone of 10 years as owners of the historic landmark in April of 2021, which also puts the Cames among the longest owners of the Pig and Whistle.
The Pig and Whistle is more than just a pub, of course; it is the cornerstone attraction of Bathurst and a heritage site, restaurant, inn and entertainment venue for everyone.
The traditional inn has 10 bedrooms, all lovingly restored and furnished with tasteful antiques, and the restaurant is popular among visitors and locals, offering traditional English food and Sunday roasts, freshly baked cakes and desserts, vegetarian meals and Asian cuisine favourites.
Anyone who has been to the Pig and Whistle will know the Bathurst statement “there is no thirst like Bathurst”, and as you enter the pub itself you are welcomed by a charming atmosphere that transports you back in time and you know why this pub has stood the test of time as a favourite for all who visit.
The history of the Pig and Whistle begins with the establishment of the village of Bathurst during the time of the 1820 Settlers.
It was a settler named Thomas Hartley who, in 1820, put down roots in Bathurst, built a home and a forge, and by 1932 he had opened the inn which became known as Hartley’s Inn.
The inn was highly regarded and saw highprofile guests visit, including two governors of the Cape, Lord Charles Somerset and Sir Benjamin
D’Urban. After Hartley’s death in 1840 his widow, Sarah, took over the inn and thanks to her it flourished and became the accommodation venue of choice for travelling dignitaries and government officials.
The name of the inn was changed when soldiers from the Royal Air Force were stationed nearby. They decided to name their new pub after their local pub in England, thus the Bathurst Inn became the Pig and Whistle.