A new cocktail bar is set to open at The Tasman Hotel in Hobart in early December.
Owners say the Mary Mary will “embrace its historical roots with a pioneering spirit to present the exceptional native ingredients and liquors of Tasmania.”
The venue takes its name from the former St Mary’s Hospital built in 1841 and is located within the sandstone walls of the original building located off Salamanca Place.
The bar team is led by Dubliner Ronán Kavanagh, who brings both international experience behind the bar and recognition for his work on local distilling projects at Charles Oats Distilling.
The drinks menu is features classic cocktails enhanced with native ingredients, seeking to highlight Tasmania’s local craftspeople and distillers.
Foodwise the dishes continue the theme of local provenance, featuring ingredients such as Braeburn apples sourced from the Huon Valley and the salty native succulent pigface. A collection of small plates and snacks designed for grazing will provide accompaniment to the cocktails and spirits.
“A lot of thought and passion has gone into creating an experience at Mary Mary that celebrates the unique drinking culture of Tasmania – there is nowhere like it in the world,” said Kavanagh.
“We hope people will feel as though they have discovered something special each time they visit, whether we have a rare whisky to taste from Sullivan’s Cove, or a cocktail showcasing an exciting new distiller and paired with a seasonal ingredient from the island.
“We want to be known for creating an element of the unexpected and moments of intrigue for our guests.”
Once the strong room of the original Georgian hospital, the interiors of Mary Mary are characterised by heritage design. Beyond the main bar two semi-private rooms are each designed to create relaxed atmosphere for guests.
A Coal Chute and Spirits Vault located at the end of a historic passageway houses the bar’s collection of rare spirits, a ‘library’ of spirits. The bar plans to host special tastings within this unique space.
The bar is expected to trade from 9 December this year.
