Hallams Waterfront to be closed, relaunched as Boatyard Launceston

A Tasmanian hospitality power couple who purchased a distressed but much-loved venue have finally unveiled its next chapter, with it to be relaunched as a casual riverfront bar and restaurant.

Boatyard venue manager Daisy Towler. Picture: Alex Treacy

A well-known Tasmanian hospitality couple who purchased a distressed but much loved venue in 2019 have finally unveiled its next chapter, with it to be relaunched as a casual riverfront bar and restaurant.

Launceston duo Ralph and Suzanne Norton, the pair behind Norton Hospitality Group — which also owns Alchemy Bar & Restauraunt, Queenstown’s Empire Hotel and Irish Murphy’s — purchased Park Street’s Hallams Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, founded in 1996 by the Hallam family, in 2019.

It followed on from the company behind the restaurant, Salisbury Hallam Pty Ltd, being ordered to wind itself up in insolvency by the Federal Court.

On Wednesday, Norton Hospitality Group revealed Hallams would close its doors for good on March 24, before relaunching as Boatyard on March 29.

Boatyard will be a “casual riverfront bar and restaurant, offering a fresh and relaxed new dining experience to the hospitality scene,” the company said in a statement.

Launceston institution Hallams Waterfront Seafood Restaurant will relaunch on March 29 as Boatyard. Picture: Supplied

“Boatyard will offer a range of dining options, from your morning coffee and toasties to a snazzy take on the humble omelette for brunch. Boatyard will be open to welcome everyone on their morning stroll, and also welcomes your furry four-legged friends.

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“During the summer months, the Oyster Shed Bar will serve curated cocktails and ice-cold drinks for you to enjoy while soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views.”

Norton acknowledged the contribution Hallam’s had made over the decades to the city’s burgeoning dining scene.

Launceston institution Hallams Waterfront Seafood Restaurant will relaunch on March 29 as Boatyard. Picture: Supplied

“Hallams will always hold a special place in Launceston’s history, and we take this opportunity to thank past loyal customers for all their support,” the company said.

Venue manager Daisy Towler told the Mercury the venue was moving away from fine dining to a more “approachable” menu, with an array of local offerings, from the mainstays of Tasmanian oysters and Cape Grim beef, down to the humble ham and cheese toastie.

Launceston institution Hallam's Waterfront Seafood Restaurant will relaunch on March 29 as The Boatyard. Picture: Supplied

She said Boatyard would be a relaxed venue where locals would come multiple times per week, as opposed to a “special occasion venue”.

The fit-out would undergo a refresh, rather than a full refurbishment, Ms Towler said.

Boatyard, which overlooks “one of the oldest slip yards in Australia, and enjoys a stunning sunset framed by the Cataract Gorge and Tamar Estuary every evening,” will be open for lunch and dinner five days a week, Wednesday – Sunday, and brunch from Friday – Sunday.