New bar celebrates pub's history
Decades after it closed its doors to the public, Fremantle's newest old pub is giving patrons a glimpse into its colourful history dating back more than a century.
The Rydges team behind the Esplanade Hotel have given the adjoining Marine Terrace building a new lease of life with the Ball & Chain bar, which pays homage to the past.
Initially used as a warehouse by then owner Fremantle harbour master Capt. Daniel Scott, the building was leased in 1850 to accommodate the first shipment of convicts, who helped build Fremantle Prison.
It was converted into a hotel and pub about 1895 and became a popular "watering hole for the working men of Fremantle" who queued for wharf jobs at the Trades Hall across the road on Collie Street.
Ball & Chain's veranda still has heritage-listed benches donated in the 1940s by unionist Paddy Troy for the men who waited to be chosen to work.
Bar manager Eliza Caldwell said wharfies and fishermen who visited Ball & Chain shared tales about the pub's past.
"A lot of them chuckle about 'more blood was spilt here than beer' but that must be referring to the boxing as well," she said.
The latest restoration work shows off original features such as exposed limestone, old bottles unearthed in the cellar and a fireplace in the parlour for women, which in the early days kept them separated from male patrons.
Esplanade Hotel general manager David Bornmann said locals and tourists were making the most of the Ball & Chain's small bar vibe, thanks to its $1.5 million refurbishment.
Source : Yahoo News Grace Millimaci November 10th 2014
