Kimberley’s Historic Pubs & Hotels: A Self-Guided Tour
Why Kimberley Matters
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our guests—whether visiting Kimberley for business or leisure—have wondered why this remarkable city has played such an important role in South Africa's history over the past 160 years.
These pages invite you on a coffee-table journey through Kimberley's past, from the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867 and the Great Diamond Rush, through wars, political change and the rise of the world's diamond industry, to the city we know today. They are not intended to be an academic history, but rather an enjoyable introduction to the people, places and events that shaped Kimberley.
So, make yourself comfortable, pour a cappuccino or a cup of chai, and enjoy exploring the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
Historic image of the Cape Town Road in Beaconsfield, showing the Phoenix Hotel on the left.
Stories from the Diamond Rush
During the diamond rush, Kimberley’s hotels and drinking houses became gathering places for fortune-seekers, travellers and businessmen. Deals were discussed, news exchanged, discoveries celebrated and disappointments softened over a drink.
The surviving buildings tell their own stories of the Diamond City. From neighbourhood hotels to the meeting places of mining magnates, they offer a glimpse of Kimberley’s social life beyond the diggings. This guide introduces some of those historic establishments and the stories associated with them.
View the suggested tour route at the bottom of this page.
Phoenix Hotel, Central Road, Beaconsfield
Established in 1885, the Phoenix Hotel is a landmark of old Beaconsfield. Its history recalls a time when Beaconsfield was a separate town, closely connected to the nearby diamond mines.
The hotel forms part of the neighbourhood’s surviving architectural heritage and provides a link to the everyday social life of the diamond fields.
The Phoenix Hotel in Beaconsfield, established in 1885.
Cheers Pub & Grill, Main Road, Beaconsfield
Cheers Pub & Grill occupies the site of the historic Beaconsfield Club, linking today’s gathering place with the social life of the early diamond fields.
The club’s original building had an unusual history: it was moved bodily from the old Dutoitspan village to Beaconsfield’s main road. Journalist and writer Vere Stent described it as “an institution with a history”, reflecting its established place in the community.
The garden at Cheers Pub & Grill in Beaconsfield.
In the early hours of 20 February 1922, a devastating fire destroyed the main club building. Contemporary reports described the loss of one of the township’s oldest landmarks, with firefighters concentrating on preventing the flames from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
The club was rebuilt and officially reopened on 28 March 1923. Today, Cheers adds another chapter to the site’s long association with hospitality and community life in Beaconsfield. Off-street parking is available from the side road.
Halfway House, Dutoitspan Road, Belgravia
Affectionately known as “The Half”, the Halfway House takes its name from its position along the route between the mining settlements that became Kimberley and Beaconsfield.
Its best-known story concerns Cecil John Rhodes, who is said to have preferred being served on horseback rather than dismounting for a drink. Whether embellished over the years or not, the tale has become inseparable from the establishment’s unusual “park and drink” tradition.
The Halfway House, affectionately known as “The Half”, on Du Toitspan Road in Belgravia.
Savoy Hotel, Old de Beers Road
The Savoy is another name associated with Kimberley’s historic hotel trade. Its story includes fire, rebuilding and refurbishment, reflecting the changing fortunes of a city shaped by mining and commerce.
It belongs to an era when hotels provided travellers with accommodation, meals and a place to exchange news after a long journey.
Historical photograph of the Savoy Hotel on Old de Beers Road, Kimberley
Star of the West, North Circular Road
Dating from the 1870s, the Star of the West is one of Kimberley’s oldest pubs and is closely associated with the early days of the Kimberley Mine.
Local stories link it with familiar diamond-rush personalities, including Cecil John Rhodes and Barney Barnato. These tales add to its enduring appeal, connecting the establishment with the miners, entrepreneurs and adventurers who helped shape the city.
The Star of the West on North Circular Road, one of Kimberley’s oldest pubs.
Australian Arms, Big Hole Complex
The Australian Arms sits within the Big Hole complex, making it a convenient heritage stop to pair with a visit to the Big Hole Mine Museum.
Its setting connects this part of the route directly with the diamond diggings and the streets, shops and social spaces represented in the museum precinct.
Australian Arms at the Big Hole
Kimberley Club, Currey Street
Founded in 1881, the Kimberley Club became a meeting place for influential figures in the diamond industry, including Cecil John Rhodes.
Its history reflects the wealth, business interests and political ambitions that gathered around Kimberley’s mines. While the city’s ordinary drinking houses served the bustle of the diamond fields, the club offered a more exclusive setting for conversation and negotiation.
Front of the Kimberley Club viewed from Du Toitspan Road.
MOTH Centre, Memorial Road
Near the Honoured Dead Memorial stands the former Kimberley Golf Clubhouse, later associated with the MOTH Centre.
MOTH stands for the Memorable Order of Tin Hats, an organisation founded to preserve comradeship among military veterans. The building adds a different chapter to this route, linking Kimberley’s sporting history with its traditions of remembrance.
Today, it serves as a local community and veterans' gathering spot, with a garden of remembrance. Contact the centre in advance to confirm access and any membership or guest requirements.
Historical photograph of the former Kimberley Golf Clubhouse on Memorial Road, now used as the MOTH Centre.
Planning Your Tour
These establishments include hotels, clubs and venues within heritage attractions. Opening hours, food and drink service, and visitor access vary, so check directly before you go. Follow the suggested route on the map below, or select “Open the tour in Google Maps” to view it on your phone. The route starts and finishes at Solomon Edwardian Guest House.
Continue Exploring Kimberley
Whether your interests lie in history, culture, dining, shopping, entertainment, or simply discovering somewhere new, we hope these guides help you make the most of your time in Kimberley. If you're planning a visit to the City that Sparkles, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the historic suburb of Beaconsfield. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers alike, The Solomon provides a comfortable base from which to explore.