Still the Hope of Hobart after 208 years

AUSTRALIA’S oldest pub has racked up another year, with the Hope and Anchor set to turn 208.

Head Chef Nathanial Roach, Licensee Daniel Cullen, Floor manager Tara Davis and Manager Robert Wilson. The Hope and Anchor pub in Hobart turns 208 years old.

AUSTRALIA’S oldest pub has racked up another year, with Hobart’s Hope and Anchor celebrating its 208th birthday next weekend.

The premises is a licensed museum, with a treasure trove of antiques on every wall, including rifles predating World War I, tools from the early days of Port Arthur, swords and scrimshaw.

“We’re still adding to the collection, if we find pieces in the right era,” manager Robert Wilson said.

The pub first opened its doors on July 25, 1807, under the name of the Whale Fishery and has since been known as The Hope, the Anchor and Hope and The Alexandra.

Licensee Daniel Cullen said there were stories of early licensees smuggling barrels of rum into the cellars under cover of darkness.

The Hope and Anchor has been continuously licensed since 1807, even in its six-year closure.

Head chef Nathaniel Roach said the menu focused on Tasmanian produce, particularly seafood.

A new beer garden will be revealed over the birthday weekend, with live local music and Sydney band High Tails.