North Hobart’s Queens Head Hotel’s new owners cheers to re-opening after refurbishment
A fresh new look has landed at the historic North Hobart pub, the Queens Head Hotel, with hopes it’s a winner for families and locals. Here’s what the new owners have planned.
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A North Hobart landmark, the historic Queens Head Hotel, has re-opened after a major refurbishment and the new owners have bold plans for the popular pub.
They are developing a partnership with the JackJumpers to provide a venue for fans to watch away games and also hope to transform the hotel’s car park
The new owners include the former CEO of Marinus Link Caroline Wykamp, Hydro Tasmania employees Nick Sallmann and Cameron McCulloch and Simon Kanan, who has worked in hospitality for more than 20 years.
“We saw an opportunity to rejuvenate this historic venue, which has been part of North Hobart since 1854,” Mr Sallman said.
“We’ve refreshed the interior while maintaining its classic charm and plan further upgrades to enhance its community appeal.
“We aim to make the Queens Head a hub for locals and attract families with affordable specials in this tight economy, with improvements to the outdoor terrace, car park, and accommodation.
“We’re also partnering with several Tasmanian iconic sports clubs as their official home off the field, creating more local engagement.”
The Queens Head re-opened on Thursday after three weeks of work including painting and new carpet.
The exterior of hotel on the corner of Elizabeth and Newdegate Streets, has been painted white.
The new owners, who won’t say how much they paid for the hotel, are working with local architect Ryan Strating to “repurpose the untapped carpark space in a way that’s loved by the community”.
“We’ve been testing concepts, and we’ve started talking to council about what’s going to fit best but probably a mixed use commercial and residential development,” Mr Sallman said
“While it has undergone changes, its basic structure remains similar to when it first opened.
“Historically, it served travellers, with its publican even securing a water trough for their horses in 1868 – it’s been disguised as a bench seat, but we’re planning to bring it back.”
Mr Sallmann said it had been a “fantastic” re-opening with 200 runners from the Knockoff Runs Club turning up on Thursday night.
“We’ve brought back live music and we’re thrilled to be developing a partnership with the Jack Jumpers, creating a space where local fans can connect with the team through events and promotions,” he said.
“We’ve created a dedicated viewing space upstairs to be the ‘home away from home’, with large screen viewing for when the Jumpers are playing too far away from home.
“We’ve being waiting for the paint to dry so we can start putting JackJumpers stuff on the wall.”
Hobart councillor John Kelly, who owns the nearby State Cinema complex, said the hotel had a rich history.
“The Queens Head Hotel has entertained the locals and tourists for over 170 years and has been a cornerstone of the community,” he said.
“The recent renovations under the new owners will further enhance North Hobart as one of Tasmania’s premier entertainment and restaurant precincts.”
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