Exploring Launceston
In a grown-up game of pass it on, insiders nominate their neighbourhood’s best eating and drinking spots. This month, Samantha O’Brien explores Tasmania’s second city.
Stillwater
Housed in an old flour mill on Bridge Road, the iconic fine-diner (stillwater. com.au) embraces contemporary Tasmanian cuisine. Paddock-toplate meals showcase the very best ingredients, with the menu changing every few months to feature the state’s seasonal must-haves. Co-owner Kim Seagram is a noted food figure around these parts, known for her support of local producers and her other passion, the Black Cow Bistro on George Street.
Stillwater Sweetbrew
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Kim Seagram drops by Sweetbrew café (93 George Street; 03 6333 0443) after a morning walk with friends.
“Even if you stop into Sweetbrew for something as simple as a toasted sandwich, you know you’re getting a great one – the eggplant caponata toastie includes mozzarella and housemade aïoli. I’m a big tea drinker and they take as much care preparing a cup of tea as they do their coffee. They have a timer to ensure their special blends of leaves are steeped to a particular level before the tea is delivered to your table.”
Sweetbrew Amelia Coffee Co.
Sweetbrew co-owner Archana Brammall loves stopping by Amelia Coffee Co. (ameliaespresso.com.au), just 100 metres down the road.
“It’s not often that one coffee shop recommends another but I have such respect for Amelia Coffee Co. I recognise Jack McNiff’s efforts in creating such a lovely and thoughtful espresso bar, which really paved the way for local providers to create specialty coffee. Coffee is a massive part of Launceston – there are 19 coffee shops within 300 metres of our store – but Amelia stands out with its beautifully light-filled, intimate space.”
Amelia Coffee Co. Saint John Craft Beer
To wind down after work, Amelia Coffee Co. co-owner Jack McNiff heads around the corner to the bar at Saint John Craft Beer (saintjohncraftbeer.com.au) for a drink.
“Saint John is a great, relaxed bar and a real neighbourhood haunt. They have 14 beers on tap and more than 170 different bottled types to choose from, alongside craft ciders and good drops of wine. If you’re hungry, they serve some great spins on casual bar staples through a food van out the back
– the burgers and chips, in particular, are fantastic. The bar has dark, grungy, rock’n’roll décor and live music every few weekends from some talented local acts.”
Saint John Craft Beer Pachinko
For a quick lunch, Saint John Craft Beer manager Julian Flynn ducks across the street into Quadrant Mall to grab a bite at modern-Asian eatery Pachinko (pachinko.net.au).
“Pachinko is absolutely stellar. The team at this Asian-fusion restaurant has merged some of the best parts of Korean and Japanese cuisines in an extensive and creative menu. I can’t go past a steaming bowl of ramen using lovely soba noodles and local ingredients. There are four types on offer, including a shoyu ramen and a slow-cooked duck and smoked bacon ramen. It’s a casual place with several seating options, including a large communal table and a bar, which is a great spot to sit up at and eat your noodles.”
Pachinko Turkish Tukka
After he visits the Harvest farmers’ market on Saturday, Pachinko co-owner and chef Jonny McCoy grabs a kebab at Turkish Tukka (77 George Street; 03 6287 7105) on his way to work.
“Initially operating just as a food truck, Turkish Tukka opened its bricks-andmortar store [in November 2018] around the same time we did. They make awesome lamb and chicken kebabs roasted over hot coals that go perfectly with the fresh salads. I love the lamb kebab – I always go for the standard issue, topped with garlic or chilli sauce. You can grab one to take away but
I enjoy eating in. It’s a beautiful restaurant and with the stunning blue tiles, you’re transported to Turkey. Around lunchtime, it’s a bit of a sanctuary; it lets you get away from the rush unfolding outside.”