Say hello to Armada Bar, the ultimate destination for a rainy Sunday sesh (and Friday and Saturday…)

Posted on 10 February, 2022

Imagine this: you’re sitting underneath green foliage and cane baskets, enjoying a cool breeze and a summer cocktail as lightning flashes over grey water in the distance.

It’s been a week of humid days, wet evenings, and thunderstorms on the horizon, but with a marquee safely around you and plenty of premium dining options to choose from, this Sunday session has fun flowing—regardless of the conditions.

It might sound like a holiday at one of Bali’s luxury resorts during the wet season but this sanctuary can be found on the edge of Canberra’s own Lake Burley Griffin.

Taking advantage of The Boat House’s prime position and covered with a large open-sided pavilion that can be closed during a La Niña storm, Armada Outdoor Bar is the ultimate Sunday (and Friday and Saturday) session destination.

Boasting local beverages on the drinks list, including Lark Hill, Nick O’Leary, and BentSpoke as well as a curated but classic cocktail menu, for owner James Souter it’s the combination of sophisticated yet unpretentious offerings that make Armada the perfect venue for a summer catch-up with friends.

“I honestly believe it’s because it’s got amazing casual offerings….There is a small but handcrafted wine list by sommelier Kate Hibberson, who recently helped The Boat House to win ‘Best Wine List in the ACT’.” he says.

“We’ve got this amazing food and drinks list in a casual COVID safe setting. It’s the perfect Canberra pastime, especially on a Sunday.”

Handpicked to be sipped outside and enjoyed in the fresh air, the drinks are paired with an tantalising menu that stretches beyond traditional bar snacks: think steamed bao buns with ginger soy eggplant, pickled cucumber and kewpie, eggplant parmigiana with mozzarella, spicy tomato, and smoked ricotta and popcorn chicken with Szechuan chili, lime and sesame.

The best part is that a little bit of rain doesn’t dampen the experience because with QR codes on every table, you won’t need to line up outside to wet your whistle. All you need to do is simply scan, order and enjoy.

For those who would rather wait for the sun to come out, keep an eye on the horizon— the recent addition of a jetty means GoBoat Luxe, a luxury on-lake experience from the GoBoat team, is on its way.

With packages in the works that will allow you to alight at Armada and head straight to your own private VIP area to continue the party, it will make weekend drinks an elevated experience.

While the space lends itself perfectly to physical distancing measurements, bookings are essential at Armada to secure your place at one of Canberra’s most suave outdoor bars.

Open until March, summer is staying late—rain or shine.