Canberra’s vibrant hospitality scene is making waves on the national stage, as several local venues have been recognized in prestigious national awards. This recognition comes as no surprise to locals who have long celebrated the city’s diverse and dynamic food and beverage offerings. The latest accolades highlight Canberra’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.
The Australian Bartenders Awards have acknowledged Canberra’s excellence by shortlisting local venues in 11 out of 28 categories. Notably, Peacemaker Saloon is vying for the title of New Bar of the Year, while Hippo has been nominated for Best Live Music Bar of the Year. Bar Rochford has also earned two nominations, competing for Best Bar Food and Wine Bar of the Year.
Spotlight on Squeaky Clean
Squeaky Clean, known for its inviting dive bar atmosphere, swinging green lamps, and exceptional burgers, has been nominated for Bartender’s Bar of the Year. This particular award is a testament to the venue’s popularity among industry professionals.
“A bartender’s bar is where people in the hospitality industry want to go and drink. So, for me, it’s recognition from the people who dedicate their careers to serving people, and they’ve said that this is somewhere the service is bang on,” said Jono Murphy, owner of Squeaky Clean.
Murphy expressed his delight at being recognized by peers, emphasizing the significance of being chosen by those who understand the nuances of excellent service. “There are so many nice venues to go to, but at the end of the day, they’ve voted that a bar made of plywood is where they want to hang out! I think that’s pretty cool,” he added.
The Old Canberra Inn: A Historical Gem
Adding to the city’s accolades, The Old Canberra Inn has been featured on Time Out’s list of the 25 Best Pubs in Australia. This historic venue shares the spotlight with notable establishments like the Birdsville Hotel in Queensland and The Dry Dock in Balmain, Sydney, which dates back to 1857.
The Old Canberra Inn itself boasts a rich history, with its original structure predating the city. Built in 1857, it served as a coach stop between Yass and Queanbeyan until 1887. It later became a family home before being transformed into a pub in 1974. Today, it attracts patrons with its rotating selection of Australian craft beers, delicious pub fare, and a variety of entertainment options, including trivia nights, jazz jams, salsa, and live music.
Gourmet Traveller Recognizes Canberra’s Culinary Talent
Meanwhile, Gourmet Traveller has also acknowledged Canberra’s culinary prowess. Lunetta at Red Hill is in the running for Best New Restaurant, while Benn and Mork Ratanakosol have been jointly shortlisted for Restaurant Personality of the Year. These nominations underscore the city’s burgeoning reputation for innovative and high-quality dining experiences.
Jono Murphy expressed his pride in Canberra’s hospitality industry, noting its significant growth over recent years. “I think we can all agree the industry has come on leaps and bounds in Canberra over the past four or five years. We have all these small independent operators giving it a red hot go and really driving experience hospitality,” he said.
“And venues like Bar Rochford have been around for nine plus years doing exactly that since day one. It’s no surprise they’re an institution,” Murphy added.
Looking Ahead
The recognition of Canberra’s hospitality venues in national awards reflects the city’s evolving status as a culinary hotspot. As local businesses continue to innovate and excel, Canberra’s reputation is likely to grow even further, attracting more visitors and enhancing its cultural landscape.
For those interested in exploring the award-winning venues, more information can be found on the Australian Bartender Magazine Bar Awards, Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, and Time Out’s list of best pubs. Follow Squeaky Clean and The Old Canberra Inn on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings and events.
