Could The Lawns of the Lobby be Canberra’s coolest dining precinct?
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Cue big excitement for Canberra foodies – the broader Lawns precinct has just been launched.
Currently home to KOTO (one of the most exciting openings of 2023), there’s soon set to be a whole lot more to enjoy with the upcoming launch of The Lawns of the Lobby.
Located smack bang in the middle of The National Triangle, The Lobby’s reputation as an upscale restaurant and iconic wedding venue came to an end in 2016. Now, seven years later, the legacy of this Parkes location is being revitalised with an array of dining experiences servicing weekend brunch, all-day on the run, sundown drinks, premium dining, and more.
Joining KOTO will be Ballyhoo, a restaurant serving ‘uniquely Australian food and wine-fuelled by fermentation and fire’. Unlike KOTO, this eatery will be more fun dining than fine dining.
Rosa’s will also be joining the precinct. Transforming the National Rose Gardens with an all-day garden bar, here you’ll be able to grab pizza by the pie or by the slice, coffee on the run, as well as sandwiches and pastries.
And with award-winning Australian Chef, Shaun Quade, overseeing operations for Rosa’s, Ballyhoo and The Lawns of the Lobby catering arm, you know it’s going to be good.
Marking a new era for Quade (who built his career on a wildly innovative and multisensory approach to food), the two-hatted chef has recently been working in Silicon Valley’s food-tech industry, researching and developing novel protein alternatives. The Lawns marks his first return to Australia- and to the hospitality industry – in four years.
“I never thought I’d leave LA to move to Canberra – but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on this project,” Shaun says.
“I think we’re going to see enormous growth in the local hospitality industry over the next few years, fuelled by our proximity to high quality produce and winemakers, as well as a strong community appetite for new dining experiences.”
With plans to bring an array of music, food, wine and family events to the area, and with the ability to host social functions, it looks like The Lawns of the Lobby will be the new place to go for any major moments.
Located opposite Old Parliament House, and right next to the National Rose Gardens (did someone say summer-time picnics?), keep an eye out for the details – there’s plenty more to come yet.
The countdown is on for February 2024.
For more information visit thelawnscbr.au
Photography: Cassie Abraham.
