A NEW ICE CREAMERY!
112 George St. is the location for Launceston’s latest ice creamery shopfront, simply called the Ice Creamery Café.
It’s situated between the old O’Keefe’s Hotel (now the Caledonian Wine Vault) and Samuel Pepy’s Café.
EXETER PUB – A CHANGE OF CUISINE!
Exeter Pub has a new cuisine! After years of Thai offerings, the pub will open its new The Flames Grill Bistro with first service happening on 11 May 2023.
The menu is sure to appeal to absolutely everyone with great choices of yesteryear pub meals and family favourites.
The Flames Grill Menu (also available on Mother’s Day, 14 May 2023).
BREAD & BUTTER LILYDALE
The Bread & Butter storefront in Lilydale closes for good on Monday 27 February 2023.
Baking will still be done onsite so pop around the back door a fresh hot loaf of bread 365 days a year.
ZEPS CAFÉ – CAMPBELL TOWN
Zeps Café is now permanently closed. Ongoing payroll tax hikes and lease uncertainty have left the business no longer viable. It’s such a shame to see one of our rural community’s most popular eating venues pushed into this position due to circumstances beyond their control.
FESTIVALE 2023
This year’s Festivale features more than 60 stallholders offering food and beverages. Held on the first weekend in February, with sessions on Friday evening, Saturday and during the day on Sunday, this year’s event features numerous entertainment acts and frivolity galore. This year’s tickets are only available online with no gate sales for the first time. Tickets can be purchased here.
See the whole list of stallholders for the event: Festivale Stallholders.
SWEETBREW’S NEW ADDITION
Sweetbrew is opening a 2nd venue in Launceston, at Tatler Lane, St John St., between Brisbane and York Sts., in the old cinema and Knits and Needles building.
The official opening takes place on 26 January, 2023.
ELEANOR – THE NEW WOOLMER’S RESTAURANT
Hayley Brazendale, ex. the Green Door at Westbury, opens up the newly branded restaurant at the Woolmer’s Estate, Longford.
The restaurant name evolved from the original estate holder, Thomas Archer’s daughter, Eleanor.
The restaurant opens from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch service.
INGLESIDE BAKERY
The much loved Ingleside Bakery has closed its doors for good. However, new owners will be busily renovating over the next few months to bring their hospitality prowess to the historic Evandale town.
RECENT OPENINGS IN LAUNCESTON
Josh Brown, who opened Apricus at Stonesthrow has ventured into the city and opened up Tenebris at the old Kameo Coffee Shop in St. John Street. If dumplings and cocktails appeal, check out the new spot and enjoy an evening with friends and family.
Du Cane Brewing popped up at the old Allgoods Tent City building in Elizabeth Street. Within weeks of opening, Du Cane has already picked up an award at a local tourism event. The new venue enjoys an expansive space and features stainless steel stills and industrialised type design. A Pizza Menu is featured.
Eleven Café & Restaurant opened in the recently closed home to Bengal Tiger (previously Toro’s), in Charles Street.
SINGAPORE BAKERS CAFÉ TO CLOSE
31 October 2022
Singapore Bakers Cafe’s owners have decided to shut up shop after four years of serving fabulous food at Gravelly Beach. It remains to be seen whether it will re-open with new owners. Thanks for the memories.
TOWER CAFÉ EXTENDED HOURS TO INCLUDE SUNDAYS
31 October 2022
03 September 2022
Eatery on Cameron, a popular café and breakfast spot, changes hands shortly and Maple Café will be opening up their second café and renaming it, Maple Café on Cameron.
FUSION GREEN
Friday 05 August 2022
Fusion Green, a new Salad and Soup Bar, is due to open any day now in the central CBD at 76 George Street, Launceston.
An institution in this great old town of ours, O’Keefe’s Hotel, was sold a few months ago, refurbished and has now reopened as the Caledonia Wine Vaults.
Prior to O’Keefe’s Hotel, the pub was actually named the Caledonia Hotel.
KAI ZEN JAPANESE
15 June 2022
A much loved Japanese restaurant, operating for over 35 years, closed its doors on 15 June 2022. People were genuinely shocked to hear this news as Trinh’s presence on the food scene in Launceston will be sorely missed.
FLORENCE CAFÉ
March 2022
Florence Café has opened on Earl Court’s Brisbane Street frontage, formerly 320g Gourmet & Festivus.
Florences’ owners are well known for their stint at Albert Hall’s City Park Café, but due to building renovations, have moved to this new location.
Current trading hours are 7:30 am – 3:00 pm, with night time dining being introduced next month Thursday – Saturday 5pm – 8pm. The dinner menu will be simple and casual, giving theatre goers a quick access pre performance. Expect fish & chips, calamari, steak sandwiches & the like.
NEWS CAFÉ ON DAVID
Newstead has been graced with another café to cater for coffee & patisserie lovers wanting a casual catch up. Manubread lovers can grab their fave delights, grab a coffee or enjoy the warm and comfy atmosphere. Expect to be tempted with a large range of fresh food & desserts.
The café adjoins and is part of the Newstead Newsagency in David Street, the home of the former Newstead Post Office, right next door to the Newstead Hotel.
CINNAMON CAFÉ – NOW OPEN AT NEWSTEAD
For one of the best Indian restaurants you’ll find in Launceston, head to Cinnamon on the corner of Elphin Rd. & Hoblers Bridge Rd.
Owner Ayuush has moved his restaurant from the Jimmy’s Complex in Charles St. to this new location (formerly Elphin Continental Cakes).
We can absolutely guarantee you’ll enjoy the versatility of the menu and the flavour of the food.
TASMANDU NEPALESE
Now open at the former Suwan Thai location, on the corner of David St. & Elphin Rd.
LUZ RESTAURANT
December 2021
After Larceny Restaurant closed down, Launceston lost a fine dining restaurant. Thankfully Luz has saved the day, and opened at the former Larceny venue at the Grand Hotel, Launceston.
Find their details & menu HERE:
SUWAN THAI – BYE BYE!
September 2021
Suwan is Newstead is closing down but a new restaurant will be going in on the corner of David St. & Elphin Road.
Tasmandu will be serving Nepalese Cuisine – the first of its type in Launceston.
Stay tuned for opening times, details & menu.
RHUBARB
Rhubarb Gifts has opened in Margaret Street, Launceston offering treats, coffee & gifts.
HOKKAIDO IS EXPANDING
We saw plans last week of the new Hokkaido Sushi location – right bang in the centre of Launceston at the former Brisbane Street, Gloria Jean’s site.
For all those lovers of the ‘sushi train’ model, rejoice, as that’s what’s coming!
Following the success of the small take away outlet at the Racecourse Cres. shopping precinct, the Hokkaido franchise has decided to open the bigger store concept similar to their Hobart restaurants.
THE DEVIL’S OWN ICE CREAMERY
Ice Creams & Sorbets galore will be available from the Devil’s Own Ice Creamery at their brand new stand alone ice cream store.
The new spot in Lawrence Street, previously Smokey Joe’s Creole Cafe, will quickly become popular being close to Launceston’s City Park.
FIRESTORM TACOS & BAR
Firestorm has opened in the former Northern Club, and Henry’s Restaurant & Bar at 61 Cameron Street in Launceston’s CBD.
The good news It’s delicious!
The bad news If you’re technically challenged, you’ll find it frustrating!
Unfortunately there are no physical hard copies of the menu. You basically need to access the menu via QR (quick response) code & order & pay from your mobile phone.
Fortunately, you can go to the counter and order & pay, but the whole process isn’t particularly consumer friendly. Despite that, the service staff are accommodating but it just seems to be a semi-complicated waste of time that could be avoided.
GREAT NEWS!
Cinnamon Café, currently located in the Cole’s Jimmy’s Complex in Charles St., will be opening up in Newstead in mid August.
This fabulous Indian restaurant has built up an amazing reputation as one of Launceston’s best Indian restaurants without a doubt!
Ayuush Anand and family took up the opportunity to purchase the building & residence, formerly known as Elphin Continental Cakes, and relocate their business.
A convenient location for all, the Newstead precinct will come alive with this great addition to the area.
Cinnamon will be offering lunch time & dinner service with Indian street food being served throughout the day.
Stay tuned for all the details!
LULU’S BECOMES NEIGHBOURHOOD CAFÉ
June 2021
A very subtle change over took place at the original Cafe Culture, Trevallyn, more recently Lulu’s of Trevallyn, in the past few weeks. Neighbourhood Café has opened at the site.
As part of the Bread + Butter family, Neighbourhood Café provides breakfasts, brunches & lunches, 6 days per week including the weekend. See their details HERE.
TACO LOVE!
May 2021
Launceston will soon be graced with another Mexican Eatery.
Firestorm Taco Bar will open, at this stage, on 01 June in the heart of the CBD.
Here’s an example of what to expect:
HOT OFF THE PRESS APRIL 2021
THE SPECTACULAR QUAMBY ESTATE
is ON the market!
This grand property has been quite the leader in weddings and functions, Kate Ritchie famously hosting her wedding there. No doubt it will sell for a very pretty penny!
ALAS! ELMS BY THE PARK IS CLOSING!
After re-opening after Covid – with a newly renovated space and name change from Restaurant 13 to Elms by the Park, this much loved restaurant is closing down. Last service will be mid April so if you want your last fix of their wonderful food, book now. (03) 6331 4666 Elms by the Park
HOT OFF THE PRESS MARCH 2021
Hot off the Press March 2021
Bookmark the Upcoming Events page for an instant & direct link for all things happening in & around Launceston & Northern Tasmania.
TAMAR COVE NO LONGER!
Tamar Cove closed its doors a few weeks ago – so this isn’t exactly ‘Hot off the Press’ News – nevertheless it’s sad to see such a fabulous restaurant close its doors!
LET’S DO LUNCH
This is a good one!
Lunch will be served at Brisbane Street Bistro from Thursday 08 April.
And, the pork belly wraps will be back, for lunch only! These have been a favourite at Brisbane Street Bistro and will put the smile on many a dial. Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday for lunch, every week from 11:00 am. Be sure to book.
BAKERY & PUB COMBO
Wow, what a brilliant idea – a bakery and pub combined!
A fabulous new bakery has been opened on-site at the Rosevears Hotel!
Alan Virieux conjured up the idea for the bakery inclusion during the covid lockdown and will be a tremendously popular addition to the hotel.
BASIN CONCERT HAS TURNED BASIN-ISH
If you haven’t heard, the much anticipated Basin Concert to be held on 26 and 27 March, has had to change venue to Inveresk Park. Vibestown Productions have adapted quickly, renaming the event Basin-ish Concert. See all the details by popping over to this link 👉 BASIN-ISH CONCERT
HOT OFF THE PRESS FEBRUARY 2021
MEALS NO LONGER!
This will come as a shock to many patrons – Kings Meadows Hotel is stopping their dining service from 28 February, due to an operational restructure.
Instead, customers are able to bring in food from local businesses. Mmmm … an interesting move, but one which will certainly be interesting to watch!
A QUAINT LITTLE HOLE IN THE WALL
SOL Coffee Co. quietly popped up in Cimitiere St. a couple of months ago – and what a lovely space!
It’s open from Monday – Saturday serving the highly acclaimed Villino Coffee through the window or through the door.
See Sol Coffee’s details HERE
BING CHEF
H20 Café, in the outside section of Morty’s and nearest to the BP Service Station, has extended their offerings to include their amazing Asian Crepes, which they sell at local food markets and World Street Eats Day.
Chinese Jian Bing
25 Wellington Street, Launceston Tasmania 7250, Australia
(03) 6334 6430 (inside H2Ocafe)
Hours
From Monday to Sunday, open from 11am to 2.30pm / 4pm-8.00pm
Closed on Tuesdays.
UNPHOGETTABLE
UnPhoGettable has taken over the spot that Asian Street Walk occupied, outside Morty’s Complex.
HOT OFF THE PRESS JANUARY 2021
A New Year – hopefully better than last!
BAJRA INDIAN
Indian Cuisine has arrived In the picturesque countryside of Longford. Bajra Indian has opened in Marlborough Street and is open 7 days per week for both lunch & dinner.
See all the info HERE.
HOKKAIDO SUSHI
A beaut little Japanese Sushi Bar has opened up at the Racecourse Crescent Complex offering Takeaway fresh Sushi & other Japanese delicacies.
It’s the baby sister to Hokkaido Sushi at Eastlands, in Hobart.
HOT OFF THE PRESS DECEMBER 2020
What’s happening on the Food Scene in Northern Tasmania
THE TOASTED TIMES
A new café opens on 04 January, 2021 occupying the space which has operated as Rossilli’s Cafe & the Cheese Shop at 114 George Street, Launceston.
VEGAN GARAGE
Vegan Garage has opened at Trotter’s Lane, Prospect, Tasmania. The owners intend to bring a whole vegan experience to their new café & store, their intention being to service the vegan community and introduce their food to all and sundry.
HOMAGE RESTAURANT
After Marjories @ Woolmers closed down, a new diner has popped up on the premises, simply named Homage Restaurant.
SALT ON TAMAR
Salt on Tamar has moved in to the space that was ‘Kero’s Fish & Chips Shop’, in Riverside. They’re offering a takeaway menu of fish, chips, burgers, drinks & more and promise the same, friendly family business that its forebears were.
HALLAMS WATERFRONT
Hallams is re-opening from 16 December 2020. With new owners, Ralph & Susanne Norton, the restaurant has been refurbished, extended with a deck and a general freshening up.
HULA FOOD TRUCK
A new Food Truck has its debut event on Sunday 06 December 2020.
Hula Food Truck is the little sister of Sailor Food Truck, and as we approach summer, Hula is offering up some summer flair with their refreshing slushies & more.
HOT OFF THE PRESS NOVEMBER 2020
GOODBYE CALABRISELLA HELLO OSTERIA
A new Italian restaurant has opened in Calabrisella’s former building in Wellington Street.
SPORTS GARDEN BAR & KITCHEN
Lloyd’s Hotel has been renovated, refurbished and refreshed AND reopened as the Sports Garden Bar & Kitchen.
HOOLEY DOOLEY – SMOKEY JOE’S IS NO MORE
What a shock! The ever popular Smokey Joe’s Creole Café Restaurant has apparently ceased trading. This will leave a huge gap in Launceston’s food scene with those who love their ribs & South American tucker!
THE CHARLES ST. PANTRY RENAMED THE PANTRY
SCHNITZEL STORE RENAMED SCHNITTY BAR
HOT OFF THE PRESS OCTOBER 2020
THE DEVIL’S DOOR
The Devil’s Door Café & Wine Bar has opened in Bryher’s space at 91 George St. Offering breakfast & lunch options together with all day snacks.
HOT OFF THE PRESS SEPTEMBER 2020
BRYHER CAFÉ
Sadly, Bryher Café has decided to close their doors after 5 years in business.
MOON CAFÉ
Another new eatery opens in the Quadrant Mall, in the building that once housed Holy Guacamole, then Dicky’s Cafe. See the Menu & details HERE.
MALAYCIOUS
Malaycious is Launceston’s first café offering Malaysian cuisine. It’s located diagonally opposite Baker’s Lane in York St.
HOT OFF THE PRESS AUGUST 2020
The latest updates to the eating scene in Launceston.
DIVERGE @ HOTEL VERGE
Diverge will be Launceston’s newest restaurant when it opens its doors on 16 September, 2020.
The restaurant is part of the Hotel Verge and will be initially offering a breakfast menu 7 days per week with more opening hours to be announced soon.
THE ARCADE BAR
Opening date is 01 September! If you love all things 1980s, you’ll love this bar in the old City Plaza Arcade in York St.
DON MARIO’S ITALIAN
IS BACK AT GEORGE TOWN!A hugely popular café/restaurant has come back to life in George Town in its original dwelling. See Don Mario’s details here
320G GOURMET CAFÉ
Remember Festivus Well it’s now 320g Gourmet Café at the entrance to Earl’s Court in Launceston’s Brisbane St. Info. here
ELMS BY THE PARK
With a name change and a refurbishment, Restaurant 13 (as part of the Commodore Regent), has become Elms by the Park. See their new details & menu here.
STONESTHROW TO APRICUS
Stonesthrow has transformed into Apricus Launceston and re-opens this month as a breakfast & lunch destination.
An ever popular location & still the home to peaceful views.
SHARMANS WINES
Sharmans Wines are now officially closed.
RESERVE CAFE RE-OPENS
Derrick Adams is reopening the Reserve Café on Punchbowl Rd. on 03 August 2020.
RINGWOOD HOTEL – CRESSY, TASMANIA
Main Road, Cressy
Ringwood Hotel is currently closed, but is reopening soon with new management.
THE CRAZY DUCK
Well, the Crazy Duck has now opened (as of 24 July) at York Cove, George Town.
The menu looks enticing, with a french & asian fusion – interesting! See Menu & Details
HAVILAH WINE BAR
Situated right next door to the new Monsoon Fusion Tapas, Havilah is well worth noting & visiting.
THE CRAZY DUCK
A soft opening is scheduled on Monday, 20 July, 5:00pm for the Crazy Duck, ex. York Cove at George Town. We will be reviewing it soon.
JUNE 2020
MONSOON FUSION TAPAS
178 Charles Street
LAUNCESTON Tas. 7250
(03) 6776 1612
Monsoon Fusion Tapas has opened, in the old Fresh Building in Charles St.
This small eatery delivers with perfectly balanced flavours encompassing Thai & Asian cuisine and, it’s been a long, long time since I’ve tasted anything this good.
REEL FISH & CHIPS
In other news, Reel Fish & Chips at the Seaport, is open and trading. From all accounts there’s some very happy customers and favourable comments on social media, particularly due to the varied menu. See Details, Opening Hours & Menu here
MAY 2020
YOUJING CHINESE will shortly change over to REEL FISH & CHIPS which I’m sure will be a welcome addition to the Seaport Precinct since the old ‘FISH & CHIPS’ closed down. Watch this space!
YOUJING CHINESE
Alas, Youjing Chinese is no longer. I’ll certainly miss their Chilli XO Sauce!
In an interesting move, the venue will become a fish & chips eatery, aptly named ‘Reel
Fish & Chips’.
Awaiting more information …
MONSOON FUSION TAPAS
Monsoon Thai Fusion is opening in Launceston on 28 May, 2020 in the original ‘Fresh on Charles’ building.
Stay tuned for more.
ZAMBRERO MEXICAN
Another Zambrero eatery has popped up in the city in the Brisbane St. building that was Chung Gong’s for many, many years
SALTIRE CAFÉ
86 Main Road
PERTH Tas. 7300
(03) 6398 1276
Saltire Café (ex. Ut Si, Phoenix & the Wolf) has reopened its doors after several months to offer takeaway options during the COVID crisis.
Daily offerings include pastries, cheesecakes, doughnuts, cakes and biscuits; including warm quiches, galettes & New York chocolate chip cookies baked daily.
Social distancing applies with a limit of four customers at a time – no cash sales.
CATARACT ON PATERSON & RUPERT & HOUND
Whilst we wait to hear of restrictions uplifting, Cataract on Paterson & Rupert & Hound have made a date to start trading again with a “New Year’s” Celebration.
APRIL 2020
CALABRISELLA ITALIAN
Calabrisella Italian Restaurant has decided to close its doors for good! This decision wasn’t made lightly and has been contemplated for some time, but Lorenzo & Katia Macri, made this with a heavy heart and amidst the COVID 19 it has made it an easier choice for them.
Calabrisella will be missed from Launceston’s Food Scene, having been a stalwart for over 40 years in its Wellington Street location.
MARCH 2020
CHEESE – the sister to BREAD + BUTTER – has decided to close after a short tenure.
One we missed! Aamarpali Indian Restaurant at Kings Meadows has been renamed PURNA KITCHEN.
FEBRUARY 2020
VEGOUT ON CHARLES EXPANDS!
VegOut on Charles has opened up its brother store in George Street – aptly named VegOut on George. Expect the same great flavours as you’ve become accustomed to.
VegOut on George has gone into the traditionally known Townsend’s Bakery premises, after Poutinerie recently left the building.
GUTSO GUSTO &/or GATSU GATSU
This space looks thoroughly exciting & is now open at the Pod Inn. A Japanese inspired menu is bound to impress.
FROM PIERRE’S BRASSERIE TO STELO @ PIERRE’S
The Johnston husband and wife team, of Nathan & Lauren Johnson have taken over Pierre’s and rebrand it to their hugely successful ‘Stelo’ label. So, from Valentine’s Day, you’ll be eating Italian at Pierre’s, rather than French. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting chapter to which I’m looking forward to.
JANUARY 2020
BAO TIME
Bao Lovers – guess what’s popped up in town
Situated in Centreway Arcade, 19 Paterson Street, Bao Time is open Monday through to Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
