Profiled by DeGroots MediaHoused in a theatre teetering on the edge of ANU’s sprawling campus, As You Like It cafe attracts an eclectic collection of diners. From the small hours of the morning to well into the night, the diligent boys at the bar work their way through a never-ending stream of customers from all walks of life – barristers, lecturers, actors and writers, public servants, and of course, students. While the atmosphere rarely stops buzzing, you’re constantly reminded that you’re inside a working theatre, surrounded by posters, ushers and sometimes props. Sitting outside under a leafy canopy offers a much more tranquil setting, regardless of the perennial construction work in the area.
Lunch is the most popular meal of the day, when the kitchen offers a range of gourmet burgers and sandwiches (all named after Shakespeare characters and plays) that start at around $8. The Julius Caesar (a Caesar salad sandwich) is deliciously addictive while the humble BLT is a work of art. The key to their continued success is the freshness and quality of the ingredients, not to mention the friendly service. If you’re after a bit more than a sandwich, they also offer monster-sized salads and pastas to satisfy any appetite. Unfortunately, the cafe isn’t open regularly on weekends, and it’s received such a boost of customers this year that it’s becoming difficult to nab a seat for most of the day. With affordable yet delicious coffee and meals, it’s not hard to see why.
Russell Buzby, March 2008