In The Hanging Garden — Restaurant in Hobart

I arrived in Hobart as a tourist from New Zealand yesterday, to visit my sister whom I had not seen for several years. I had brought $500 cash with me which I obtained through Travelex upon my departure from New Zealand. I went to pay for a round of drinks and the barman pointed to a sign on the bar top that I had not seen which read 'card only'. I produced my American Express card and he said "we don't take Amex cos....yeah it's a bit weird". I then queried the legality of not accepting cash that clearly has printed upon it THIS AUSTRALIAN NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA AND ITS TERRITORIES. The barman replied "we have different laws in this country compared to yours". By this stage other patrons in the queue behind me had heard the exchange and gone quiet. The barman then said "if you don't like it I'll stop serving you and you can leave"!! The intended implication of this comment of course was that I was intoxicated, however I had only consumed one drink prior when I met my sister at my nearby hotel bar. I feel the barman simply used the 'intoxication' excuse as a way to shut me up. Is tourism in Hobart and the general Tasmanian economy so strong that entertainment venues can treat patrons this way? I don't think so, and as a direct result of the barman treatment, will not be returning. We moved down the street to another bar to continue our evening together, where my cash was accepted...

First time there last night and I really like the place great atmosphere good vibe but what kind of establishment doesn't serve Ouzo. Bar staff are slow and have no idea, here's a snippet of my convo with the bar staff upon arriving...... I asked for 3 drinks and she only gives me two so I say and an Ouzo and Coke please to which she replies "what's that? I say it's kind of like sambuca to which she informs me that they don't have any sambuca so I replied with well that's great because I don't want Sambuca I want an Ouzo and Coke and straight away without looking she says oh we don't have any of that to which I replied how do you know if you don't have any if you don't know what it is? but she just sat there looking at me bewildered so then I asked for a bourbon and coke and I got a Scotch and coke instead. I then go up to the bar a few hours later to try again but then I had to wait for a conversation to end before I got served between the first bar attendant and the second bar attendant finishing their conversation about the Ouzo incident before. Hospitality is just that hospitality, when you hire a young people in an establishment at least make sure they know about alcohol and can actually move fast and serve in an establishment like that. I will go back but it's only to go for a light lunch and...

Excellent secluded open-air but covered upmarket food court/beer garden supported by several pop-up businesses. Excellent atmosphere amongst the lovely garden hidden away in the CBD and plenty of seating for dining, relaxing or chilling out by the open fire. No congestion problems noted (lunchtime) although at night bookings may be required. On-trend but not obnoxiously hipster.

Food is great quality and variety through standalone shops and reasonably priced. A very large variety of beverages, a little exy but not outrageous depending on your choice. All-day cocktails may be lethal to the wallet!

Service is very friendly, professional and efficient. Covid-safe management is visible and effective. Very high standard of presentation and cleanliness.

Highly recommended as one the best-kept secrets of Hobart. Don't tell everyone! wink

Update: 2022/12 Still very high levels of efficient, professional and friendly service. Plentiful gas heating and central fire made lunch a pleasure, even when heavy showers were rattling down. Shoutout to Oryza, the Karaage and Crispy Lemon Chicken are delicious.

Update: 2023-09 Noting great service from ANJU Korean BBQ, meals are well prepared at reasonable cost, drinks are competitive on price. Well...