Last drinks: Farewell to Knopwoods Retreat

HUNDREDS of diehard Knopwoods fans braved hail and showers to farewell the famed watering hole.

kates cage

HUNDREDS of diehard Knopwoods fans braved hail and showers to farewell the famed watering hole.

Departing licensee Kate Cawthorn planned a night to remember at the Hobart institution’s traditional Christmas drinks before the pub had a change of identity.

“I hope anyone who has shared a Knoppies story will come down and have a beer with us,” she said. “The weather has thrown a bit of spanner into the works but the fire is stoked and roaring inside. It’s very much like old times.”

MORE: LAST CALL FOR KNOPPIES

This week the Thursday night chess group held its last game after 14 years and Margaret and Peter, the couple who had been having regular lunches since the ’70s, had their final Knoppies meal.

The bouncers took up their posts as the metal barriers known as Kate’s cages went up around the venue to protect passers-by from boisterous Christmas drinking. The traditional live music and two outdoor bars were in place.

“I guess the Knopwoods door has closed and we will see what the happens in the new space,” Ms Cawthorn said.

New licensee Ben Hickey said the renamed pub The Whaler would tip its hat to Hobart’s whaling history.

Mr Hickey, Tasmania’s International Beerfest organiser and owner of Mobius Lounge Bar, said he would create an honest Tasmanian pub atmosphere.

“Quality will be the driving force,” he said.

Are you joining the celebrations? Send us your pics to [e-mail]