The Observatory Bar reopens after nine month closure as Cage Night in Salamanca kicks off for 2020

It’s been one of Hobart’s most popular night time hot spots for more than a decade and now after a nine month closure, it’s reopening – just in time for Cage Night. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW >>

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IT’S been one of Hobart’s most popular night time hot spots for more than a decade and now after a nine month closure, the Observatory Bar is back for the first time tonight.

The nightclub, affectionately known as O Bar, moved to a new location on Franklin Wharf, above Post Street Social, nine months before closing down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ian Vaughan is managing director of Pub Banc Group, which owns the Observatory, said the venue would be open Friday and Saturdays night plus New Year’s Eve.

Ian Vaughan at the Observatory Bar as it reopens its doors for the first time in nine months. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“We were expecting to not be able to dance until next year according to [Public Health director] Dr Veitch earlier in the year, so we’re definitely happy to be opening on Cage Night and before Christmas,” he said.

“The place still looks brand spanking new so it feels like a second grand opening.

“We’re limited with capacity – 250 people total, 100 to stand or dance, but people are just excited to be able to get back out and have someone new to go.”

Mr Vaughan said $8 million plans to redevelop the former O Bay location on the Murray St Pier, featuring a large ground floor restaurant and bar and an upstairs private function centre, were likely to go ahead.

Artists impressions of the redevelopment of the former O Bar building at the Murray Street Pier. Designs: PAUL KELLY DESIGN

“We’re hoping in the new year with the promise of the vaccines coming and perhaps with the restrictions changing even further that we’ll start that development in early 2021 and have it open late in the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, across the road, Cage Night has kicked off, with hundreds of revellers gathering along the Salamanca Place strip to celebrate the end of the year.

Friends Erin Fletcher, Chelsea Tatnell, Grace Jennings and Matt Doyle secured a prime position out the front of Jack Greene.

Grace Jennings, Chelsea Tatnell, Matt Doyle and Erin Fletcher at Cage Night, Salamanca. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“It definitely feels a bit more low key now, but I’m sure as the night goes on it will pick up,” Ms Jennings said.

“It’s exciting to be out. We got here early to get a good spot.”

“It’s been a huge year so I’m looking forward to relaxing and switching off and enjoying celebrating getting through it,” Ms Tatnell said.