Hobart’s waterfront has a major new addition, with Kingfisher opening its doors as what is being billed as Tasmania’s largest cocktail bar.
The venue, located on the Elizabeth Street Pier, seats up to 280 for casual dining across indoor and outdoor areas and can host functions for up to 470 people.
Its standout feature is 10 semi-private lounges fitted with high-tech digital dartboards, a first for Tasmania.
Miller said trial nights with friends, family and tradespeople who worked on the build helped the team iron out issues ahead of the opening.
“Nothing major, lots of little things and we ironed most of those out,” he said.
“We’re still just working on the last couple of little bits and bobs but overall it’s going really well.”
Miller previously ran Billy’s Burgers and Bar on the same pier before closing it permanently in May to focus on the new venture.
The new venue occupies the former T42 and Asian Gourmet On The Pier spaces, which were completely gutted and rebuilt as part of landlord Silverleaf’s $40 million redevelopment of the Victoria Dock precinct.
Miller said the dart lounges allow up to eight players at once or 16 playing in pairs, with six different games including an AFL option.
Scores are tracked automatically and the games are designed so anyone who can hit the board has a chance to win.
“All the games are made to sort of even it out, so it’s not just the best darts players winning,” he said.
The menu takes an elevated pub approach with pizzas, seafood and finger food.
Some items from the Billy’s Burgers brand have been kept on.
“Half nostalgia and then half I guess ’cause they taste good and people like them,” he said.
A formal venue launch is planned for late October, tying in with the broader pier precinct.
Citadines Elizabeth Street Pier opened around five weeks ago, with Pier Tasmania expected in six to eight weeks and Gelato Messina and its pastry brand Shadow also on the way.
He said the upcoming stadium gave him confidence in Hobart’s future.
“I think Hobart’s a great place to work and do things like that,” he said.
Kingfisher is now open seven days a week from midday until late, with bottomless brunch including darts launching in October.
