Hits of 2020: Ainslie Shops

Posted on 11 November, 2020

This isn’t the first time, and it won’t be the last time that we write about how incredible the Ainslie Shops are.

Bound by the common aim to support locals—these shops are a true representative of local heroes, which is why it’s no surprise that Ainslie Shops scooped ‘Best Shops’ in our Hits of 2020 awards.

Recent winners of Hit104.7, Coordinate and HerCanberra’s ‘Top of The Shops’, there’s no surprise that these guys are a huge hit.

Much of the shops’ success lies in the ambition of one Manuel Xyrakis. His parents purchased the supermarket and milk bar in 1963 and Manuel has dedicated his life to continuing the family legacy in the form of the Ainslie IGA.

Over the years, the Ainslie shops have become a tasting plate of Canberra, home to an array of local small businesses. Take a walk into Mama Dough and you’ll feel like you’re sitting in New York’s Little Italy as chefs serve up wood-fired pizza from their imported Forno Bravo pizza oven.

Takeaway pizza night calls for a glass of pinot noir, and lucky for you Ainslie Cellars stocks a jaw-dropping amount of local wines as well as many international favourites. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and always happy to help you out with your wine pairing.

Want to eat in? There’s plenty to choose from including Edgar’s, a cosy pub offering a curated selection of boutique beer on tap and a spacious alfresco dining area—the perfect no-fuss Friday night catchup location.

Feeling like putting on a frock and heading out? Edgar’s big brother The Inn has recently opened and it is groovy, baby. Deemed a ‘second living room for locals’, owner Frank Condi has created the perfect location for a drink and bite to eat after dark.

Or perhaps you’re in the mood to really indulge. Pilot restaurant is the definition of a hidden gem. Nestle yourself into the small 22 seat dining room and let yourself be transported on their 8-course degustation menu featuring some of the best produce Australia has to offer.

Sunday mornings are covered at the Ainslie Shops—Breizh Cafe is the masters of beautiful speciality crêpes and pastries, or pick up delicious sourdough from independent bakery The Ainslie Bakehouse.

Naturally, we have to mention the Ainslie IGA—any cheese lover’s heaven. For all those wanting a cheeky fish and chips in the park, The Ainslie Takeaway has the goods.

Retail therapy is also covered—Shop Girl Flower Girl has a large variety of gorgeous gifts including beauty, apparel, homewares as well as fresh and dried flowers. Not to forget the essentials including a Terry White chemist and a newsagent. Basically, Ainslie has it all.

Credit: Tim Bean Photography.

The business in this editorial received this promotion as part of their Hits of 2020 category winner prize. HerCanberra is proud to support local business, now and always.

Photography: Tim Bean Photography