Welcome to the Central Bar & Cafe and thank-you for choosing to stay with us. We trust that your stay with us here in Hobart will be both memorable and enjoyable, but if there is anything that we can do to make your stay more comfortable please don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly staff.

In 1810 AD Lieutenant Edward Long owned a block of land with a weather board house on it, where the original “Ship Hotel” was built and where “The Central Bar & Café” now stands. The house was presented by Edward Lord to a Mr Ingles who was his private secretary, as a reward for his services rendered. Mr Ingles built a private residence on the land in 1817AD.

The original name for the now “Central Bar & Café” was the “Veranda House”- Mr W.A. Broadribb, the first solicitor in Tasmania, carried out his business on this premise. Later, Mr Ingles let the premise to a man by the name of Mr Regan, who converted it into a hotel- the first hotel license was granted in 1821AD. The “tap” or bar was down the lane at the side of the hotel and was run by a lady going by the name Gypsy Poll.

The inn was originally operated as a hotel and a meeting place for travelers commuting from around the state. Travelers waited in the cold grey hour of 5am outside the inn to be picked up by a horse drawn carriage for the journey to Launceston. This trip took over 14 hours.

Over the years the hotel has seen many face lifts and a few name changes, with the most major being in 1999 when the “Ship Hotel” was completely renovated and updated into a modern Café Bar.

In July 2006, the Central Bar & Café evolved once again with the complete guttering of the entire top floor and the development of eleven stylish rooms.

Hobart is steeped in history such as this and every building could tell a thousand stories of days gone by. We hope that you enjoy your stay at Central Bar & Café in Hobart.