Lark Distillery to open Hobart whisky bar in former Franklin restaurant space

Lark Distilling Co will open a dedicated whisky bar and retail store in October in Hobart's old Mercury newspaper building.

Previously occupied by Franklin restaurant, the industrial-looking space will take on new life as The Still, celebrating the local industry by pouring 150 whiskies from Tasmanian distillers with about 100 bottles available to purchase.

A front section will feature a 16-seat timber tasting table and retail space, while a rear lounge with low-set booths, banquettes and custom furniture by local maker Scott Van Tuil is for lingering.

Melbourne-based architect March Studio has taken design cues from the inside of whisky barrels.

Franklin's hefty concrete bar remains, but the space will be darker and cosier with charred timber, stacked barrels and a fireplace.

Guests who book a guided tasting session will sample whisky straight from 20-litre barrels suspended over the tasting table.

The cocktail list, illustrated with watercolours by Sarah Hankinson, takes inspiration from the fermentation, smoking and aging involved in whisky making. A local snack menu will accompany the drinks.

Open Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-midnight from October.

30 Argyle Street, Hobart, larkdistillery.com