Oh, the Nation’s Capital. Not often topping tourism lists and yet all the makings of a beautiful weekend away. Squash those preconceptions people, we’re here to tell you Canberra’s well worth the trip down the Hume Highway.
Uncomplicated living. Green landscapes, wildlife and fresh air. World-class establishments (the NGA is genuinely amazing). A mix of brutalist and contemporary architecture. Lots of activities for the kids. The biggest drawcard though? Bloody excellent restaurants, bars, cafes and wineries. There’s something tasty to be found at each turn-off at the roundabout.
There’s one particular place that springs to mind when talking about hospitality in Canberra. It opened in the city in 2016 and instantly felt special. That really hasn’t changed 9 years later.
It’s Bar Rochford (pronounced ‘Rockford’, very important). An adored dimly-lit hideaway wine bar that overlooks London Circuit thanks to one big gorgeous arch window in one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Local Guides are brought to you by your friendly concierge, Worktones. We’ve got the plug on the best restaurants, cafes, bars and other gems in the neighbourhood by those who know a thing or two about serving up good times in the area.
Look, Canberra isn’t known for the nightlife, but Bar Rochford is as good as it gets on a Saturday evening post-dinner and a little boozed up. It’s where you can settle in for the night and enjoy cosy yet lively, vinyl-spun energy.
We put it to their team to tell us where else you might want to go to fill your time while in the area. They have our full trust for this Local Guide to Canberra.
The Rochford team helping us put together this Canberra guide:
- Ryan - Venue Manager and Co-owner
- Sean - Bar Manager
- Nick - General Manager
- Mim - Restaurant Manager
What's your go-to when you knock off?
- Ryan - I love Volstead Repeal in Braddon. They have a great range of spirits, whiskey, and Guinness on tap. Nothing better.
- Sean - Squeaky Clean in the Sydney building for sure. Sick punk vibes, pickle-backs and alcoholic Pasito on tap, can’t really go wrong.
- Nick - If I get an early knock off, I would always ride my pushie up to The Old Canberra Inn in Lyneham and drink some nice beers under the Gum Trees in the beer garden. They always have killer beers on tap and good music.
- Mim - I have a couple in mind depending on my vibe after work. I love Squeaky Clean in the Sydney Building. Ice-cold Coors on tap, pickle-backs and a few games of pool or Buckhunter is the best way to hang out. If I finish early enough and I feel like a cocktail I’d head to 11e Cave at Onzieme in Kingston. Awesome wines by the glass, really creative and well-thought out cocktails as well as the option for a super sharp martini and snacks.
Where are you eating on a day/night off?
- Ryan - Paranormal Wines in Campbell is a massive favourite. Simple but elevated food, in a super relaxed setting, run by a bunch of legends.
- Sean - Such & Such is always a great time, super precise and creative food, killer service and one of the most interesting wine lists in the country
- Nick - Paranormal Wines in Campbell is the spot for me. Chef Reece has some pretty outrageous food and Max the owner was born with a wine glass in hand, their selection of wines is amazing.
- Mim - For lunch & brunch I love Cafe Stepping Stone. It’s a social enterprise that works to employ and train migrant women. The food and coffee is great, and it has a beautiful, peaceful vibe and lots of greenery to relax next to. For dinner I always have an amazing time at Rebel Rebel. Food is outstanding and the service is even better. I couldn’t live without the bay leaf butter prawns!
It's staff party time... where would you take the whole team?
- Ryan - I love heading out to The RUC in Turner with a big group. Large enough space for all of us to go and drink, lawn bowls is a great activity for everyone, and it’s such a nice spot in Summer when it’s warm outside.
- Sean - Paranormal Wines in Campbell. Very cool wine bar/bottle shop, can have a few bottles and great food inside then break out the picnic blankets and takeaway some bottles to the park opposite until the sun goes down.
- Nick - Rebel Rebel for a long lunch. Sean McConnell and his team are doing an amazing thing over there. The restaurant is in New Acton, kind of Euro but some classic contemporary Australian stuff too. Really good!
- Mim - Super long lazy BYO lunch at Tak Kee Roast Inn or The Scholar in Dickson. Classic Chinese, best XO mud crab and Peking duck in the country.
You have a 15 minute lunch break... where are you grabbing a quick bite?
- Ryan - There’s a sandwich shop right near us called Sandoochie which has really creative, good quality sandwiches. Great fuel for the shift!
- Sean - Could not recommend Sandoochie enough, super interesting and delicious sandwich artistry and quick enough that you can get back with time to spare.
- Nick - Sandoochie just across the road from us. Lucy has been running the cute little sandwich shop for the last few years. Always fresh, and using the best bread in Canberra from Under Bakery in Mawson. Don’t forget to get a baked sweet too.
- Mim - Bistro Nguyen around the corner. They have the best Banh Mis with super fresh ingredients! Lemongrass chicken and extra chilli is the way to go!
Gotta kill time... where are you going window shopping?
- Ryan - Public Service is a record store and clothes/skate shop in Garema Place run by the guys who operated Church café in our alleyway a few years ago. It’s always nice to go hang out there and pick up a new record to play or fix up the wardrobe.
- Sean - Trilogy Skateboards in Braddon, even if you haven’t skated for years (me) they have a great selection of apparel, very friendly staff and do great things for the community in CBR!
- Nick - My friends Brock, Mico & Laurence have a mad shop in the City called Public Service, lots of second hand and contemporary records, Asics shoes and some really nice clothes. Chats pretty decent too. Haha
- Mim - Blonde Concept in Braddon! It’s a small boutique with fabulous clothes, bags and accessories. It’s like Depop in real life.
The team at Bar Rochford wear Worktones’ Rocky Charcoal apron.
