Hamilton Inn

Nice looking Pub, however, on arrival for dinner at 6pm, we found about 15 patrons, one couple eating a meal and many empty tables, all with a Reserved sign. On a large round table, there were two places set. There was a menu at the front door. I ordered a beer and tried to order a meal and was told that there were no meals unless we had a reservation as there were 50 people coming! We were neatly dressed and polite. With no set menu, I found this a first in all my experience, and I'm 64! Luckily we had some biscuits and nuts.

Booked on-line not expecting to much on a stopover on our way to Hobart. Had a chat to the loverly owner when we arrived and gave me a rundown of the Inn. She showed us to our room that had everything you would want and clean. This is an old building and not a vanilla/sterile Hilton and its like walking into your favourite antique shop without the musty smell. Got a run down from the lady in the restaurant that night on the history of the building and town sitting next to the fire place on a cold night eating pizza and drinking a beer. If you have time take a walk around town and along the Clyde River path. Loved our stay that is something completely different to what you might stay in.

Booked and confirmed months in advance of our self drive tour. I usually love these historic smaller inns and pubs. On arrival, at our check in time, all locked up and on the outside looking almost derelict. Eventually the Inn dining and bar side of the venue opened. Despite presenting my reservation details we were not on record and unexpected. Resolution was not possible given the accommodation manager had covid. Given the run down state and loss of our booking we phoned ahead and rescheduled our night in New Norfolk. The mixed reviews of this venue don't fill me with confidence. Later received a communication from the Inn with blank booking sheet showing I had no reservation! Strange given I had a Reservation confirmation email. My advice is take a photo of the historic facade and then move on to New Norfolk.

We were in dire straits out of fuel ( hire car on unleaded) after Google maps failed to identify that the previous 24 hr fuel stations only provided diesel and the Derwent bridge station that was supposed to be open till 6 was locked and padlocked at 4.30. They went out of their way to help. The pub was very atmospheric as well. a word to the unwary: ALWAYS ensure you have more than enough fuel in Tassie, especially if travelling on unleaded. Roads are long, windy, narrow and fuel stations far between.

Not a lot on the menu (pies, pasties, burgers and chips) but it’s tasty food and delivered quickly. The burger patty was handmade and came on Turkish bread with chips for $17. Worth stopping for a quick bite as there is nothing else around.