Hobart's iconic pub Knopwood's to close its doors
One of Hobart's most ingrained institutions, Knopwood's Retreat on Salamanca Place, will close next month, the current business owners have said.
Knopwood's Retreat licensee and owner Kate Cawthorn said she was not given the option to renew the lease.
The historic building has operated as a pub since it was founded as The Whaler's Return in the early 1800s by Reverend "Bobby" Knopwood.
It has operated under a number of names and was renamed in 1980 after its founder.
Knopwood's Retreat licensee Kate Cawthorn told 936 ABC Hobart it was "the end of an era".
"Our lease has come to term, we weren't given an option to renew the lease.
"When we went to negotiate a new lease the deal has already been done and so the business is closing its doors for the last time."
She said it was disappointing to be the at the helm as the pub was closed.
"It's pretty shattering, we were probably the last people to know that we weren't going to get an option to renew the lease and it's such an iconic venue," she said.
"I grew up in Hobart so I've always known Knopwoods and when we got the opportunity to, firstly work there and then to purchase it, it was the best thing ever."
The new licensee, Matthew Routley, has not commented on what the plans are for the premises.
The owners of the building, Hobart businessmen Peter and Dennis Behrakis, have previously said they do not expect the structure of the building to be changed in any way.
Peter Behrakis has told the ABC the decision to change the decor of the premises or to alter its service was up to the discretion of Mr Routley, and would not comment on possible changes.
The change of hands has attracted a flurry of nostalgic comments on social media.
Belinda Crisp took to Facebook to lament the loss of an icon.
"Knoppies is one of the few decent traditional pubs left in Hobart," she said.
"I'll never forget lining up to use the loo after work one night (NYE) and being timed by the other women in the queue with a countdown.
"Very sad [frowny face]."
A "farewell to Knopwoods" party is expected to be held on December 11, two days before the keys to the pub are due to be handed over.
Source: ABC News, 11th November 2015
Originally published as: Hobart's iconic pub Knopwood's to close its doors
