The happy, healthy and hippy café and grocery store which knows it’s customers by name, greets them with a warm smile and fills their bellies with delicious organic food and coffee has a new home.

After 19 years of serving locals at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, As Nature Intended has moved into its new digs at Dairy Road. The popular community oasis is back in Fyshwick’s hottest precinct and it’s fresher than ever.

Owner Beata Wilder has been serving Canberrans for almost two decades.

As Nature Intended Owner Beata Wilder has been serving Canberrans for almost two decades. From a little organic shop concept, big things grew – into a whole community who would pop in for delicious, wholesome food and coffee and stock up on fresh produce and environmentally-friendly products.

“Our philosophy is community-minded,” says Beata.

“We have a rich diversity of customers and we all know them by name, we know their stories, what they eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s like one big family and we look forward to extending the family at Dairy Road.”

Step inside As Nature Intended’s new home in Fyshwick and you can’t help but feel snug. Chairs and stools adorned with crotched blankets and there’s a spacious outdoor area adorned with plant and flowery goodness and benches to enjoy a blissed-out breakfast or lazy lunch with the kids.

The spacious outdoor area is adorned with plant and flowery goodness and there’s no need to BYO blankey.

With easy and free parking right out the front and just a bike ride or walk from the Kingston Foreshore–it’s a haven from the more hectic café Canberra scene.

Everything is certified organic, including the coffee.

As Nature Intended offers excellent organic coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, organic food, fruit and vegetables, a wide range of vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options, as well as earth-friendly groceries.

As Nature Intended offers a wide range of organic fruit and veg.

“Being kind to the environment is our priority and we always like to recycle, reuse and re-love,” says Beata.

“We offer cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan products that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere–right down to cosmetic ranges.”

The house made fresh brioche bun filled with organic free range bacon and egg and topped with homemade relish.

The café caters to everyone for vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers. Some of their popular eco-friendly eats include the house made Brioche Breaky Bun and mouth-watering baked goods and vegan slices.

The delicious Polish pierogi is served with homemade sauerkraut and steamed bok-choy.

One of Beata’s favourites meals is a nod to her heritage–the delicious Polish pierogi served with homemade sauerkraut. Fermented veg is also a speciality of hers and is all made on-site at Dairy Road using bio-dynamic cabbages.

A vegan’s delight. Snickers, coconut, and salted caramel slices.

The warm, community feel of As Nature Intended is a perfect fit for its new home.

Director of Molonglo Group Johnathan Efkarpidis, who is one of the masterminds behind NewActon, says their vision for Dairy Road is a neighbourhood where layers of culture create a rich experience and a place where everyone belongs.

“The idea is to have a lot of makers and creatives out there,” says Johnathan. “We’ve got a huge space, so we can do things that we couldn’t normally do in a smaller space being in the city or NewActon–from rock climbing, indoor skiing, playground, chocolate makers, a big café–you just can’t do that unless you’ve got space.”

As Nature Intended is the newest addition to Molonglo Group’s Dairy Road.

As Nature Intended is now neighbours with a number of innovative Canberra businesses including Red Robot, the largest manufacturer of photo booths in the southern hemisphere, 42 Lines letterpress, a local company specialising in printing and design, KeepCo, a co-working space for creatives, BlockHaus’ indoor rock-climbing facility and, of course, Capital Brewing.

The 14-hectare site of Dairy Road sits within a much wider area next to stunning wetlands, known as East Lake. The East Lake area stretches from Kingston Foreshore along Canberra Avenue to Fyshwick, and is the ACT Government’s vision for “a lively urban community providing a showcase of Australian showcase of sustainable development”.

The Dairy Road Precinct.

Molonglo Group’s Johnathan Efkarpidis says the addition of As Nature Is Intended is a boost for the precinct.

“People don’t just want to eat well in the Manukas and Braddon’s of the world. As Nature Intended gives people delicious, healthier choices and grocery options in a central area that’s close to one of the largest employment corridors. It is a great addition to the area.”

As Nature Intended will be celebrating their new home with a ‘Happy Opening’ event this Saturday 21 September with live entertainment, African drummers, mulled wine, chai tea, nibbles, special discounts (and good vibes guaranteed) from 1 pm – 3 pm at 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick.

the essentials 

What: As Nature Intended
When: Open now, 8 am – 6 pm Monday-Saturday and 8 am – 4 pm on Sundays
Where: 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick
Facebook: @AsNatureIntendedCBR
Instagram: @asnatureintendedcbr

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