Summer’s coolest outdoor bar is back for 2021
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Canberrans have forever been aching for a truly lake-side bar, where you can take in epic water views with a glass of something cold—and last summer, our wish was granted.
Armada Bar, an outdoor expansion of beloved Barton fine dining establishment The Boat House, opened to much fanfare last October—and now it’s reopening for summer 2021.
Taking full advantage of The Boat House’s spectacular sunset views, Armada Bar will re-open just in time for post-work drinks this Friday 29 October—and bookings are now open.
Guests can take in panoramic views of the lake while sipping their way through a “tight and focused wine list” from Sommelier Kate Hibberson with plenty of local flavours (and a “pinch” of international bottles) as well as a range of cocktails, beers and non-alcoholic offerings.
To complement this, The Boat House’s fine dining chef team—headed by local legend John Leverink—will be serving easy breezy summer fare with an elevated twist.
Think: fresh oysters with mignonette, steamed bao buns with ginger soy eggplant, pickled cucumber and kewpie, wagyu beer tartare with smoked yolk, horseradish and potato chips, and roasted pumpkin with spiced yoghurt, pickled onions and crispy chickpeas.
If this wasn’t enough already, Armada Bar will be offering what could be summer’s most exclusive experience—GoBoat Luxe, where guests will be ferried around Lake Burley Griffin on a skippered GoBoat Luxe and then dropped at Armada Bar’s own jetty where a private table will be waiting. Did someone say anchors away?
Dressed to impress, Armada will be styled by Canberra’s Show Pony Events, with the expansive grassed space lending itself perfectly to physical distancing measures.
“After the amazing response last season, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this year. This season is bigger and better than ever,” says owner James Souter.
“We have an updated menu, new wine list and great new offerings like the VIP GoBoat experience. Whilst bookings are available, we are keeping around half of our tables available for walk-ins so feel free to pop down and grab a table, or even bring your own rug to nab a spot on the grass.”
Foodies will also be excited to hear that Armada Bar’s opening hours have also been expanded, with food and drinks served from 4 pm on Fridays and 11.30 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Armada Outdoor Bar
When: Opening Friday 29 October 2021. Open Fridays from 4 pm until late, Saturdays from 11.30 am until late and Sundays from 11.30 am until evening (limited food menu from 6 pm on Sundays)
Where: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton
Bookings: 02 6273 5500
Website: theboathouse.restaurant/armada
Photography: James Souter
