Hope and Anchor Hotel bought by John Kelly

One of Hobart’s most iconic watering holes – said to be the oldest continuously licenced pub in Australia – is set to be “rescued” by a man with a track record of bringing venues back to life.

Hobart’s iconic Hope and Anchor Hotel – said to be the oldest continuously licenced pub in Australia – is set to be “rescued” by new Hobart alderman John Kelly.

Mr Kelly recently paid $4.6m for the hotel, which was built in 1807, and takes over as the licensee on February 1.

He has had much success in revitalising heritage buildings, including the State Cinema in North Hobart, and will project manage the renovations himself.

“The Hope and Anchor is the undisputed oldest pub in Australia and is my next and possibly last ‘Hobart heritage rescue project’.” Mr Kelly said.

“As with the State Cinema which was built in 1913, the Soundy Building in North Hobart in 1878 and the Crescent Hotel in 1860, these once loved but tired old buildings needed an injection of passion, hard work and money to restore to their former glory.

“They all now thrive and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

Hope and Anchor Tavern has been sold to John Kelly known for redeveloping heritage style buildings. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Kelly, who came close to being elected Lord Mayor when he stood for the first time at last year’s local government elections, believes the Hope and Anchor is no different to the previous three buildings he has transformed.

“It is situated in one of Australia’s most promising locations and is one Hobart’s heritage jewels,” he said.

“I have nothing but a great feeling about the potential of this grand old lady and the adjoining vacant land and I feel honoured to be the new custodian.”

He is especially pleased the pub, once owned by Chinese interests, is back in local hands.

“It needs a lot of love and money to restore it back to its former glory and work will be a slow but steady, authentic restoration project.

Hope and Anchor Tavern Hobart has been bought by John Kelly known for re-developing heritage buildings such as The Crescent Hotel and The State Cinema. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“As with the State Cinema it took years to turn the business around but with quality workmanship, good design and hard work there will always be success.

“As a one man company, board room and director the challenges and risk are always big, but so is the return - on many levels.”

As well as the hotel, Mr Kelly has also bought the adjoining vacant block of land in Macquarie St and plans to build a “contemporary quality design building that pays respect to the Hope and Anchor”.

“An archaeological dig of the land is a project in itself that the whole community can be involved in.” Mr Kelly said.

“As the vacant land next to the Hope is in such an historic area it will need to have an archaeological excavation done prior to any new construction work.

“There was a very old two storey sandstone building on it that was regrettably demolished decades ago so it will reveal the old foundations and no doubt artefacts from that era.

Donald Morrison of Howrah who has been a regular customer for around five years. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The excavation could involve school groups and members of the public who are interested in the history of early Hobart Town so it can be an interesting community event.

“Below the Hope and Anchor there is a cellar that has been sealed off and there is an opportunity for this to be renovated and used as part of the pub’s operation.”

The Hope and Anchor has three levels including an upstairs museum, manager’s flat and attic rooms.

Flanagan talks up iconic venue

Richard Flanagan, one of Australia’s greatest writers, has been a patron of the Hope Anchor “for the best part of half century” and describes the old watering hole as “the real raw deal”.

“I am delighted that in John Kelly it will now have an owner with a character and history almost as colourful and compelling as the Hope itself,” Flanagan said.

“It is the oldest and greatest of Tasmania’s few surviving Van Demonian pubs, where you can always find the jetsam of Hobart washing up, the best people for stories, jokes and company.

“In an ever tamer city, the Hope has remained the real raw deal, a dive bar two centuries before the term became fashionable.”

Flanagan, who in 2014 won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, the world’s richest literary award is heartened by plans by Hobart alderman John Kelly to refurbish what is said to be Australia’s oldest continuously licenced hotel.

“Mr Kelly is promising better meals and drinks, which is all for the good, but it is his stated intent of preserving the Hope’s Van Demonian soul that won me,” he said.

Richard Flanagan. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“It’s our pub, our soul, and it’s worth raising a glass to - or several.”

Donald Morrison, a painter decorator of Howrah is a regular at the Hope and Anchor and one of only two patrons who get a discount on their drinks.

He’s been enjoying a Cascade draught at the Hope and Anchor most days for a few years now.

“I get the bus to and from work nearby. I’ve been coming here for about five years. It’s part of Hobart’s character,” Mr Morrison said.

“I love it here, it’s lovely and the service is great.

“It’s one of the only genuine pubs we’ve got left.

“You don’t have to listen to pokies, there’s no TVs and just a bit of music in the background.”

Although he doesn’t partake himself, Mr Morrison says the pub’s special hot buttered rum and upstairs museum are popular with passengers from visiting cruise ships.

He isn’t keen for the Hope and Anchor to change.

“I’ll miss the place if it changes too much.

“I don’t want him to make it all yuppy-fied.”