NEPALESE spirit is about to be unleashed on the Tasmanian pub scene, but there is a dual reason for the venture. The man behind Tasmania’s first Nepalese bar says the motivating factor is more than just creating a little slice of history. While proud to be providing a venue where he can showcase the Nepalese culture through traditional food and drinks, Dr Kirin Thapa is also determined to provide an entertaining environment which he hopes will keep natives in the state for longer. The Chowk officially opened its doors midway through October, replacing popular watering hole Hotel Soho on Davey Street. Dr Thapa is hopeful it will create an atmosphere which will bring happiness to both the Nepalese and Tasmanian communities. “There are lots of Nepalese people in hospitality, in nursing, in engineering, and they havemoved from other mainland states,” he says. “These people are hardworking, Nepalese people are known for loyalty and they are very resilient people. “The reasonwhy they are loyal andhardworking and vigilant is because our lifestyles are built up on the rituals of festivals and our culture. It makes us happy. “These people have now moved to Tasmania and what has happened recently, there is nothing much for them to do. There needs to be some venues where people can come enjoy themselves, hang out with their friends and that can extend their stay. “We have so many people in Tasmania already, so let’s try and build something so we can showcase the culture, showcase the festive mood we have in Nepal. That’s what I’m trying to do by providing that platform, if I can extend their stay even for only a couple of months, then Tasmania benefits.” VENUE FEATURE: THE CHOWK
The Chowk will feature a monthly rotating array of music, which will reflect the festivities back in Nepal. The pub is not Dr Thapa’s first project in Tasmania, with Purple Love flower field in Orielton also soon to open to the public. Two years ago he bought a farmhouse with more than 90 acres of land to grow Makhmali (Gomphrena Globosa), a flower which has an important cultural significance to the Nepalese community. Dr Thapa has planted 10 hectares of the purple flower – the largest plantation in the world – which will provide a stunning backdrop for visitors. “That flower will bloom for five months and people will be able to come into the field, as well as have lunch and dinner at our café,” he says. “There are 46 concentric rings, all up it is 28km.”
Hospitality Review: October 2021 19
Hospitality Review: October 2021 18
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog