THE UMBRELLA SHOP | It may not be a secret
for Launcestonians, who know the landmark shop
at 60 George Street from their earliest days
as the very place to run to if it starts to
rain when you’ve
forgotten your umbrella.
 Visitors are always
intrigued to come across this sweetly old-fashioned
shop filled with umbrellas, teatowels of the
kind that make great packable lightweight souvenirs,
some stunning aprons, too, with matching padded
oven cloths, and gifts with a Tasmanian provenance.
Apart from spanking new and very fashionable
umbrellas there is an interesting display of
umbrellas that spans a century.
 The sign over
the door says R Shott & Sons,
but today the shop is run by the National Trust,
saviours of many an old Tasmanian building
or historic property from greedy developers
or neglect. Long may it rain.
(03) 6331 9248 — PH
Photographed by Alan Moyle
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SESSIONS IN THE PUB | Every Saturday afternoon
from about 3.30pm, an eclectic group of
musicians descend on the New Sydney Hotel,
87 Bathurst Street, Hobart, for a carefree
jam session. There's often more musos that
drinkers. Come to think of it, it is not
a bad pub the rest of the week either. —
AM
THE FLOWER ROOM | The Flower Room, upstairs at
147 Liverpool Street, is one of the
few co-operatives in Hobart and sells flowers
in season at very reasonable prices. Better
still, you’ll
find blooms that are not always available
at florist’s — such
as roses that are perfumed and bunches of
divine smelling sweet peas. Fresh seasonal
fruit and vegies are also available, along
with golden-yolked free range eggs and Lucaston
Park Apple Juice at a price as tempting as
its taste. It pays to shop early, as supplies
go very quickly. It opens from 8.30am until
sold out, which is sometimes as early as
11.30 the same morning. Phone if you wish
to have something kept for you or to order
in advance. (03) 6223 2744. — JS
CAKE DECORATING
SHOP | A family affair, at 4 Cascade Street,
South Hobart, with home-made cakes and biscuits that you might not
have time to make yourself. Closed on Sunday and Monday but open
from 10am to 5pm for the rest of the week. A specialty
is delicious, real, sponge cakes in vanilla
and chocolate, unfilled — create
your own spectacular with your choice of
filling. You may need to call ahead to
be sure of getting one, although there are usually
some frozen and they thaw extremely well.
The rock cakes are delectable and you will
also find a variety of biscuits at reasonable prices for great
quality.
(03) 6224 0722, email: cake@bigpond.com.au — JS
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