Launnie Long-standers

There is a painting near the middle of Leoni Duff’s gallery in the Old Brisbane Arcade. A woman walking with her children in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, the weather pressing in from all sides. There is a visceral, emotive quality to the piece, like so many of Leoni’s paintings.

The gallery around it has that same quality. White walls, steady light, the converted bones of what was once a bank and then a hairdresser, now hung with Tasmanian landscapes and portraits. Leoni has been here for more than two decades, still teaches art, and thinks about everyone who comes through the door in the same way she always has. “Underneath it all, being a mother, I just feel like everybody who comes in is someone you have to care for,” she says. “My goal is to encourage them, teach them, and build them up so they leave a happier person, with a new passion to paint.”

Read on to learn more about Leoni's journey from artist, to teacher and gallerist.

Step inside Casalinga and the first thing that hits you is the smell. Cured meats, smoked paprika, something rich and slow hanging in the air. The cabinets are full. The handwritten labels are deliberate. Everything in this store has been made from scratch by people who care deeply about where it came from and how it got here. It is, as the name suggests, home style. Casalinga is the Italian word for homemade, and that thread runs through every product, every recipe, and every conversation that happens across the counter.

Read on to learn about the passion and family history that informed Casalinga's origin.

When Route 66 opened its doors in Launceston in 1997, the retail scene was bustling. “Back then, there were maybe 10 or 12 denim stores,” Paul recalls. “Denim was massive. People shopped local. It was the thing to do.” But over the years, retail has evolved. Shopping habits have changed and so have customer expectations. While trends have come and gone, Route 66 has stayed true to its roots—offering something distinct, authentic, and full of personality.

Walk into Neil Pitt’s and the first thing you notice is the detail. The original handwritten signs. The curved counters from 1970. The quiet confidence of a store that has dressed Launceston men for more than seventy-five years and still knows exactly what it stands for.

The story begins in 1949, when Neil Pitt was barely nineteen years old and decided to open a menswear store on Charles Street. His brother Don joined soon after at just sixteen, and a third brother, Brian, followed not long behind. Together they formed a dynamic trio. Neil was the flamboyant one, a true identity with a sharp eye for style. Don was the steady hand, focused on building the business from the inside out. "Neil was quite dressy and flamboyant," says Andrew Pitt, Don’s son and the current custodian of the business. "Dad was more business focused. But together, they built it up."

Read on to learn how this thriving family business has navigated changing styles and changing shopping habits.

Step into Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew and there’s an energy you can feel straight away. The sound of cups on saucers, the low hum of conversation, the scent of freshly roasted coffee drifting through the air. It feels alive, yet welcoming, like walking into someone’s home rather than a café. That feeling has always been at the heart of what owners Archana and Tim wanted to create. “We wanted to share, to create something that felt alive.” In 2014, that idea took shape on George Street. With almost no money and a tiny space that could seat just a handful of people, they opened Sweetbrew.

Read on to learn how Sweetbrew's first endeavour expanded to multiple locations in Launnie and beyond.

Tucked upstairs on York Street, Curves Launceston has become a cornerstone of women’s fitness in Launceston. Twenty years ago, owner Eve opened the doors to this women-only gym with a simple vision: to create a welcoming space where local women could get healthy and feel at home. Fast-forward to today, and Curves Launceston isn’t just still around, it’s thriving, showing no signs of slowing.

Read on to learn how Curve became one of the leading women's gyms in Launceston.

The story behind siblings Danica and Field's founding of F45 Training Launceston began in Hobart, inside a building that used to be their dad’s old office. They went in to see the new F45 that had opened there, tried a session and walked out with a clear direction. “I tried it and said I was going to open one,” Danica recalls. Field laughs, “Once she decides, that’s it.” Hobart had no territories left, so they turned back to home. “Because we’re from Launnie originally, we went back to our roots,” she says. Returning wasn't just practical. It felt right.

Read on to learn how their community and their story began in Launnie.

Walk into Embellish on Brisbane Street and it is easy to see why the boutique has become a Launceston favourite. The light, the colour, the scent of homewares and gifts that feel both timeless and fresh are all carefully considered by owner Natalie, who has been shaping this space for more than fifteen years. Every product tells a story of care and curiosity, of a shopkeeper who knows her customers by name and even remembers their favourite scents.

Read on to learn more about this local retailer that feels like coming home.

Tucked into the heart of Launceston’s CBD, Pearts Variety Store has become one of those rare constants in a city that’s seen plenty of change. Originally launched as a humble $2 stall at the markets, the store has evolved over the decades into a vibrant go-to for art supplies, souvenirs, and that hard-to-find item you didn’t know you needed. Learn more about this local favourite and their eclectic history from owner Craig.

Phil Hughes Office Solutions didn’t just survive Launceston’s shifting business landscape — it helped shape it. What started in the late ’90s as one man’s leap of faith has grown into a local institution, evolving with the times while keeping its roots firmly in Tasmanian soil.

Read on to learn about this family-owned enterprise.

When you think of the best dining experiences in Launceston, Stillwater is one that immediately comes to mind. Located along the serene banks of the Tamar River, this restaurant is a gem that showcases the finest of Tasmania’s produce. From its dedication to local farmers to its seasonal, sustainable menu, Stillwater isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a destination that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and the very best of what Tasmania has to offer.

Read on to learn more about Stillwater's innovative culinary history, and their plans for the future.

Tucked away on George Street is a sanctuary for tea lovers, community seekers, and curious passersby. Your Tea Shop isn’t just a retail space—it’s a story of reinvention, serendipity, and soul-fuelled business.

Owner Bruce’s journey to Launceston began with a hunch. After many years managing marketing and merchandising in Sydney, he craved something more personal—his own outlet. A trip to Tasmania quickly became a turning point. “I fell in love with the place,” Bruce says. “I saw a shop for lease, met the owner, made an offer, and—after a bit of drama—took over.”

Read on to discover more about Bruce's journey from working within the world of retail design to owning his own shop.

For over two decades, Timeless Elegance has been helping Launceston brides find their perfect wedding gowns, becoming the second-longest-standing bridal store in Tasmania. Owner Louise’s passion for fashion began at a young age, evolving from sewing her own clothes to crafting stunning wedding dresses. Over the years, Timeless Elegance has grown from a small storefront to a beautiful destination space, offering an extensive collection of gowns and accessories. With a commitment to quality and community involvement, Louise continues to embrace the future with enthusiasm and pride.

Read on to discover how Timeless Elegance has made its mark on Launceston’s bridal scene.

For over 50 years, Tamar Valley Roses has been spreading joy in Launceston through the timeless beauty of flowers. Founded by Meg’s parents in the 1970s, this family-run business has flourished through generations, becoming a cherished part of the community. Whether it’s weddings, celebrations, or simply brightening someone’s day, Tamar Valley Roses is there to make life’s moments more beautiful. Through challenges like COVID, the community’s support has kept them thriving, and Meg remains passionate about connecting with people—one bouquet at a time.

Read on to discover how Tamar Valley Roses continues to bloom in Launceston.

With a prime spot overlooking the serene seaport and sailboats, Levee Food Co has become a beloved fixture in Launceston’s hospitality scene. Owned by childhood friends Alex and Jordan since 2016, this community hub has grown from humble beginnings to a bustling restaurant, evolving alongside the transformation of the Seaport itself. Through challenges like COVID and rapid local development, Levee has remained a steadfast symbol of community connection, driven by the passion and friendship of its owners.

Read on to discover how Levee Food Co continues to thrive in the heart of Launceston.

Up Loans has been transforming the mortgage broking experience in Launceston for over a decade. Founded by Carrie and Kirsty, the business was born out of a desire to build lasting relationships rather than just processing transactions. Today, Up Loans is a trusted name, thriving on referrals and community connections, and making the complex journey of home ownership feel smoother and more personal. By prioritizing people over paperwork, Carrie and her team continue to help clients make confident, informed decisions while staying rooted in the vibrant Launceston community.

Read on to learn more about how Up Loans makes a difference.

For 71 years, Capri on St John Street has been more than just a retail store—it’s been a cherished part of the Launceston community. With a legacy rooted in connection, quality, and personal service, this iconic business has thrived through changing times while remaining true to its values. Under the dedicated leadership of Michelle Clark, Capri continues to create a welcoming space where generations of women feel valued and supported. From adapting to the city’s evolving landscape to fostering a spirit of local collaboration, Capri remains a beloved cornerstone of the community.

Read on to discover how Capri continues to make an impact, one fitting at a time.