Hope and Anchor Tavern

{{Short description|Historical public house in Tasmania, Australia}}

{{Infobox building

| name = Hope and Anchor Tavern

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| image = File:CG-Hope-and-Anchor Feb2015.jpg

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| former_names = Hope and Anchor Hotel

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| building_type = Pub

| architectural_style = Georgian

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| location = Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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| owner = John Kelly (2023)

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| start_date = 1807

| completion_date = 1807

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The Hope and Anchor Tavern{{cite web|title=Welcome to Hope & Anchor|url=http://www.hopeandanchor.com.au/|website=hopeandanchor.com.au|publisher=Hope and Anchor Tavern|access-date=6 February 2015}} (formerly known as the Hope and Anchor Hotel, the Alexandra, the Whale Fishery, and simply the Hope) is a historic public house located in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It was established in 1807, and holds one of the oldest pub licenses in Australia. However, its claim to be the oldest continuously licensed pub is sometimes contested due to periods of closure.{{cite web |url=http://mercurynie.com.au/resources/tasmania%20200/february.htm |title=Historical Tasmanian Newspaper text from February 1804 |access-date=15 November 2014 |archive-date=16 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316151338/http://mercurynie.com.au/resources/tasmania%20200/february.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=New hope for the old anchor|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/new-hope-for-the-old-anchor/story-fnj4f7k1-1226834294426|access-date=6 February 2015|publisher=The Mercury|date=22 February 2014}}

History

The tavern has undergone several name changes since its opening, reflecting its connection to Hobart's maritime past. The establishment was originally a popular venue for sailors and traders arriving at Hobart's port. During the 19th century, it was known as the Whale Fishery, a name linked to the city’s role in the whaling industry during the colonial period.{{cite book |last=Maxwell-Stewart |first=Hamish |title=Closing Hell's Gates: The Death of a Convict Station |publisher=Allen & Unwin |year=2008 |isbn=978-1741751499}}

The building is an example of Georgian architecture, with many of its original features remaining intact. It has been referenced in several historical accounts, including the memoirs of Captain A.E. Sykes.{{cite web|url=http://seamemoirs.blogspot.com.au/|title=Captain A.E. Sykes memoirs|access-date=6 February 2015}} Over time, the tavern has undergone restoration efforts to maintain its structural integrity and historical appearance.

Ownership and restoration

In recent years, the pub has changed ownership multiple times. For many years, it was owned by Gunter Jaeger, who collected antiques and artefacts that are displayed inside the tavern.{{cite news|last=Cooper |first=Lucy |title=Hobart's Hope and Anchor set to reopen after restoration |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-15/old-waterfront-watering-hole-set-to-reopen/5454654 |publisher=ABC News |date=15 May 2014 |access-date=6 February 2015}} In 2022, local businessman John Kelly, known for restoring heritage buildings such as Soundy’s Building and the State Cinema, purchased the property. Kelly became the licensee in February 2023.{{cite web|title=State Cinema |url=https://www.heritage.tas.gov.au/Documents/State%20Cinema%20Assessment.pdf |website=Tasmanian Heritage Council |access-date=6 February 2024}} His restoration plans include an archaeological dig on the adjoining vacant land, which could potentially uncover artefacts from Hobart's early colonial period.{{cite news|title=Hobart pub restoration to dig deep|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/hobart-pub-restoration-to-dig-deep/story-fnj4f7k1-1227138847422|access-date=6 February 2024|publisher=The Mercury|date=15 May 2023}}

Heritage listing

The Hope and Anchor Tavern has been listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register since 1998. The listing recognises the tavern’s historical significance and its well-preserved Georgian design.{{cite web|title=Hope and Anchor Tavern heritage listing|url=https://heritage.tas.gov.au/Documents/Hope%20and%20Anchor%20Tavern%20-%20Hobart.pdf|website=Tasmanian Heritage Council|access-date=6 February 2024}} It remains a key attraction for both locals and visitors, contributing to Hobart’s heritage tourism.

Controversy over age

The Hope and Anchor Tavern is often referred to as Australia’s oldest pub, but this claim has been disputed by the Bush Inn in New Norfolk. The Bush Inn, established in 1815, has operated continuously since its opening, whereas the Hope and Anchor has experienced periods of closure while retaining its licence.{{cite news|title=Hobart's Hope and Anchor and New Norfolk's Bush Inn in shouting match over 'oldest pub' title|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/tasmania/hobarts-hope-and-anchor-and-new-norfolks-bush-inn-in-shouting-match-over-oldest-pub-title/news-story/6750b2f31e2f5bb4b9dd7b9f9ed9e7d7|access-date=6 February 2015|publisher=News.com.au|date=15 June 2014}}