There’s nothing quite like a Friday night at The Courthouse. The whole pub shifts the moment knock-off hits — boots on the floorboards, glasses clinking, the bar warming up, and that familiar feeling of the week finally letting go. By the time the band plugs in, the place already has that unmistakable Friday buzz.
Knock-Off Mode: Activated
The first wave of locals usually arrives with the same grin — “we made it.” Some settle into the beer garden, others slide straight onto a barstool for their usual. And with $8 basic spirits pouring every Friday, the weekend starts with a proper cheers.
There’s something unbeatable about that first sip after a long week. It just hits right.
Live Music That Feels Like Home
Once the guitars tune and the mic crackles to life, the whole pub settles into its groove. Friday nights are our chance to showcase the musicians who give this region its heartbeat — local artists, travelling favourites, and the familiar names who always manage to get the room singing along.
Some sets are smooth and easy, the kind that pair perfectly with a pot and a yarn. Others have the energy to pull the whole bar to its feet. Either way, the old Courthouse walls carry every note with that warm, historic echo that only a 1859 building can.
Dinner, Drinks & A Proper Friday Feed
Steaks, parmas, pizzas — the Friday night essentials. You can usually spot a few groups tucking in early to set a good foundation for the night, while others graze as the music builds.
And those $8 basic spirits keep the bar humming. Simple, good-value drinks that make it easy for the whole table to relax and enjoy themselves without a second thought.
When the Night Finds Its Rhythm
As the band hits their stride and the conversations grow louder, the whole pub comes alive. Someone tosses in a cheeky song request. Someone else tells a story big enough to draw a laugh from three tables over. There’s always that one group celebrating… something.
It’s warm, fun, and completely unpretentious — exactly what a country pub Friday should be.
Why Fridays Matter
We’ve been part of Smythesdale weekends since 1859, and we still get that same spark every time a Friday rolls around. There’s a real joy in seeing locals and travellers settle in, shake off the week, and enjoy a night of music, good food, and easy company.
If you’re chasing a proper Friday atmosphere — live tunes, friendly faces, cold drinks and $8 basic spirits — you’ll find it here every week.
