'We Have A Strict No D*ckhead Policy': Why The Grace Emily In SA Is So Beloved

The Grace Emily is one of Adelaide’s oldest pubs.

Though formerly known as The Launceston, the building itself has been in operation since 1839 (for some perspective, the Province of South Australia was only established by British imperialists as a privately financed settlement in 1836).

Located on Waymouth Street, The Grace Emily - affectionately known simply as “The Grace” to locals - is a cosy, atmospheric space, where pubgoers can partake in a leisurely game of pool, play a round of darts, have a glass of Grenache at an affordable price, or, most importantly, experience some local music in the pub’s backroom.

Nearly every night of the week, The Grace, run by publican Symon Jarowyj, hosts music in some capacity, whether it be local bands looking for a stage to cut their teeth on, or such musical legends as The Mountain Goats, Tim Rogers, Julia Jacklin, Marlon Williams, and Justin Townes Earl. The low lighting and the limited capacity of the venue allows for a certain level of intimacy, no matter who is playing. 

The pub is a champion of local acts. Weekly events such as Wednesday night’s Gremily Jazz Jam - a free open mic night for jazz musicians of any description - encourage local musicians to take the stage and play freely, no matter their background or expertise, and encourage everyone else to listen and enjoy. A mellow Wednesday night at the Grace is a staple for many music-enjoyers in Adelaide who like to haunt the local venues and watch young and talent enjoy themselves onstage.

Every Monday night, for the past seventeen years, the Grace has also hosted Billy Bob’s BBQ Jam, an open mic blues night where those of all persuasions sing their favourite tunes and hone their vocal chops in a relaxed atmosphere, while sizzled sausages are available to munch on for those in attendance.

Most musicians spoken to by The Music who have played at the pub have only good things to say about the genial institution. Thea Martin, member of noise rock band Twine says, “The Grace seems as though they really care about the music and musicians they are hosting. The staff are always available to support and listen to your needs.”

Many in the audience, not just those onstage, harbour similarly warm sentiments. Adelaide-based writer and Grace Emily-frequenter Adela Teubner says of the venue, “[It] was a place I went with my parents as a teenager — it was a) a really safe and sweet and welcoming place to welcome me to seeing live music when I was like 14 and b) I think somewhere that straddles generational boundaries and brings together anyone with an appreciation for good music and a good sense of humour!! It’s somewhere I don’t feel like I have to have my guard up or feel insecure — it just feels like a place where anyone can be whatever they have to bring to the table.”

When asked how The Grace Emily as an institution has managed to garner a reputation as one of the safest and most welcoming of local venues, Jarowyj puts it simply: “We have a pretty strict no dickhead policy of sorts, which has helped cultivate a safe environment. We are very lucky though that all the artists that play here have great crowds that come to their gigs, so it's easier to weed out those that are not here for the right reasons.”

He adds, “We have a small team and none of our staff drink behind the bar, which is extremely important. Especially when making decisions when negative issues arise. It’s pretty simple. Come here and enjoy the music and community, and treat others how you want to be treated.”

This simple attitude appears to be working well for the Grace Emily. These are hopefully traditions that will continue well into the future of Adelaide: institutions protecting and uplifting those with less power than them, and creating safe spaces for musicians and music-enjoyers alike.