School of Arts Hotel

In early 1876, John McDonald turned an old dilapidated tenement building in Brisbane Street into a comfortable hotel named the School of Arts Hotel. The new hotel opened on Saturday 22 April 1876 with McDonald serving as the first publican of the establishment. Prior to its opening, there were already 23 other hotels in Ipswich. This equated to about one pub for every 108 adult residents. Some people felt that there were enough pubs in the town however the Licensing Committee approved this new one too.  John McDonald had previously been the licensee of the Sportsman's Arms Hotel in Bremer Street.

Other licensees were: Sarah McDonald following her husband's death, and Matthew Carmody. During Sarah's occupancy in 1878, William Ash was also involved with the pub. He is credited with buying the hotel at this time and applying for a liquor license although the outcome is not clear. 

The hotel was located close to the School of Arts which was housed in the old town hall, now occupied by Ipswich Art Gallery. The Queensland National Bank was a neighbour, being located in an office in the School of Arts building. The Post Office and Telegraph Office  were two doors away. Cribb & Foote were opposite the hotel.

In May 1882 the School of Arts Hotel was advertised for lease, including its license and goodwill. From here the business drifted into obscurity.