Lebrina Restaurant

Welcome to the Lebrina Historic House website, where we aim to share the social history of Lebrina and its significant place in New Town, Tasmania. I am privileged to reside in this notable house and take great pleasure in sharing its story, as well as exploring the rich history of New Town.

This site was formerly used to advertise the Lebrina Licensed Restaurant, which operated from 1994 to 2020. While the restaurant is now closed, I am eager to document the part of Lebrina's story that I experienced firsthand during my time working there. As the years pass, it is crucial to preserve these memories and share them with those who are interested in Lebrina's history.

In addition to sharing my own experiences, I will delve into earlier periods of Lebrina's history and aspects of New Town's story. I will seek information from New Town historians and, more importantly, from you, our knowledgeable readers and friends of Lebrina Restaurant. If you have any information or stories about Lebrina or its notable residents, Thomas White and Frederick Robert Seager, I encourage you to share them in the comments or by emailing me at steve@lebrina.com.

Lebrina's History and Architecture

Lebrina was built by Thomas White around 1845 as his family's dwelling. Thomas, his wife Sarah, and their 13 children lived in the house until Thomas's death in 1885. Since then, there have been few owners, a testament to the house's beauty, venerability, liveability, craftsmanship, and its prime location in the heart of historic New Town, Tasmania.

The house's fine dining, a la carte restaurant operated continuously from December 1994 until December 2020. During this time, many patrons were introduced to the quiet charm of this gracious house and the culinary expertise of Scott Minervini. Although the 26-year restaurant period was much shorter than the 175-year history of the house, its contribution to Hobart's culinary history is considered as important as Thomas White's construction of the house was to the architectural history of Hobart, New Town, Van Diemen's Land, and Tasmania.

Thomas White and Lebrina

Thomas White was a prominent figure in the history of Lebrina and New Town. As the house's original owner and builder, he played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of the area. His story and the stories of those who lived in Lebrina after him are integral to understanding the historical and cultural significance of the house and its surroundings.

I look forward to learning more about Thomas White, his family, and the other residents of Lebrina, and sharing this information with those who are interested in preserving the history of this remarkable house and its place in New Town, Tasmania.