If you’ve ever stepped through the doors of Lees Hotel, you’ll know there’s more than just a cold drink and great food waiting for you. This iconic Ingham watering hole is steeped in history — and one particular story has travelled far beyond our little corner of North Queensland.
We’re talking, of course, about The Pub With No Beer.
The day the beer ran dry
The year was 1943. Ingham, like much of Australia, was feeling the effects of World War II. American servicemen were stationed in the region, travelling from Brisbane to Port Moresby, and Lees Hotel (then known as the Day Dawn Hotel) was one of the many pubs where weary troops could stop for a cold one.
Legend has it that a group of thirsty soldiers arrived in the middle of the night, woke the publican, and proceeded to drink every drop of beer in the place.
When local cane farmer and poet Dan Sheahan wandered in the next day hoping for a pint, he found nothing but an empty bar and a very apologetic barman. The frustration — and humour — of the moment inspired Sheahan to pen a witty poem titled A Pub Without Beer.
From poem to song
Years later, Sheahan’s verses caught the attention of country music artist Gordon Parsons, who adapted them into a song. In 1957, Slim Dusty recorded A Pub With No Beer, and it became a runaway hit — the first Australian single to go gold, and a tune that still has people singing along today.
And so, Lees Hotel’s legend was cemented.
More than just a story
Today, we’re proud to be known as The Original Pub With No Beer. While you can rest assured the taps are always flowing now, the tale remains part of our identity — a reminder that good stories, like good pubs, stand the test of time.
Visitors from around the world stop in to see where it all began, enjoy a meal in our bistro, share a drink in the bar, and soak up the history that lives within our walls.
So whether you’re here for the steak, the stories, or simply a cold beer after a long drive, you’re part of the continuing legacy of Lees Hotel.
