Top five pubs (and bars) with fireplaces
Whether you’re looking for a quick pit stop on a long road trip or an afternoon of frivolity, these pubs will keep you warm and watered well into winter, Nola James writes.
Du Cane Brewery, Launceston
This bustling Launceston taproom has its beer and pizza offering sorted. Brews are made onsite (tours are available, too) and there’s space for hundreds across three rooms and two bars. In winter, the best seats in the house are around the three-sided, glasswalled fireplace.
Credit: Ryan Farrington
Great Lake Hotel, Miena
The Great Lake Hotel is just south of Liawenee, one of the coldest places in Australia, which means the pub’s three fireplaces are not just for decoration. Warm up with a beer in the sports bar, settle in for lunch in the restaurant, or dine alfresco by the firepit.
Credit: alastair bett
Credit: Great Lake Hotel
The Clarendon Arms, Evandale
This charming, heritage-style pub is known for its leafy beer garden, particularly on Sundays when there’s live music in the afternoon. In less agreeable weather, snuggle up by the cosy indoor fireplace in the main dining room, which has an old English vibe.
Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain
While Cradle Mountain Lodge is a top spot for luxury winter stays (snow! wombats! spa treatments!), its excellent Tavern Bar is open to all. Bistro-style meals are served seven days amid rustic surrounds; think raw timber, local stone and roaring fires.
The Hope and Anchor, Hobart
By some accounts, this c. 1807 hotel is Australia’s oldest licensed venue. In 2023 it was sold to investor John Kelly (who restored the State Cinema), and he plans to bring the pub back to its former glory. Choose from the relaxed front bar, the ye olde dining room or memorabilia-clad space upstairs – there’s a cranking open fire in every room.
As always, please drive safely and responsibly; don't drink and drive.