The Supreme Court of South Australia case of Wayland v Taylor concerns a dispute between a contractor and a sub-contractor for building work done in relation to the hotel in 1851.

On 19 May 1851 a meeting of residents of the north-east corner of Adelaide took place at the hotel, to consider proposals for a road from the city through the Parklands to Kensington and Norwood.

On 1 September 1851 Rebecca Cludans, a little girl, was convicted for obtaining gin from Laura Radford, who worked at the hotel, by pretending she was acquiring it on an errand for an adult.

Also in September 1851, a forger and lunatic, Henry Baker, was found drinking at the Hotel by a policeman, and subsequently arrested.

However, the hotel continued operation in his name in his absence, with the liquor licence being renewed on 22 May 1852, despite a late application having been made.

On 2 December 1854, a William Stevens was found in Mount Gambier and arrested for obtaining money under false pretences from Mr Ewart.

The establishment appears to have been well-regarded at the time, with respectable people meeting there, including a social breakfast of the Congregational Union on 17 April 1856.

In 1929, the building was substantially refurbished to appear largely as it does today, with its distinctive green-tile facade.