In the pristine cool climate of Tasmania, LARK Distilling Co creates a new-world whiskey for our times.
LARK Distillery, Pontville was added to the iconic brand’s footprint in 2023 and is part of an impressive collection of 19th-century heritage buildings in the historic town of the same name, 30 minutes north of Hobart. The distillery’s interior pays homage to LARK’s much-lauded spirit with a large-scale whiskey-barrel wall installation, the backdrop for an intimate tasting area.
Throughout the cavernous space, Curious By Design establishes a sense of comfort and spatial flexibility using a combination of custom Australian light fittings, banquette lounge suites and bespoke joinery, anchored by a fireplace. “We sourced local hand-cut sandstone for the hearth, with a new French- style fireplace in keeping with the original sandstone walls,” says Lucienne Hemingway, Curious By Design’s creative director. “It helps to create a warm, cosy experience – a perfect spot to sit back and sip whiskey.”
The design direction is distinctly more modern at The Still in Hobart, a retail space and tasting room by day and a whiskey and cocktail lounge at night. The interior reflects the LARK story through striking visual displays. Alongside the brand’s earliest bottles, visitors can explore founder Bill Lark’s original still, as well as a wall of barrels used during the distillation process. Three retractable tasting barrels can be lowered onto any tasting table upon request, providing an opportunity for spontaneous theatre.
Vegan-leather booths, charred timber wall cladding and a Barrisol lighting system allude to the idea of warmth, while a smoky colour palette evokes the flavour of peated whiskey.
Presenting The Still as an inviting sanctuary from the Tasmanian cold, designer March Studio hints at the way in which the local climate enhances LARK’s whiskey and tasting experiences. Vegan-leather booths, charred timber wall cladding and a Barrisol lighting system allude to the idea of warmth, while a smoky colour palette evokes the flavour of peated whiskey.
For both LARK Distillery, Pontville and The Still, Curious By Design and March Studio have created spaces where the quality of LARK’s whiskey and tailored experiences is effortlessly reflected in elegant and carefully considered environments.
Interior design by Curious By Design and March Studio. Custom furniture design by Legacy Manufacturing. Contracting, carpentry and custom millwork by Vertical Space.
