There’s so much to love about little old Hobart.
It’s a historic city where colonial architecture and heritage cottages line the streets. A natural beauty, with Mount Wellington towering in the background and River Derwent parting the city. The MONA and other boutique art galleries and businesses add character and charm. And, to top it off, the variety and quality of hospitality venues make this small city feel much larger than a map might suggest.
Namely, Pigeon Whole Bakers. Pulling sourdough out of the oven since 2011, Pigeon Whole is a true pillar of Hobart, beloved by locals and lauded by tourists. It felt only right to get their opinions on where else to eat, drink and shop in Hobart.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Pigeon Whole’s CBD location is, by design, a pitstop. Inside, warm freshly baked bread fills the air and display cases are brimming with treats. Unless you snag one of the few stools in the corner of the bakery, you’re there to grab a coffee, loaf of bread, sandwich or pastry and move onto the next thing. It’s the classic bakery experience and downright good.
They also supply to some of the best restaurants in Tasmania, including Templo and Fico, so it’s possible you’ll run into their baked goods again without even meaning to.
All Hobart roads lead back to Pigeon Whole.
The Pigeon Whole team helping us put together this Hobart guide:
- Tori - Team Leader
- Mari - Retail Team Leader
- Maddie - All-Rounder
- Drew - Chef
- Jess - Retail Front of House
- Reina - Brand and Communications
What's your go-to when you knock off?
- Tori - La Sardina Loca. Always a good vibe.
- Mari - Molto. Nice glass of wine and delicious snacks.
- Maddie - Rude Boy or Rosie In My Midnight Dreams.
- Drew - The New Sydney Hotel for a pint of Guinness by the open fire.
- Jess - Friday night art exhibition crawl around Nipaluna/Hobart (free/cheap booze + great art = good times). Good Grief Studios is always worth checking out!
- Reina - It's a tricky question as the go-to watering hole no longer exists (Tom McHugo’s). I think for old-school, good pub vibes, I'm heading to Shippies (Shipwright Arms) They have a proper Guinness.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Tori - The Winston for a good pint and those gooey deep fried mac & cheese sticks.
- Mari - Lucinda.
- Maddie - Templo, Sunbear or Hamlet.
- Drew - Sunbear during the day, Lucinda in the evening.
- Jess - Grab a mate and go down the road to Chulesi for their Nepali traditional thali. Sonny or Ogee for pasta if I'm feeling fancy.
- Reina - Trophy Room, yummy food, great wine and a chill atmosphere.
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Tori - Rosie In My Midnight Dreams. Communal table, good wine and snacks and even better tunes.
- Mari - La Sardina Loca.
- Maddie - Grinners for margaritas then onto Peppina for oysters and pasta.
- Drew - Chuck everyone on a bus and head to The Agrarian Kitchen. A potato cake in one hand, glass of wine in the other - beautiful.
- Jess - Drinks and local music on the lawns at MONA (dancing encouraged).
- Reina - I love a cheeky cocktail so Mary Mary would be a treat!
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Tori - Kinoko Deli. A Japanese grocer and deli. Delicious everytime.
- Mari - Kinoko Deli, great Japanese lunch box.
- Maddie - Kinoko Deli for soba noodle salad and a mini okonomiyaki.
- Drew - Ja & Jon for a cracking banh mi
- Jess - Sunbear for a coffee, toastie, and cosy vibes. Heart Food for their entirely vego/vegan menu.
- Reina - Pigeon Whole Bakers, best sandwiches in town!
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Tori - Fullers Bookshop. Without a doubt the best shop in Tasmania.
- Mari - The Finders, vintage clothing shop
- Maddie - Fullers Bookshop or Tommy Gun Records.
- Drew - Tommy Gun Records.
- Jess - The Finders has a great range of vintage clothing. State of Flux Workshop in Salamanca to browse beautiful jewellery pieces by local artists.
- Reina - There are only a few windows to shop in Hobart... we are pretty small. If I have a bit more time I love to wander around MONA.
Pigeon Whole Bakers wear Worktones' olive Birdy aprons in their bakeries. Worktones also created their branded diner mugs which they sell as merchandise.
