Gray family to reopen former Montgomery’s Hobart Hotel as The Fluke and Bruce

THE doors to one of Hobart’s most loved watering holes are set to be thrown open once again.

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THE doors to one of Hobart’s most loved watering holes are set to be thrown open again after a loving refurbishment by a family of publicans.

Much to the dismay of a small but enthusiastic band of regulars, Montgomery’s closed in February this year.

The pub originally known as The Hobart Hotel -- and later Maloney’s -- will reopen tomorrow as The Fluke and Bruce. In decades past it also housed a nightclub, with patrons encouraged to dance on the bar.

New licensee Peter Gray and his son Dan Gray will manager the venue on the corner of Macquarie and Argyle streets. They have selected the name to honour their heritage.

“We wanted to have a connection to our family and the Gray family crest features an anchor — a ‘fluke’ and a ‘bruce’ are two different types of anchors,” Dan said.

Both were born into the hospitality industry, with Peter’s late father Harold Gordon Gray also a publican. The Gray clan has run a number of pubs around Tasmania through the generations.

Dan’s brother and sister, Sam and Leah, will also be helping out. The new enterprise has already generated huge interest from passers-by and pub lovers.

Built in 1842, the pub has been carefully restored to enhance and display the rich history of the site.

“We want to offer a neighbour tavern with a CBD location,” Dan said.

“No matter who you are or what you’re wearing, as long as you have a good attitude you will be welcome here.”

A kitchen renovation is nearing completion, with meals to be offered from next month.

The Fluke and Bruce will officially reopen at 5pm tomorrow (Friday, July 4).

It follows the revival of another popular haunt, the Hope and Anchor, just down the road.