Country roads, take me home to the best pubs in Tasmania

Country folk and their city-slicker cousins rarely agree on much, but the vision splendid of a bush pub coming into view might be the one exception.

Haley Berry, senior supervisor at the Richmond Arms Hotel in Richmond, shows off some local product. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Country folk and their city-slicker cousins rarely agree on much, but the vision splendid of a bush pub coming into view might be the one exception.

From rural watering holes that act as a community’s beating heart, to destination eateries that draw urban residents off the beaten track in search of a memorable pub feed, Tasmania is blessed with an array of country hospitality gems.

Lake Leake Inn

320 Lake Rd, Lake Leake

Anne McNaughton and her partner took over running the iconic pub 18 months ago, drawn to the area by its endless opportunities for trout fishing.

Ms McNaughton said with the ongoing support of the East Coast community behind them, the couple were making continuous improvements to an offering that serviced customers from Tasmania, the mainland, and overseas.

The Lake Leake Inn.

“Our steaks and parmy are our drawcards, and we recently had a parmy review on Tik-Tok which ranked us at number one in Tassie and top five in Australia,” she said.

“My cook is a butcher by trade so we also strive to serve the best steaks in Tassie.

“We are also on 10 acres, offer free camping at the pub, and are also pet friendly.”

REGISTER FOR THE TASMANIAN BUSH SUMMIT HERE

Pub in the Paddock

250 St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana

For licensee Jennifer Moylan, the challenge of revitalising a community pub and creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike, was too hard to resist.

Three years after taking ownership of an establishment founded in the 1880s, Ms Moylan described the journey as both rewarding and challenging.

The Pub in the Paddock offers country accommodation and meals at Pyengana, north east Tasmania. Picture: Nick Osborne

“One of the most unique and beloved attractions is our trio of beer-drinking pigs: Priscilla, Kath, and Kim,” she said.

These charming pigs have become local celebrities, delighting visitors with their unusual habit of enjoying a cold beer.

“The pigs are well cared for, and their beer consumption is monitored to ensure they stay healthy.”

One the Pub in the Paddock's three resident pigs takes a well-earned drink of beer.

Richmond Arms

42a Bridge St, Richmond

Casey Lancaster was taking in the picturesque charms of the Richmond Arms hotel six years ago when she told her companion: “This place looks like a fantastic spot to work.”

Haley Berry senior supervisor at the Richmond Arms Hotel in Richmond. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Now the pub’s manager, Ms Lancaster said a diverse customer base, warm atmosphere, and sandstone architecture made the Arms a stimulating place to work.

“The building itself is a real draw – it’s beautiful and entices people in just to have a look around,

“We also have live music every Sunday, and people love to cosy up by the fire.”

As well as serving Tasmanian wines, beers, and spirits, the pub’s menu prides itself on quality, including traditional country-style roasts, local lamb and potato pies, Devonshire teas with fresh scones and homemade jam, and locally made Riversdale Estate cakes.

Marrawah Inn

821 Comeback Road, Marrawah

In the three years that Marrawah Inn owner Michelle Kelly has operated the iconic West Coast hotel, its reputation for quality fare has grown exponentially.

Drawing in appreciative locals, as well as bus-loads of diners from as far afield as Devonport, was the result of the hotel’s passionate team of staff, Ms Kelly said.

The Marrawah Inn.

“We are a family-oriented business, and as the only pub for 50km are also very much the hub of the community,” she said.

“We’re known for our steaks, which we age for eight weeks, and for our parmies and schnitzels.

“It’s very much a hands-on kitchen, and there’s always a lot of prep to do, but that’s where our 17 staff come in very handy.”

Bush Inn Brewhouse

7-9 Meander Valley Road, Deloraine

Belinda Sheehan and husband Michael have been running Deloraine’s Bush Inn Brewhouse since taking over the operation from Michael’s parents in 2020.

The family-friendly eatery produces its own range of craft beers, which will be available in cans by the end of the year after a brewery expansion.

“Tourists and locals alike enjoy our seasonal menu which highlights local produce and suppliers in the area, and we have a good variety of vegan and vegetarian options as well,” Ms Sheehan said.

“We also serve delicious pub classics and the best handmade sourdough pizzas in the north of the state.

“Kids love the make your own pizza option on our menu which sees the ingredients and dough come out to the table and the kids have fun putting on their toppings.”

The beer garden at the Bush Inn Brewhouse.

The Sheehans use as many local ingredients in their beers as possibly, including Tasmanian truffles in their Truffle Hound Stout, and local fruit in their Blueberry Wheat Beer.

“It’s a wonderful community to live in and we are doing something that we love so we just feel so lucky,” Ms Sheehan said.

“Everyone who walks in our doors is able to enjoy their own experience, from a relaxing dinner for two by the open fireplace, a fun night out with friends enjoying a cocktail, or a safe space to bring your kids and enjoy really great food while they play.”