Mary Mary: Meet the new Hobart bar with Charlie Ainsbury in the driver’s seat

Charlie Ainsbury. Photo: Daniel Boud

Introducing Mary Mary, an intimate cocktail bar with a visionary spirit to be discovered at The Tasman hotel, set to open in Hobart in late 2021. Helmed by world renowned cocktail and spirits creatives, Proof & Company, and one of Australia’s most awarded bartenders, Charlie Ainsbury, the announcement marks a captivating addition to the famed Tasmanian bar scene.

Set within the deep old sandstone walls of Hobart, the name Mary Mary stems from the origin of the building in which it resides, the former St Mary’s hospital dating back to the late 1800s, now reimagined as part of The Tasman and Parliament Square, located in the heart of the city. With a setting steeped in history, Mary Mary will bring a modern approach to fine drinking in Tasmania.

“Mary Mary will be a celebration and dedication to the abundance of exceptional ingredients, spirits and liquors of Tasmania and Australia, with an experience curated for the appreciator of a fine beverage. Most importantly, we want to create a drinking den with a sense of discovery that feels inviting and convivial for our guests.”

Considered a legend of the Australian bar industry, Ainsbury brings over 17 years’ experience in some of the top cocktail bars across the world, including This Must Be the Place, Eau de Vie and Bulletin Place in Sydney and The Diamond in Vancouver.

“Hobart’s food and drinks culture has long commanded global attention and attracts a discerning customer seeking a compelling experience, which offers us an impressive foundation to build upon” says Charlie Ainsbury. “Mary Mary will be a celebration and dedication to the abundance of exceptional ingredients, spirits and liquors of Tasmania and Australia, with an experience curated for the appreciator of a fine beverage. Most importantly, we want to create a drinking den with a sense of discovery that feels inviting and convivial for our guests.”

Proof & Company are behind an impressive portfolio of some of the top globally acclaimed bars, of which six venues are ranked amongst the World’s 50 Best Bars, including their cornerstone venue 28 Hong Kong Street (Singapore), Manhattan Bar (Singapore), ATLAS (Singapore), Pontiac (Hong Kong) and Charles H (Seoul).

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Artist render of The Tasman. Slated to open end of 2021

“As the first and only representative of The Luxury Collection brand in Australia with the upcoming opening of The Tasman, we are proud to deepen our connection to the unique local character of Hobart with Mary Mary,” says Stephen Morahan, General Manager for The Tasman.

“This venue will be a beacon to the world of fine drinking here in Tasmania, joining a collection of the world’s most notable hospitabilty expriences. Our vision is for Mary Mary to enchant both locals and travellers in the know, guided by the passion and expertise of Charlie and Proof & Company.”

Mary Mary is set to open alongside The Tasman at the end of 2021, further details to come.