Old Williams Pub – a genuine pub in the heart of Jelsa

Old Williams Pub is located by the Jelsa harbour, on the Jelsa Promenade, just a few minutes' walk from the Pjaca and the town centre. Among the cafes, cocktail bars, and restaurants by the sea, it stands out with a distinctly different character – designed as a true pub, with a darker interior, comfortable seating, beer, music, and an atmosphere more suited to evening socialising than a typical Mediterranean café bar.

It is a good spot when you don’t want the evening to end right after dinner or when you simply seek a cold beer and a more relaxed environment where you can linger longer.

Pub atmosphere in the heart of Dalmatian Jelsa

Old Williams does not attempt to resemble just another bar on the waterfront.

The interior is styled in a more traditional pub manner, focusing on comfortable seating and a warmer, more enclosed space. This interior is one of the main differences compared to most Jelsa venues, where the terrace by the sea is the most important part of the establishment.

This makes it appealing even when the weather isn’t ideal for sitting outside or when you simply want a change of scenery during your holiday.

Beer and drinks take centre stage

Old Williams is primarily a place for drinks.

Beer naturally holds an important place in the offering, alongside wine, spirits, and other classic bar beverages. The concept is closer to a European pub than a beach cocktail bar.

Therefore, it makes sense to choose it after dinner, for socialising with friends or for a few drinks before continuing your evening in Jelsa.

You come here not for the view of your plate but for the atmosphere at the table.

Not a traditional restaurant

Although Old Williams may appear among restaurants on some tourist services, its main character is pub and bar.

Simple food and snacks may be available with drinks, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a place to seek a classic Dalmatian dinner featuring fish, gregada, or multiple courses.

For such a meal, there is a wide selection of restaurants at Mala Banda and in the centre of Jelsa, while Old Williams better fills what is often lacking in smaller Dalmatian towns – a genuine evening pub.

Music and evening atmosphere

As the day comes to a close, Old Williams becomes more interesting.

Music is an important part of the atmosphere, and occasional live music evenings are organised. It is not a nightclub, but a place where you can sit with a drink, chat, and stay late into the evening.

This makes it well-suited for groups who wish to continue their evening after dining without heading to a louder cocktail bar or club.

Sports matches with drinks

The televisions in the pub allow for the viewing of sports broadcasts, giving Old Williams another function that not every bar in Jelsa offers.

During major football matches and other significant sporting events, this space naturally becomes a gathering place for guests who do not want to miss the match during their holiday.

If you are coming specifically for a certain broadcast, it is best to check in advance whether that event will be shown.

A good place after dinner

The location by the harbour is very convenient.

From restaurants at Mala Banda, the Pjaca, or the main waterfront, it is just a few minutes' walk, making Old Williams an easy continuation of your evening after dining in the centre.

There is no need to take a car or leave the town centre.

This is particularly practical in summer in Jelsa, when the entire evening can be spent walking between restaurants, the waterfront, and several different bars.

A different choice from cocktail bars

Jelsa has several very good places for cocktails and summer music, but Old Williams aims for something different.

If you are looking for a Mojito at sunset on an open terrace, there are more suitable bars. If you want to sit in a pub, have a beer, and spend the evening in a more enclosed, relaxed space, Old Williams makes much more sense.

This very difference justifies a separate entry on Holiday Link.

Who will Old Williams suit best?

It will best suit couples and groups who enjoy pubs, beer, and casual evening socialising.

It is also a good choice for guests who want to watch a match or simply wish to spend an evening in a completely different atmosphere after a few days on the terrace by the sea.

It is not a place to be presented as one of the main gastronomic addresses in Jelsa. Its value lies in providing Jelsa with a genuine pub space for evening drinks, music, and socialising.

Useful information

  • Type of establishment: pub and bar
  • Location: by Jelsa harbour, near the town centre
  • Character: classic pub atmosphere
  • Drinks: beer, wine, spirits, and other bar drinks
  • Food: simpler pub fare and snacks may be available, but it is not a traditional restaurant
  • Music: an important part of the evening atmosphere
  • Live music: musical programmes are occasionally held
  • Sport: TV allows for sports broadcasts
  • Interior: furnished and comfortable enclosed pub space
  • Access: very easy to reach on foot from the centre of Jelsa
  • Best for: evening drinks, socialising, beer, and sports broadcasts
  • Special feature: one of the few venues in Jelsa with a genuine pub character