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Knightsbridge Penthouse
Welcome to Neighbourhood, a new regular feature of HerCanberra, where we shine a spotlight on Canberra’s suburbs, uncovering hotspots and hidden gems.
If you’re anything like me, you may be guilty of not straying too far from your ‘hood…and Heaven forbid you should cross The Bridge for a night out! So, we’re asking the locals to reveal the places that are worth the trip…
First up, Fiona Dolan gives us a virtual tour of Braddon…
Braddon
Back in the day, Braddon was an industrial area full of caryards and mechanics- aren’t we lucky that has changed!
Over the last ten years or so, Braddon has grown to become the after-work playground of Canberra’s young professionals, with a thriving bar scene and a few choice restaurant picks for those in the know.
But with the redevelopment of Civic stretching right onto Braddon’s doorstep, this after-work haunt is now the place to be and be seen: after work or any time across the weekend.
If you’re keen for a spot of shopping, a place to share a coffee with the girls, or for that much needed after-work drink then there’s lots to check out between Northbourne and Limestone Avenues. And true to its industrial history, you can still get your car serviced at the same time. Bonus!
Here’s what’s going down in arguably Canberra’s hippest suburb.
Have a bar of it!
Debacle
If you’re after a relaxed drink with a buddy or a casual meal with friends, Debacle’s for you. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus drinks of course) the bar has a spartan but chilled décor which matches its no-fuss approach.
Debacle is famous for its extensive beer list and gourmet pizzas, but my personal favourite is the mezze platter for two- especially good if you can convince the bar staff to serve it up with a jug of their sangria, which isn’t technically on the menu.
Debacle is especially busy on Mondays and Tuesdays for its 2 for 1 pizza deal, so definitely book ahead for this special.
Technically titled Knightsbridge Penthouse, this cool bar is definitely one of Braddon’s highlights. With a kooky mismatched interior and comfy outdoor garden, Knightsies is cool with the afterwork crowd for a glass of wine or fabulous cocktail.
Come Fridays and Saturdays it’s packed out, so put on your heels and glam it up with the best of them. Best thing about Knightsies? The free barbeque on Friday nights, serving up the obligatory sausage sizzle with chargrilled veggies. Did I mention free?
Bar? Café? Grill? Breakfast spot? Kingswood is Braddon’s newest resident and seems to be aiming at all markets. The menu is eclectic and definitely has something to please everyone, with pasta, salad, burgers plus seafood and meat platters all on the menu.
Food isn’t the only thing you’ll find on the table, as the owners encourage you to express your creativity by doodling on the butchers paper “tablecloths.”
It’s always great to check out somewhere new, so why not stop in with friends and sample from the bar menu? It’s open late Thurs- Sat.
Italian & Sons
Italian & Sons
Make a meal of it!
You can’t go wrong at Delissio, which has amazing Modern Aussie dining from Breakfast through til dinner. With a sunny aspect, it’s a great place to while away the afternoon with friends or family over a glass of wine or a coffee. The best thing? Picking a bunch of delicious small tapas to share. I won’t keep count of the treats if you won’t.
Italian and Sons is one of Canberra’s few authentic trattorias and boasts the charm of Italian-speaking waiters. The pizzas are massive and, if you’re planning on ordering the suckling pig you’d better pack your spare stomach… Reserve your table early, as this hugely popular hotspot books up faster than you can say Bellissimo!
Hidden underneath the Phoenix Apartments, Bollywood Dimensions provides delicious Indian food with a side of atmosphere. Not only does it have an extensive and authentic menu of North Indian favourites, but if you need a great night out with the girls it can also provide Bollywood extravaganza nights so you can dance off all that delicious naan!
This Greek Taverna is perhaps the most well established Braddon restaurant, and in an ever-changing suburb this is a sign of the good things on offer.
The bright and welcoming restaurant is family-friendly and provides dishes from all over Greece. You can get all the Greek fare your heart desires, but the specialty of the house is seafood, so definitely consider the blackboard specials and of course the amazing calamari.
Piyaros is a good Thai restaurant with all the standard fare you’d expect. It’s a relatively quiet restaurant , but the staff are courteous, friendly and look after you well. If you’re looking for lunch, they provide cheap lunchbox specials through the week that definitely hit the spot.
Cornucopia's Sultana Snail
Cornucopia's Sultana Snail
Take it away!
Cornucopia has all the trappings of a great bakery, with hand-made bread from scratch, sausage rolls, amazing croissants and cakes to boot. It’s a great place to pop in to first thing when everything is fresh out of the oven… but even early on a Saturday morning you might need some luck getting a table, so it might be an idea to take it away to enjoy at home. Don’t forget the coffee.
Crust is a gourmet pizza place that you needn’t feel guilty about ordering from. With lighter choices and pizzas that have the Heart Foundation tick, you can even give yourself a pat on the back that you’re looking after yourself! They also look after those of us with dietary requirements, providing gluten free bases on request and all nutritional and allergen information online. They’ll also deliver if you’re an inner-northy, for those lazy nights in.
The burrito train from my workplace has happily been calling into the Zambrero station for years now, and we’re thrilled that there’s Zambreros popping up all over Canberra. The ingredients are fresh and everything is made to order so you can pick and choose exactly what you want. The Braddon store is open for lunch Mon-Fri and for dinner Mon-Sat. Apparently burritos sleep on Sundays.
Electric Shadows Bookkshop
Electric Shadows Bookkshop
Retail Therapy
If you fondly remember the old Electric Shadows Cinema, chances are you’ll love the offshoot Electric Shadows bookshop which can now be found in Braddon on Mort St.
They just don’t make bookshops like this anymore- it’s completely independent and provides specialist film, theatre and arts books as well as a huge selection of general subject publications. You can also buy a range of world cinema DVDs, and they even have a rental library for Canberra residents- love!
It’s always been a favourite with the style set of Canberra, and Itrip Iskip just keeps going from strength to strength. Stocking fashion for girls and guys plus some amazing shoes and jewellery, Itrip Iskip always seems to have new stock in and a sales rack that’s worth checking out. You’ll also love the gorgeous vintage section by Canberra local brand Liebe Bluhm.
Is there someone in your life who is hard to buy for? You will definitely find something for them at Unit Concepts, which has a wide range of design icon pieces as well as some kooky gadgetry. It’s the kind of place where you’re likely to find something you never realised you needed- until now.
Opened by the lovely girls from Itrip Iskip, Lellow is boutique store for kids clothes, books and toys with a focus on handcrafted and sustainable products. With a handpainted hopscotch “court” out the front, the kids will be happy to check it out too!
The Bodhi Leaf
If you’re an eco goddess, then the Bodhi Leaf may just be the store for you. It’s new to Lonsdale St and specialises in environmentally friendly goods such as eco-homewares, natural skin care and organic fashion. I hear they’ve got some great yoga wear as well. Namaste.
It’s a little bit hidden, but Hive is definitely worth looking for. This L-shaped gift shop has an amazing array of lovely gifts, mostly for her. If you’re after a gorgeous piece of jewellery, a stand-out piece for the home or a fun kitschy gift then you’ll love Hive. A great find here is the stock of Able and Game gift cards- you’ll find one for every occasion.
Other Handy Info
In Braddon, you can get your car serviced (in the automotive field we can’t say enough good things about Lonsdale Auto Electrical), find all your office supplies at OfficeWorks, get a massage or facial at Orchid Essence, bulk buy your wine at First Choice or take a swing through Macca’s drivethrough. The question should be, what can’t you do?
What’s your favourite Braddon haunt? Give us the down low below in the comments.
I am not a Braddon local, but one of the main reasons for me to ‘visit’ is the oh so special Pink Ink Boutique – home to the best local and international fashion labels. Always something gorgeous to discover and impossible to leave empty handed. It is my very guilty pleasure, just don’t mention it to my husband :0.
I’m a little biased because the owners are friends but my favourite place for coffee in Braddon is the Lonsdale Street Roaster. They roast their own beans (you can buy bags to take home) and have a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. It’s got a very industrial feel about it and has become very popular with office workers and cyclists.
Lonsdale Street will be a very busy part of town when they finish building the apartment blocks.
(I agree with all the assessments above – there’s lots to love about Braddon!)
I love Braddon! It’s changed so much in the last 10 years. Or 20. Does anyone remember that nightclub (I think it was called The Base) where Reece Plumbing is now? Oh, the memories!
I like to pretend I’m a hip young thing occasionally and have a drink at Knightsbridge before having dinner at Italian & Sons. Although it’s been far too long since I’ve cruised the shops there. Must put that on my list of things to do.
I was a Braddon resident for seven years until recenlty moving to Melbourne, and what I miss most about this fab suburb (and there is much to miss), is the Canberra City Bowls Club (The CCBC to the locals). Lawn bowls, meat raffle, a restaurant and karaoke every Friday. How could anyone ask for more? And only a hop, skip and a stumble from home. It’s Canberra’s best kept secret. Until now…
+1 Chrissy’s comment.
I’m a Braddonite and love the convenience of all the places mentioned here. The CBBC restaurant has recently changed hands. We had dinner there about a month ago (15 people) and it was top qual. It took a little longer than other places for the food to come out but it was worth it. After dinner the karaoke started. The karaoke guy lets any children in the place sing first so they can get in and out and home at a decent hour. There were several kids the night I was there (under 10 years old) who sang like idols and that was pretty entertaining!
Oh ladies, I really considered putting the CCBC in, but then decided it need a post all to its own! I haven’t sampled the restaurant yet so I’ll have to try it out, perhaps this Friday!
Let’s face it, Melbourne is the food and fashion capital of Australia. Canberra is just the capital.
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