Our Story
A Mount Barker landmark since 1860, still pouring today.
SINCE 1860
Our Heritage
Oak & Iron sits within Auchendarroch House, a Mount Barker landmark since 1860. Built by Scottish immigrant Lachlan MacFarlane and first licensed as the Oakfield Hotel, the property was later purchased by prominent Adelaide businessman Robert Barr Smith, whose family used it as a summer retreat for over forty years. Over the following century, the house served as a convalescent home and an Air Force hospital, before being lovingly restored and reopened by the Wallis Family in 2003.
Today, that same heritage building is home to Oak & Iron — a modern tavern built on a genuinely old foundation. The stonework and gardens have seen 160 years of Mount Barker history. We just added the beer taps.
"Auchendarroch" is Scottish-Gaelic for "holy place of oaks." It's also where our name comes from — Oak & Iron, rooted in the same ground, built for the same community.
Forged in tradition. Rooted in community.
Then
A grand Victorian house, a family retreat, a place of recovery and community through two world wars.
Now
A local tavern — good food, good drinks and good company, open to everyone in Mount Barker.
THE GARDENS
A Landscape Steeped in History
The heritage gardens surrounding Auchendarroch House have been lovingly restored and remain one of Mount Barker’s most photographed settings. For weddings, private functions and garden tours.
GIFT CARDS
The perfect present for any occasion. Treat your friends, family or colleagues to a meal or a night out at Oak & Iron.
BOOK A TABLE
Walk-ins are always welcome, or lock in your table online in a couple of clicks.