The wait is over: Capital Brewing Co.’s Lager House opens this Friday!

Posted on 24 March, 2026

Canberra’s craft beer scene is entering a new era, with Capital Brewing Co. set to officially open the doors to its highly anticipated Lager House this Friday 27 March.

Located within the newly launched East Traders Hall in Campbell (get that story here), Lager House is a purpose-built destination dedicated to the art of lager, bringing together precision brewing and elevated yet approachable food in a space that’s been designed to feel like a ‘local’.

Capital Brewing Co. worked with Capezio Copeland to reimagine the great Australian neighbourhood pub through a modern brewery lens.

“The idea was to create a space that feels both familiar and considered,” said Laurence Kain, Managing Director of Capital Brewing Co.

“The U-shaped bar sits right at the centre of the room, encouraging people to perch, settle in and connect with the room’s energy, whether they’re here for a quick beer or staying for the night.”

The venue pairs this social layout with the theatre of an open kitchen, wood-fired grill and three 1500L tanks pouring fresh seasonal lagers, reinforcing the connection between brewing, cooking and the overall guest experience.

Materiality plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere. Timber sourced from local Canberra business Thor’s Hammer – using salvaged Australian hardwoods – brings warmth, texture and a sense of history to the space.

“It was important that the venue felt grounded from day one,” said Kain.

“Using recycled local materials adds a lived-in quality, while the precision of our Czech side-pour taps ensures the beer experience is world-class.”

Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Paul Starley, whose menu has been designed to reflect the way people actually eat in a brewery setting.

“The Lager House menu is centred around the wood-fired grill, generous, and absolutely not shy about flavour,” Starly said.

“The inspiration came from how people actually eat in a brewery. Some want a feast, some want a snack, and some just want something to keep them upright between pints.”

Standout dishes include a crispy pork knuckle with smoky crackling and deep flavour, alongside a prawn roll that delivers a lighter, fresher contrast.

“The crispy pork knuckle is the show-off. It’s smoky, crackly, and impossible to eat quietly,” Starly said.

“The prawn roll is the crowd-pleaser. Bright, fresh, and gone in about three bites if you’re not paying attention.”

Beyond the core menu, Lager House will host a weekly program including a $19 Schnitty Night every Monday, a fast-paced Wednesday trivia night played on buzzers, and a weekday express lunch offering tailored to the surrounding office crowd.

“Lager House should feel like the place you accidentally stay longer than planned. Good food, good beer, good company,” said Kain.