History of Sparrows
The Anakie Hotel, now known as Sparrows Perch, was originally established in 1902 and became a well-loved and cherished spot for locals. Unfortunately, in 2018, the pub poured its last beer and the doors were sadly closed.
In 2023, the Pallentine family purchased the pub after falling in love with its history. They spent the next 18 months breathing new life into the old girl and reopened the Anakie Hotel as Sparrows Perch in April 2025.
The Story of Sparrow 'Robin' Pacey
The tale of Sparrow ‘Robin’ Pacey is truly unique and makes for an interesting yarn. After falling off his bar stool too often in 1971, the then publican, Mrs Pat Gregory, barred the local from setting foot in the place again. With no other pubs in the region, Sparrow decided he would get his own back by using sticks of gelignite to blow up the front veranda of the pub.
Feeling sorry for the miner, the Gregory’s allowed him back in and erected a steel post beside Sparrow’s favourite bar stool, fitted a seatbelt so he could strap himself in, and named it ‘Sparrows Perch’.