Hobart Workers Club set to open new Elizabeth Street Venue after 150 years on Liverpool Street

The Hobart Workers Club has operated out of its Liverpool Street home for 150 years, but soon it will open the doors at a brand new venue. Here’s what to expect at the new venue.

Bar manager Sam Thurgood, Head Chef Kirk Frawley, General manager Melinda Appleby and President Michael Grubb setting up at the Hobart Workers Club new premises. Picture: Chris Kidd

For 150 years, the Hobart Workers Club has operated out of its home on Liverpool Street, but soon it will open the doors at a brand new venue.

In September 2021, it was decided the old venue would go on the market, because it was no longer fit for purpose.

A few months later it was snapped up by the state government, which plans to convert it into affordable housing.

Hobart Workers Club president Michael Grubb has been a member for 30 years.

“For the last 150 year on Liverpool Street, we’ve existed in a building that was gifted to the workers of Hobart a long long time ago,” Mr Grubb said.

“We’re forever grateful for that.

The old Hobart Workers Club on Liverpool St. Picture: Richard Jupe

“But it was no longer fit for purpose, it was non-compliant in a lot of ways, we couldn’t be all inclusive and grow the venue and the member base so the decision was made to sell the existing property

“The facility in general was restricted for space, if we had a cue sport event on, that would consume the entire venue.”

Two years later, the club is putting the finishing touches on the new home at 2/74 Elizabeth Street, which it plans to open on Friday.

“It’s quite sad, next Thursday will be the last drink at the existing venue,” he said.

“As much as that is a really sad occasion, it’s equally exciting we’re moving to a new phase for the workers club and shoring it up for the next 150 years

Mr Grubb said the new venue was larger and had capacity to cater to more people.

“Now we’ve got a dedicated functions space, we’ve got a significant cue sports area, of which we’ve got eight pool tables and a full sized billiards and snooker table and we’ve got a sports bar area, dining area and booth seating,” he said.

“This is not a member only establishment, the general public are more than welcome to participate and come in an enjoy the offering.

“We need to make sure we get patronage, we continue to grow membership and grow member participation.”

General manager of the club, Melinda Appleby, said the new club was great for cue sports in Hobart.

“We do have a range now with younger members, especially with being home to cue sports, it is quite a popular sport,” she said.

“I’ve been a member for ten years, I play Eight ball, my eldest son has been away to play in the world title.

“It’s great to be able to bring in the new tables. Recently we’ve changed to international rules, it requires a different playing surface. We’re keeping up with the times.”

“We are home of eight-ball, I don’t think there is another place in Hobart.”