Benjamin’s

LOCATION
A stones throw from the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets and the Belconnen CBD.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Winner of the 2009 AHA Award for best mid-range accommodation, the Belconnen Premier Inn boasts an impressive selection of facilities and features for guests visiting Canberra. Tucked away in its midst is Benjamin’s Bar and Restaurant. This gem of modern Australian cuisine hopes to reinvigorate local passion for “ModOz” dining. In an attempt to branch out from the success of its parent operation, the fledgling restaurant and bar has attracted the attention of the Belconnen public service population, enticing groups with an informal dining experience in a more formal setting. The bar is open from 6pm and features a jazz band fortnightly, making it perfect for casual drinks before dinner.

With a focus on creating an atmosphere, the young, vibrant staff are extremely accommodating and more than happy to shake you a “cosmopolitician” (a feature from their new, “sexy” cocktail range) or pay a visit to the cellar for a premium vino; the consummate wine list extends itself around the most accomplished regions of Australia and overseas. Produce is sourced from the local Belconnen Fresh Food Markets and, as such, you can’t go past the meat and veg offerings. The antipasto plate is a delectable opener with grilled eggplant, capsicum, mushrooms and fetta served with crusty, fresh bread, prosciutto and pesto dip. For something heartier, you can’t pass up the beef tenderloin cooked to perfection or the lamb rack, smoked in-house at Poaches Pantry in Hall, with creamy chat potatoes. For the connoisseurs, all options are coupled with a wine suggestion perfectly pitting sweet, fleshy whites against fish and vegetable selections, and mellow aged reds against tender meat dishes. Prices are reasonable for this suave, modern restaurant and a kids’ menu is available for the young diner. There’s certainly more to this hotel restaurant than continental breakfast!

Nick Hadland, October 2009