{"id":256966,"date":"2023-04-20T14:12:44","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T04:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=256966"},"modified":"2023-05-10T07:06:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-09T21:06:09","slug":"braddon-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/act\/canberra\/braddon-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to Canberra\u2019s coolest suburb"},"content":{"rendered":"
With cosy coffeehouses, a sleek luxury hotel and lively farmers’ markets, Braddon is where it\u2019s at right now.<\/h5>\n

When you think of our nation\u2019s capital, your mind might wander to Parliament House, the National Gallery or the Australian War Memorial \u2013 school visit staples, if you will. However, Canberra<\/a> also features a stream of burgeoning new hot spots that are starting to rival its big city sisters for architecture, gastronomy and, well, general coolness \u2013 that’s where this Braddon guide comes in.<\/p>\n

\"Braddon

Explore the street art between cafe stops. (Image: Lightbulb)<\/p><\/div>\n

Inner city Braddon is the leader of the pack \u2013 think Sydney\u2019s Newtown mixed with Melbourne\u2019s Fitzroy, plus a little Canberra trendiness on the side.<\/p>\n

A heady mix of award-winning restaurants, busy coffeehouses and avant-garde retail spaces, this former industrial suburb has been taken over by creatives. Gone are the rusty car dealerships and dusty factories of 10 years ago, as they\u2019ve been replaced by fun shops, busy bars and the irresistibly cool Midnight Hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The best way to explore the neighbourhood is on foot, with a strong brew from hole-in-the-wall cafe Barrio Collective<\/a> in hand. Tip: don\u2019t forget to leave room in your bag for all you\u2019ll want to buy, and room in your stomach for all you\u2019ll want to eat.<\/p>\n

\"Barrio

Sit it or takeaway a strong brew from Barrio Collective. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where to stay in Braddon<\/h2>\n

1. Midnight Hotel<\/h3>\n

Designed by acclaimed architects Fender Katsalidis and offering luxury, art-led accommodation, Midnight Hotel<\/a> features bespoke artwork, sophisticated modern furnishings, and locally sourced products (including brews from BentSpoke Brewing Co, more on them later). Dedicated to working with local artisans, producers and institutions, especially their cultural partner the National Portrait Gallery<\/a>, this hotel<\/a> is elevating the suburb with its sharp design aesthetic.<\/p>\n

\"Midnight

Connect with the local surroundings at the chic Midnight Hotel. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)<\/p><\/div>\n

Braddon restaurants<\/h2>\n

1. Haig Park Village Markets<\/h3>\n

Offering family activities and freshly cooked street food, plus an array of regional produce, these Haig Park Village Markets<\/a> are one of the best ways to spend a Sunday morning in Braddon. Grab a hot pretzel or crepe, peruse the stalls, and listen to the live music while you contemplate what to eat for lunch.<\/p>\n

\"Haig

Grab something delicious and listen to live music at Haig Park Village Market. (Image: Martin Ollman)<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Midnight Bar<\/h3>\n

Steal away from the bustle outside to the sophisticated Midnight Bar<\/a> on Elouera Street. Open for lunch and dinner, you might come for the flavoursome food (think prawn toast with smoked soy and sesame), but you\u2019ll definitely stay for the innovative cocktails. Favourites include the vodka and Aperol-based Hibiscus Hijinks, and the Livin\u2019 La Vida, with mezcal and yellow Chartreuse.<\/p>\n

\"Midnight

Stop for a tipple at the sophisticated Midnight Bar.<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Braddon Merchant<\/h3>\n

With a big focus on drinks and a wine list longer than most, it\u2019s not surprising that this modern restaurant recently won best wine list in ACT. Braddon Merchant<\/a> is open for breakfast, when the room fills with soft morning light, as well as dinner when the wine list really shines. Championing local produce, you\u2019ll find the refreshingly simple menu features dishes such as hand-cut spaghettini with spanner crab, and citrus-cured scallops with cucumber lime jus. This popular venue, as well as Midnight Bar, are both connected to the Midnight Hotel precinct, which is bringing a new level of cool to the area.<\/p>\n

\"Braddon

Enjoy the award-winning wine list at Braddon Merchant.<\/p><\/div>\n

4. Eightysix<\/h3>\n

The perfect place for dinner with friends, Eightysix<\/a> is always packed, and filled with the sounds of hip-hop. The ever-changing dynamic menu takes up a huge blackboard on one wall, the food is mainly locally sourced, and the wine list will surprise you. Book an early table (and don\u2019t forget to try the famous banoffee pie), then go bar hopping.<\/p>\n

\"Eightsix,

Try the signature Salted Caramel Popcorn dessert at Eightsix. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

5. BentSpoke Brewing Co<\/h3>\n

Celebrating nearly a decade in the suburb, BentSpoke Brewing Co<\/a> is so entrenched in the area they even serve up a beer called Braddon Bitters; it\u2019s crisp, goes down well and leaves you wanting another. Spend a lazy afternoon or evening trying some of the 18 varieties of beer and cider on tap before attacking the classic pub food on offer.<\/p>\n

\"BentSpoke

Spend a lazy afternoon tasting craft beer and cider at BentSpoke Brewing Co. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n

Other things to do in Braddon<\/h2>\n

1. Hive<\/h3>\n

Put aside time to explore Hive<\/a>, a well-curated gift gallery filled with ethical and sustainable ceramics, jewellery, kitchenware, artwork and toys. With an emphasis on artisan-crafted products built to last, the owners encourage customers to think carefully about what they choose to have in their homes.<\/p>\n

\"Hive,

Find the perfect gift (even if it’s for yourself) at Hive. (Image: supplied)<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Lost Vintage<\/h3>\n

With a distinct nod to the \u201990s, Lost Vintage<\/a> is an ethical vintage clothing store has all your logo tees, sports caps and denim needs covered, as well as men\u2019s button-ups and flannel shirts. The kids\u2019 section is a particular highlight, with a range of denim OshKosh B\u2019gosh overalls and vintage \u201990s t-shirts for babies and toddlers taking centre stage.<\/p>\n

\"Lost

Find clothing treasures at Lost Vintage. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

3. Enigma Fine Chocolates<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re after award-winning artisan chocolates with centres made from delicious local produce, Enigma Fine Chocolates<\/a> is for you. This family-owned business creates their unique chocolate flavours according to seasonal fruits, so you\u2019ll always be surprised when you visit. While kids (and kids at heart) will reach for the sprinkle-laden chocolate pops, adults will be attracted to the mountain pepperberry and chilli bark, which is made using 56 per cent single origin Ecuadorian dark chocolate.<\/p>\n

\"Enigma

Indulge in the award-winning artisan chocolates at Enigma Fine Chocolates. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Book your Braddon stay at midnighthotel.com.au<\/a>. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With cosy coffeehouses, a sleek luxury hotel and lively farmers’ markets, Braddon is where it\u2019s at right now. When you think of our nation\u2019s capital, your mind might wander to Parliament House, the National Gallery or the Australian War Memorial \u2013 school visit staples, if you will. However, Canberra also features a stream of burgeoning […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":129,"featured_media":257024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"advertorial.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[889],"tags":[7666,7660,5584,7691,5403,5714,4628,4401],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCanberra\u2019s coolest suburb: The ultimate Braddon guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From handmade chocolates and incredible eateries, to funky hotels and cool bars: this is everything you need to know about Braddon, Canberra.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/act\/canberra\/braddon-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" 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