First Look: Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage

Posted on 30 January, 2023

In très content news for those dreaming of long days spent in Parisian cafés (and warm nights drinking wine al fresco), Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage is officially open to bring wine, cheese, and espresso to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

The long-awaited European-style relaxed dining experience will see local and French wines, curated cheeses, and quality morning espresso take over the West Kiosk at Lake Burley Griffin (just a stone’s throw from The Jetty).

Drawing inspiration from Europe’s best outdoor bars and cafés—and with a name that pays tribute to one of the more famous cafés in Paris, Les Deux Magots—Margot is an intimate alfresco space that brings a breath of fresh French air to the lakeside.

Brightening the area with a light colour palette that focuses on white, blue, and brass accents, the relaxed atmosphere is best enjoyed with a glass of something cold in hand.

Because while Margot will be pouring coffee and tea as well as serving European-style pastries from 6:30 am—perfect to perk up your early morning lake walk—according to owners Nick Tyrrell (of GoBoat) and James Souter (of the Boat House Restaurant), when the sun goes down, visitors will be treated to a true vin and fromage experience as espresso is replaced with prosecco, pinot and more.

“We’ll have all of these French cheeses and you’ll be able to buy packs to go with paired wines—but of course, you can choose whatever wine you’d like if there’s a particular one you’d like to try,” says Nick. “Generally speaking, it’ll be paired with a box of hard cheeses and you’ll have the option to choose some soft cheeses as well.”

What’s a glass of wine without some cheese?

With plans for an ever-changing wine list meticulously pulled together by a sommelier, Margot will mostly focus on local wines, offering a very limited French range curated especially for the four seasons of Canberra. Think Vincent Paris Syrah, Drappier PNPM Chardonnay, Coeur Clementine Rosé and more. Le Noms.

“It’s very much a wine and cheese vibe, so there’ll be plenty to please everyone on the lake,” says Nick.

“The plan is to really focus on local wines. We’re smack bang in such a great wine-growing region and as two small businesses ourselves—we want to support other local businesses.”

You’re the wine that I want.

Aiming to create a new, vibrant lake-side institution that shows off the best that Canberra can do, for Nick and James the hope is to make Margot the “pearl by the oyster that is Lake Burley Griffin.”

“It was a trip overseas in 2015 that sort of inspired me to start GoBoat and you can get some great ideas based on what people are doing in Europe,” says Nick.

“James and I had talked about how much we enjoyed that European experience of sitting out on the sidewalk, enjoying a relaxed glass of wine on holidays and how there’s not really something with that sort of vibe in Canberra, but people really enjoy being around and on the lake.”

The idea is to keep the offerings very, very simple—but there’s no denying that heading to Margot might be the perfect way to end a long summer’s day. Because let’s be honest, nothing sounds better than a walk followed a glass of wine as the sun sets.

“We are pretty excited by this. It’s a lovely little casual do, but feel there is a great opportunity and need for something like this on the lakes edge to compliment the existing offerings available around Lake Burley Griffin.” says James.

Open seven days a week for coffee and with plans to open during the evenings from Thursday to Sunday for the wine and cheese service, expect an experience akin to rivieras found in Italy, France and other parts of Europe. Who needs a passport? Pas moi!