Good, clean family fun and a fancy menu at the new Valley Pub

Posted on 16 December, 2025

There’s a new friendly pub and large restaurant in Canberra’s deep south which promises a new life for an old location.

It’s been a complete and dramatic makeover for the site of the former Maram pub and live music venue at the Erindale shops, which was infamous across Canberra for its rowdy crowds and noisy nights and which closed in 2011 amid multiple complaints.

Now it’s time for the good people of Wanniassa and beyond to return for another look at their new local.

They are likely to be impressed.

Run by brothers Josh and Jesse Sidaros, who grew up helping out their parents who have run various successful hospitality ventures, the boys have worked for months on bringing the site up to scratch as a modern, clean and inviting family space.

Ex-Akiba chef Jarrod Lord has pulled together a great pub menu which promises hearty meals with a level of finesse.

“It was not in great shape when we got it,” admits Josh.

But with a determination to do most of the work themselves with the help of friends and a few tradies, the brothers cannot believe the transformation.

The cavernous second-storey space features eight pool tables, three large TVs and a projector, a full food and drinks menu, and seating for about 200 guests (with plenty of high chairs available!).

Salt and pepper squid. An obligatory entree

The brothers have also worked hard on locking down a great menu, developed by head chef, Jarrod Lord, ex-Akiba.

The food on offer is miles away from the former pub grub served there.

Think pan-seared scallops served on cauliflower puree with chorizo and caviar to start, followed by crumbed pork cotoletta with apple and fennel salad, creamy mash and jus.

The pork chop on buttery mash.

There are fancy steak option (would you like the 250 gram rump steak of MSB3 or the 300 gram scotch fillet with your choice of housemade pepper, Diane, red wine jus or gravy?) as well as long lists of burger and pizza options.

There is a fried barramundi burger and a vego burger to go with all the wagyu and chicken options and seven different pizzas to try including The Valley of beef rump, caramelised onion, mushroom, cherry toms, truffle mayo, rocket and mozzarella.

You MUST save room for desserts, including the Eton Mess

With a range of salads, as well as the obligatory chicken schnitzel and parmy options (and all kid’s meals priced at $15), it’s a venture seeking to ensure everyone gets what they want. Even the desserts are elevated with caramel popcorn cheesecake and strawberry Eton mess making an appearance alongside chocolate brownies and ice cream.

There’s nothing like a post-dinner game of pool…

The brothers stress that days of wild bands are over and that this calm sanctuary of dark wood, Bentwood chairs, and potted plants is safe and welcoming for all.

“It had a bit of a reputation in its day, but we are focussed on a family friendly environment where everyone is respected and you can just have a great night out over a fantastic meal with friends.”