As Hobart rolls out a new era of outdoor dining, two local hospitality operators are backing the City of Hobart's new Parklet and Street-Side Dining Program as a way to bring more life, connection and vibrancy to city streets.
The Hope & Anchor has become the first business to receive a street-side dining installation under the new program, which transforms on-street parking spaces into accessible outdoor seating areas.
Fine dining and wine bar Scholé and the Hope & Anchor are among the first participants in the scheme's initial trial phase, which allows businesses to test a City-supplied parklet for up to 12 months before deciding whether to make it permanent.
For Scholé owner Luke Burgess, the initiative is an opportunity to embrace the city's outdoor culture and make better use of public space.
"I think it's a great idea," Mr Burgess said.
"Hobart's a very small city compared to other places. It's very easy to get around, either by bike or walking."
The new street side dining at the Hope & Anchor in Hobart.
Located at the top of Liverpool Street, Scholé has been approved for a 12-month parklet that is expected to be installed within weeks.
Mr Burgess said the loss of a small number of parking spaces was outweighed by the potential benefits for businesses and patrons.
"I think it's a real benefit to sort of get people outside and using public amenities or just making the most of public space, which I think is really important," he said.
Mr Burgess believes the concept, common in cities around the world, could help strengthen Hobart's food and hospitality culture.
"We see it benefiting the culture, the food culture, the outdoor culture," he said.
The additional seating could also provide a significant boost for the small restaurant.
"I think we've got 10 seats inside, we have another 10 outside," he said.
"You might find that no one decides to sit inside on a nice day and if that works, we can double our seating."
Meanwhile, Hobart Brewing Company marketing manager and licensee Nick Devereux said the new street-side dining area at the Hope & Anchor would help expand capacity at one of Hobart's oldest pubs.
"We've been here for 12 months so far, and the pub's going from strength to strength," Mr Devereux said.
"The thing about these old beautiful pubs is they're a little bit restricted on the inside as to what you can do."
Scholé owner Luke Burgess (left) and Hobart Brewing Company marketing manager and licensee Nick Devereux enjoying the new street side dining area at the Hope & Anchor.
The installation provides space for an additional 30 patrons, creating what Mr Devereux described as "a great outdoor space to play in".
Following the loss of Hobart Brewing Company's former Macquarie Point site, outdoor space has become even more valuable.
Mr Devereux said outdoor dining delivered benefits well beyond individual businesses.
"Any sort of outdoor public space like this. I think it's good vibes for the community," he said.
"It's being able to see people enjoying the space and enjoying the city."
Under the City of Hobart's program, applications are assessed on criteria including accessibility, public benefit, site suitability, place activation and safety, with consultation undertaken with neighbouring businesses, stakeholders and nearby residents.
More parklets are expected to be installed across Hobart as the city continues its push to create vibrant, people-focused destinations.