Cosy Canberra: our favourite ‘warming’ restaurants
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If you’re anything like me, you may have come across the following scenario in the depths of a Canberra winter.
Tired of hibernating, you’re enticed to seek out a cosy, warm venue where conversation and wine flows and the arctic climate is blissfully forgotten for a few hours. But when you enter the restaurant you almost immediately regret it. The wait staff are seemingly unaware of the situation outside and, instead, keep the air conditioning at the kind of level only suitable if you’re running around – while you sit there shivering in your coat.
The cosy night you had planned quickly becomes a game of ‘watch the door’ – a look of pure fear on each diner’s face as yet another prospective customer enters, bringing with them an icy gust of wind. Finally, you retreat to the warmth of your own home, vowing to wait until (at least) spring to try it all again.
Well, we’ve uncovered a few restaurants and bars embracing the Canberra winter and turning up the heat. We promise they’ll keep you warmer than Hawaii, sans jacket.
Farmhouse Restaurant, Pialligo
Pialligo Estate’s Farmhouse Restaurant is aptly named — step inside the upmarket ‘barn’ and you’re immediately enveloped in warmth and sophisticated country-style hospitality. Get there a little early and enjoy a class of red by the roaring fire, then take your time with some of Canberra’s best dining using fresh local produce.
18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo | www.thepialligoestate.com.au
Monster, NewActon
Leave your coat at the door; you won’t need it at this restaurant and bar, located in the Hotel Hotel foyer in NewActon. With a fireplace and electric atmosphere, and some amazing food (see above) it’s a must for a snug night out. Another bonus? You don’t even have to go outside if you’re heading to the movies after – Palace Electric Cinema is just a few steps away.
25 Edinburgh Ave, New Acton | hotel-hotel.com.au
Molly, City West
You won’t have to worry about that game of ‘watch the door’ at Molly – because this is an underground bar, it’s perfectly designed for the Canberra winter. Wander down the staircase and you’re met with intimate, warm lighting and a 1920s vibe. Read our full story here.
Find Molly at -35° 16′ 46.45″ S – 149° 7′ 35.23″ E | molly.net.au
Grazing, Gundaroo
Ok, so it’s a little off the beaten track but once you get there, Grazing is well worth it. Request a seat in front of the fire to really stay snug. Plus, it means you can finally show off your new dress once you shed all those layers.
Cork Street, Gundaroo | www.grazing.com.au
Capitol Bar and Grill, Civic
QT Hotel‘s sprawling diner is armed with a funky atmosphere, killer tunes and more importantly, gorgeous little fireplaces. Check them out behind the bar area for your post-dinner wine on the lounges, and get comfy – you’re guaranteed to want to park yourself there for a while. Their Mac n Cheese is perfect for a cold Canberra evening.
1 London Circuit, Canberra City | www.qtcanberra.com.au
The George Harcourt Inn, Gold Creek
For the north-siders, the George Harcourt Inn is a classic English pub in the sense that it embraces the cold weather – hearty meals, fireplace and all.
3 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls
The Green Herring, Gold Creek
Entering the The Green Herring is like stepping back in time. A roaring fireplace and hearty meals that warm you from the inside out…it’s the perfect winter destination.
Ginninderra Village, 11 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls | www.thegreenherring.com.au
Any more we’ve overlooked? Let us know.
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