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Customs House Hotel

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

There's nothing better than plonking down in a comfy seat to while away the hours sipping a nice Chardonnay or Cosmo ?? unless that bar happens to be on the waterfront AND situated in one of Australia's most liveable cities. You heard it right. Hobart has its very own piece of Riviera in the Customs House Hotel. No prizes for guessing what the heritage building used to be, but you can be assured it's now a monument to all things relaxing and boozy now.

A raw, wooden theme runs through the interior, accented by sharp and stylish furniture. The tap beers aren't exactly imaginative, but you wouldn't really want anything to upstage the views anyway. Grab a pint of Guinness or a Cascade Pale and you're on the right track. Of course, if wine is more your bag, choose a glass from the extensive list of local and international vinos. Naturally, the list lends itself to lazy, Friday afternoon liquid lunches as well as any food occasion.

Customs House also features live bands and solo acts every Thursday to Saturday. From jazz to rock, soul and funk, the setting is more than perfect, adding aural stimulation to the already abundant visual stimuli. Who knows, after a few of those Cosmos (where would we be without Sex and the City?!) you might just be in the drink.
Eliza Doxey, February 2008