Kingston Hotel

A Contemporary Revival for a Local Classic

#Australia
#Hobart
#Kingston Hotel
#Tasmania

In collaboration with
Swerve
Delta architects

The Kingston Hotel refurbishment draws directly from its conceptual foundations: a celebration of heritage character, local familiarity and the understated charm of a community favourite. Rather than reinventing the venue, the interior design approach reframes its identity—softening, refining and elevating the spaces through a palette of warm tones, honest materials and contemporary detailing that quietly enhances the hotel’s long-standing appeal.

The concept—Heritage, Comfort, Community—guided every decision. Timber tones, curved joinery and a muted, earthy colour palette introduce a sense of ease and approachability. These were reinforced with cues drawn from the hotel’s original building language: subtle linear forms, vintage references and a consistency of rhythm in panelling, tilework and detailing. The design deliberately avoids theatrics; instead, it cultivates a gentle confidence that feels aligned to the local clientele and the building’s story.

In the main bar, the design centres on an inviting materiality. Textural tiles wrap the bar front, illuminated arches frame the back-bar display, and soft pendant lighting creates a familiar evening glow. These gestures echo the conceptual theme of “heritage refreshed,” blending traditional hospitality cues with clean contemporary execution. Robust finishes—leather upholstery, commercial-grade surfaces, brass accents—deliver longevity without compromising the warm, crafted aesthetic.

Dining areas are divided into comfortable, human-scaled rooms. This zoning responds to the concept’s emphasis on “neighbourhood comfort,” creating places for quiet meals, gatherings or family dining. Panelled walls in muted green, soft drapery, tailored upholstery and warm domestic-style lighting all contribute to an atmosphere that feels personal rather than commercial. The private dining room extends this language with a generous stone tabletop and enveloping curtains that diffuse daylight into a calm, textural environment.

The sports bar adopts a slightly grittier tone while remaining connected to the overall identity. Deeper greens, durable carpet tiles and dark timber bentwood stools reference classic pub culture, while the custom overhead shelving and tiled bar front bring a contemporary edge. Lighting is warm and restrained, ensuring the space feels energetic without becoming harsh.

Throughout, the design remains loyal to the original concept intent: elevating the everyday. It repositions the Kingston Hotel as a refined but unpretentious local destination—familiar enough to feel like home, refreshed enough to attract new audiences. The result is a thoughtful, cohesive interior that honours heritage while confidently stepping into the future.

The exterior of the Kingston Hotel sets the tone for the refreshed interior experience. Its deep blue brick façade and white architectural accents preserve the building’s heritage character while presenting a markedly contemporary face to the street. The curved canopy, retro-inspired breeze-blocks and refined signage reinforce the site’s Art Deco lineage, now reinterpreted with a lighter, more inviting feel. This revitalised frontage gives guests a clear message before they even step inside: familiar Tasmanian pub spirit, elevated with thoughtful design.

The Kingston Hotel’s historic façade holds its Art Deco bones with pride. Fresh midnight-blue brickwork, crisp white trims and subtle geometric detailing frame the venue’s new life, signalling a revitalised hospitality destination while honouring its place in the local streetscape.

A lively, contemporary sports bar with warm timber tones, patterned flooring and a long, tiled bar front. Classic bentwood stools, robust materials and layered lighting create a relaxed, social atmosphere built for all-day dining, casual drinks and high-energy match nights.

This sports bar reimagines the classic pub experience with a more refined visual language. Warm timber, textured tiles and a deep green ceiling give the space richness without heaviness. The long bar anchors the room, lined with traditional bentwood stools and illuminated by softly curved overhead gantries. Durable finishes enhance the practicality needed for high-traffic hospitality, while the furnishings and lighting temper the scale into a welcoming, convivial setting. It’s a contemporary take on the Tasmanian pub — familiar, but more polished.

A calm and contemporary bistro space defined by chevron timber flooring, classic bentwood chairs and crisp stone-look tabletops. Gentle colour blocking, soft drapery and warm lighting create an inviting dining room that balances familiarity with a refined, modern edge.

This bistro brings a fresh, relaxed character to a well-loved local venue. The design layers timeless hospitality cues — bentwood chairs, warm timber tones, simple white tiles — with contemporary detailing to create a space that feels both grounded and uplifted. Soft neutral walls, elegant pendant lighting and subtle injections of colour shape a dining room that suits everything from casual family meals to leisurely weekend lunches. The atmosphere is intentionally gentle, steering away from trends and towards a sense of comfort and ease.

This lounge brings a more laid-back character to the venue, balancing the energy of live sport with a warm, comfortable interior. Upholstered armchairs and timber stools offer seating for every pace — from quick drinks to longer sessions. A mix of textured wall finishes, soft green panelling and patterned carpet tiles helps define the space without overwhelming it. The palette remains calm and grounded, ensuring the screens remain the focal point while the interior supports a steady, enjoyable atmosphere.

A relaxed sports lounge combining upholstered comfort, classic timber stools and a bold patterned carpet. Layered materials, muted colours and multiple screens shape an easygoing environment designed for long stays, casual gatherings and an uninterrupted view of the action.

Guests enjoying signature drinks against the warm glow of the refurbished Kingston bar.

This intimate moment captures the renewed spirit of the Kingston venue—welcoming, relaxed, and unmistakably social. The refined bar design elevates everyday interactions, blending tactile materials and soft lighting to create a backdrop that feels both familiar and freshly polished.

A warm, tactile composition of Safi clay tiles, engineered stone, and dark oak stools, anchored by a softly illuminated bar display.

This close-up captures the refined material palette driving the sports bar’s identity. The scheme blends handcrafted textures with honest, durable finishes—clarity of detail that elevates a casual venue into a more polished, contemporary destination.

This dining nook captures the project’s gentler side—an intimate corner defined by tonal greens, crafted wall panelling and a generous upholstered banquette. The atmosphere is calm, textural and quietly sophisticated, designed to encourage slow dining and relaxed conversation.

A soft, moody dining corner layered with panelling, muted greens and tailored banquette seating.

A refined dining nook layered in deep greens, soft curves, and ambient lighting.

This elegant corner captures the quieter, more intimate character of the Kingston redevelopment. Warm lighting, tactile wall panelling and a beautifully detailed palette combine to create a dining space that feels composed, inviting and distinctly contemporary without losing its classic pub sensibility.

A refined private dining space centred around a sculpted stone-look table and enveloped in soft drapery.

This private dining room combines intimacy with elegance, pairing a generous long table with timeless bentwood seating. Soft, full-height curtains diffuse daylight, creating a calm enclosure ideal for group dining, celebrations or quieter moments away from the bustle of the main venue.

This intimate snapshot highlights the crafted elegance behind the Kingston bar. Softly lit arches, textured tiles and warm timber tones showcase the project’s design language—contemporary, character-rich and centred on creating a welcoming, elevated pub experience.

A close-up of the illuminated bar shelving, where refined detailing elevates the everyday ritual of pouring a drink.

A circular wall opening frames a precise glimpse of the bar, transforming a functional threshold into a sculptural moment.

This framed view adds a surprising architectural flourish to the customer journey. By capturing the bar through a perfectly rounded aperture, the design heightens anticipation and reveals the interplay of light, texture and geometry that defines the venue’s refreshed interior identity.

A relaxed pocket of the venue where sport, conversation and casual play blend into the everyday rhythm of the pub.

This image captures the social heart of the Kingston games area. Soft textures, warm lighting and a classic pool table reinforce the venue’s approachable character, creating a comfortable zone where guests can unwind, watch the match and enjoy the easy hospitality of the space.

The upgraded entrance transforms a once utilitarian threshold into a coherent, welcoming arrival point. Clean lines, integrated lighting and a refined monochromatic palette set the tone for the interior experience while meeting modern accessibility standards with clarity and confidence.