Badger & Co: First Look

Posted on 12 March, 2019

With ANU’s new Kambri precinct unveiled, it’s time to meet your new local, Badger & Co.

Ever since the demolition of the university’s historic ANU Bar, speculation has been rife as to what would replace it as the central precinct’s new watering hole. And now we have an answer.

Sprawled across 500 square metres of both indoor and outdoor next to Sullivan’s Creek, Badger & Co encompasses a bar, dining area, tables perfect for study meet-ups, and an outdoor terrace with views looking onto Black Mountain Tower.

This picturesque waterside area was once home to Teatro Vivaldi; however, after the modernisation of Kambri, the space is unrecognisable, with prestigious Canberra architectural firm Capezio Copeland brought on board to design a space that reflected both the campus’ past and present.

The result is a bright, airy space with high ceilings that bring the outside indoors. Twinkling above, specially-crafted light fittings give a nod to ANU’s Observatory, while both the 13-metre pebblecrete bar and circular dining tables have been designed with a subtle reference to the Shinedome’s iconic curved roof and finish. Recycled ash timber has been used throughout to symbolise the university’s bush campus, with tight sustainability parameters meaning recycled materials were used wherever possible.

Director of Capezio Copeland, Aaron Copeland, is passionate about the importance that has been placed on sustainability with this project.

“The use of existing concrete infrastructure and introduced recycled timber anchors a contemporary range of textures, finishes and details.

“With an amazing outlook to the tree-lined campus, Black Mountain and an open-air amphitheatre, the venue is a destination to meet, study, socialise and experience local and up and coming artists.”

It’s not just the design that draws inspiration from Australian pub and academic nostalgia, as well as surrounding iconic campus buildings. The name is a cheeky tip of the hat to the ANU’s playful Wind in the Willows theme. With Toad Hall to the east and Willows Oval to the west, it seems fitting that Badger’s House would find its way onto campus at some point.

But while the name is from the past, Badger & Co’s construction is firmly rooted in the present, with special efforts made to use all-local companies in the design, build and fit out, including Project Management Team -RPS and, Construction Management Team AMA Projects.

A varied food menu will feature a wide range well-priced student-friendly eats—everything from shared plates such as Panko Haloumi and Crumbed Stuffed Jalapeños to salads and sandwiches. And it wouldn’t be a pub without specials—there’s something on every night, be it $10 schnitzels or $5 Happy Hour.

ANU staff and campus visitors looking for more refined options aren’t forgotten, with dishes like Blackened Chicken, pomme purée, chargrilled leak, sauce vierge; or Ricotta Gnocchi, Portabella mushroom, pumpkin purée, rocket, toasted macadamia on offer, as well as some tempting desserts.

With an extensive drinks menu, visitors will be able to sip cocktails, wine or local beers on the terrace as they watch the sun go down. Our favourite menu category may just be ‘Pitchers’. Jug of Pimms or a Coco-Loco (crème cacao, kahlua, butterscotch schnapps, chocolate bitters, peppermint bitters, coke), anyone?

Badger & Co won’t be taking up the mantle of the campus’ rock concert venue, but it will be hosting regular live music and has been working with Canberra bookers Moku Music and Entertainment to fill Badger & Co with local sounds on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for upcoming gigs. ANU Trivia has also kicked off on Tuesday nights and planning is underway for events with up-and-coming artists.

They sure don’t make uni pubs like they used to.

the essentials

What: Badger & Co
Where: Health & Well-being Centre, Joplin Lane, Kambri Precinct, ANU
When: Open 11 am to 11 pm, seven days
Website: badgerandco.com.au

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