LOCATIONOn the corner of Mouat and Archibald Streets.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAAs the weather turns colder, it’s time for Canberra to get back to its roots. The Old Canberra Inn, built in 1857 using pioneer construction techniques (giant slabs of ironbark), has lost none of its charm over the past 150 years. The recently refurbished main room has retained a settlement-era theme, and now includes a giant open wood fireplace perfect for chilly evenings. Usually quiet, but for the handful of regulars and locals after work, the Old Canberra Inn explodes on Fridays and Saturdays with live music – ranging from rock, jazz, country, folk and blues to cover bands who’ll play Jimmy Barnes all night long. For those musically inclined, Thursday is karaoke night; depending on the quality of the participants, this might be a good time to explore the three spacious beer gardens, or the two function rooms with pool tables and darts.
The Old Canberra Inn has the usual suspects on tap, as well as Pure Blonde and Resch’s. There is also a decent, if short, wine list, with most available by the glass. The menu is much the same – don’t expect too much, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The servings are extremely generous (there is a longstanding competition to finish a whole plate of their large nachos) so bring an appetite, or some helpful friends. The stand-out meal, though, would have to be the steak. Beautifully cooked and served with a mountain of chips – this is what pub grub is all about. Perfect for the whole family, perfect for Sunday afternoons in the beer garden, perfect for Friday nights and live music: welcome to the Old Canberra Inn.
Russell Buzby, February 2009