Ten Cool Places in Canberra

It is winter and yes Canberra is incredibly cool. In fact, -4 degrees chilly this morning. But this is not the cool that strikes me hardest. It’s the hip, cool factor of Canberra that whacks me like a wet fish. Walking through Braddon I have faded memories of a New York neighbourhood. The Hamlet hums with hip creativity and when I look deep into a handmade terrarium, I realise folk are getting up to all sorts in Canberra. Little wonder the nation’s capital is sending waves of ‘cool’ as far as the New York Times. On that note, the waves aren’t too far from the roundabouts either.

Moxom + Whitney

MOXOM + WHITNEY
I don’t know about you, but when I see chairs hanging from the ceiling and flamingos strutting in terrariums I know there’s a hint of humour in the business model. I instantly like Moxom + Whitney even though I don’t know who they are. Mossy imagined worlds aside (and yes you can have one tailored with a meer cat centrepiece), this crew are serious florists. They do weddings with the same meticulous attention they serve up cupcakes and champagne at their Flower and Terrarium School. That’s right, in the nation’s capital you can pack your school bag and attend Terrarium class.

WHERE: 55/30 Lonsdale Street

Grease Monkey

GREASE MONKEY
Restauranteur Soc Kochinos grew up in Braddon. He knows its industrial past well- days of caryards, mechanics and the smell of oil. So it’s fitting he’s opened the doors of Grease Monkey in a former Repco car service workshop. Hobbling cars have been rolled out to make room for meaty patties between soft fluffy buns, of course served up with Grease Monkey ketchup and craft beers. Pull up a pew at the long pewter bar or take your chances in the beer garden outside – just ‘beware of the monkey.’

WHERE: 19 Lonsdale St

Groomed on Lonsdale - The Gentlemen’s General Store

GROOMED ON LONSDALE
My nephew Jack is but five months old, and has a few tufts of fluff above big blue eyes. He’s a Canberra local and without doubt this is the place he must get his first haircut. Any man about town should consider this warmly-lit saloon a regular haunt. While Jack may not appreciate the finer details- antique switches, suave New York neck ties, shoe polishing and traditional straight blade shaves – he may fancy the chess board. But as his shoulders broaden, no doubt he’ll be back to this barbershop come gentlemen’s outfitter for further styling.

WHERE: 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Ricardo Café

RICARDO'S CAFE

“You must have a cronut,” I’m told. It’s a cross between a donut and a croissant and created such a fuss when invented by Chef Dominique Ansel in New York there were limits on how many cronuts one could have. Somewhere between the flaky pastry insides, sugary dusting and injectable salty caramel, I began to understand why Ricardo Café’s heaving line held such anticipation. Wedged in a cronut crowds, devotees shift between toes to see today’s flavours, molten Nutella versus snickers or sweet salty caramel. Just don’t do what I did and shovel down more than one…

WHERE: Jamison Plaza, 1 Bowman Street, Macquarie

Boyandgirlco (image: courtesy Boyandgirlco Facebook)

BOYANDGIRLCO
I look at a shipping pallet and all I see are potential splinters. Boyandgirlco look at the same pallet and see a piece of functional furniture in the making. This kind of upcycling genius has to be seen to be understood – from smooth lined coffee tables to elegant light stands – all crafted from timber pallets. This boy and girl (Anita and Carlo) are all for rehoming, repurposing and refurbishing. They’ll custom-design for you, lead you through a workshop with your own hammer (first one was free!) or, they’ll make a dream pallet cubby house for those little peeps in your life.

WHERE: 16 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Patissez Cafe

PATISSEZ CAFE
What a freak show. When we arrive at Patissez, the line for a ‘freakshake’ is out the café, across the walkway and onto the grass. Why? Because these ridiculously indulgent milkshakes took the interweb by storm. Now, they have an overflow of real-life customers more generous than the Nutella spooned into their standard shake - that would be a third of a large jar! Just nine weeks young, don’t expect to waltz straight up for your pretzel-clad shake, as it turns out, social media has freaky powers. But for under a $10 note, the chocolate hit is worth it!

WHERE: 21 Bougainville St, Griffith

itrip iskip

ITRIP ISKIP
Owned by sister duo Ana and Diana, it’s uncertain which one trips and which one skips. I only met one, and I imagine the other is equally jovial. A functional and stylish mix of fashion and homewares, each piece feels a one-off that can stand alone with panache. The girls have hunted local and afar, evident in the men’s offerings as well. Walk in stylish or not and you’ll feel welcome….Skip out with a bag and you’re bound to be.

WHERE: Shop 63, 30 Lonsdale St, Braddon.

bentspoke

 BENTSPOKE BREWING CO.
If you like bikes and beer, pedal your spokes this way. All the ciders and beers are made in house – on tap and ready for those Canberra locals who ride to and from the office. But you don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate this microbrewery and the hearty pub menu. Dual-level bars appear a hit for all who feel they deserve an after work drink- whether freshly unpeeled from lycra or not.

WHERE: Cnr Mort & Elouera St, Braddon

tip you're it

TIP YOU'RE IT
I’m not sure if it was the swinging basinet, the ‘people snuggler’ jumpers or the owner’s big warm smile that appealed more. Whatever it was, this is the place to head for that little someone in your life. Find a personalised night light, a flat teddy cushion or melt with temptation for said swinging basinet. Oh, and expect service that is as warm as the blankies in milk carton.

WHERE: 5/18 Lonsdale St Braddon

elk & pea

ELK & PEA
Caribbean Jerk Chicken anyone – on a bed of almond puree with a crispy side crunch of taco salad? The Elk & Pea have a menu that works best shared with a gaggle of good friends in their birdcage. By design, the desserts have a Latin twist and are difficult to pass up….perhaps a doughnut that when served with tequila ‘gives it horns.’

WHERE: 21 Lonsdale St, Braddon

THE COAST
As mentioned- the waves are a short ride away. Kangaroos, waves, cheese factory and coastline are less than three hours from Parliament house.
Words & images: Alice Hansen (except Boyandgirlco via FB page)