Cosy country pub getaways a stone’s throw from Canberra
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There’s just something about a country pub, isn’t there? The crackle of a fire, the chatty and often quirky locals, the smell of something slow-cooked coming from the kitchen.
And lucky for us, Canberra is surrounded by country towns where the local pubs offer a cosy winter getaway without the hassle of international travel.
The Sir George (Jugiong)
The renovation of the Sir George Hotel really put the tiny town of Jugiong on the map. Originally built in 1852, this two-storey pub now offers a rustic chic charm that is at its best when the winter fires are roaring.
Located only an hour and a half from Canberra and just off the highway, it’s an easy drive that will see you back home Sunday afternoon refreshed for the week ahead.
The menu is one of the highlights of a visit to the Sir George and will have you enjoying the best of produce sourced from the Riverina. Dishes range from small plates like steak tartare and burrata, to mains like whole local trout and 12-hour lamb shoulder.
The pizza menu is also not to be missed, with gorgeous, chewy handmade sourdough pizza bases perfectly topped with local meats and quality cheeses.
The rooms here are not your standard pub accommodation, with converted stables offering high-end amenities.
320 Riverside Drive, Jugiong | sirgeorge.com.au
The Royal Hotel (Bungendore)
Don’t be fooled into thinking Bungendore is just for day-trips, because this little town packs a punch when it comes to things to do and see. From art galleries and antique stores to a good choice of cafes and restaurants, it’s worth taking your time for a wander.
Straight off the back of a multi-million dollar renovation, the Royal Hotel in Bungendore has everything you want from a country getaway.
Behind the classic Victorian facade of the Royal is a cosy, inviting pub with modern comforts like central heating to supplement the fires, skylights to bring light into the once dark spaces and a large bistro serving up pub classics.
The upstairs rooms have also been fully renovated and range from cosy rooms for two through to a family suite, and unlike the pub of the past, each room has been retro-fitted with stylish and functional bathrooms.
Have a chat with the friendly staff and locals, catch some live entertainment or simply cosy up by the fires and settle in for the night. It’s the perfect weekend away.
34 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore | facebook.com/royalhotelbungendore/
The Bundanoon Hotel (Bundanoon)
Less than a two-hour drive from Canberra, you’ll not only find yourself in the pretty highlands town of Bundanoon, but you’ll also think you’ve found yourself in Scotland.
Built in 1922 on the land of a former 1884 pub, the Bundanoon Hotel sports a unique Tudor Revival style of architecture that has been the inspiration for the more recent renovations; think deer heads, tartans and couches in cosy corners
Out the back is a large beer garden with a stage for live entertainment, but if you’re coming during winter, you’ll want to pick a spot in the Brigadoon Bar or on the couches by the fire.
The bistro menu is large and has a delicious selection of share plates like fried pork belly, pan-seared loligo squid and chicken liver pâté.
The mains menu heavily features seafood dishes like blue swimmer crab linguine and whole roasted rainbow trout, and desserts include spiced date pudding, salted caramel and vanilla ice cream and a cheese plate with Tarago brie, Maffra cloth cheddar, Moss Vale half blue, dates, quince puree and crackers.
The rooms upstairs vary from unrenovated to renovated, but do bring some earplugs in case you end up situated near the train tracks, the minor inconvenience is outweighed by the pure charm of this pub.
Unit 6/18 Erith Street, Bundanoon | bundanoonhotel.com.au
The Oriental Hotel (Tumut)
This large two-storey 1872 corner pub is reminiscent of the gold rush era and is a stunning example of a Georgian-style hotel including parapets and filigree adornments.
Located in the foothills of the snowy mountains, just over two hours from Canberra, Tumut offers loads of interest for a weekend away.
If country pubs are your thing, this town is jam-packed full of them, so much so that you can conduct your own pub crawl which will cover five historic pubs without having to walk more than a few hundred metres.
On the outskirts of town, you can also grab a few drinks with the team at the Tumut River Brewing Company, who always have a few quirky flavours to try out.Bubblegum beer anyone?
Once back at the Oriental, you can settle in with a hearty meal. Start with some tacos or nachos which feature slow cooked meats, grab a steak from the chargrill, or the creamy smoked trout and lemon pasta is the ideal way to consume the famous local trout.
48 Fitzroy Street, Tumut | orientalhoteltumut.com.au
Add these to your list
Once you’ve covered these pubs, you won’t be at the end of the list of quaint pubs in our region.
You could head to the Royal Hotel in Dalton, a charming little pub in a very tiny town, or book a weekender in the new family rooms located at the Braidwood Hotel – it’s a great way to experience Braidwood’s creative and eclectic charms that are experiencing a revival at the moment.
Or if time is limited for you, then day trips to the Araluen or Nerriga pubs will see you digging into hearty pub classics like burgers and schnitzels for lunch whilst being home in time for dinner.
Feature image: Tim Bean Photography.
